Richard's presence caused the crowd to go mellow instantly.Everyone was well aware of how he'd somehow managed to bring down a mafia in a bid to clear his name.Someone that resourceful naturally wasn't someone to be trifled with.However, Rita grew even more excited upon seeing him because she knew that he was the reason Maddie was no longer rich.Considering what had happened in the Smith family, Rita guessed that Richard would be happy to see Maddie suffer but hardly had she begun to expect Richard to capitalize on Maddie's predicament when he suddenly went on his knees and lovingly embraced Maddie, allowing her to stop panicking.Pulling away, Richard inquired. "Tell me Maddie, what's going on?" "I didn't steal anything, Richard. I didn't, I was framed.""That's a lie!... She stole an expensive dress from my mother's boutique and would have gotten away with it if I hadn't found her out. I guess you can say like mother, like daughter." Rita mocked from the side.Unfortunately for
Richard, in a bid to ensure that everyone learned of the Listers' terrible acts, asked the security guards to project the footage for all to see.On the projectors, the video revealed Rita putting the dress in Maddie's bag before going ahead to frame her for theft.Instantly, the public's opinion was swayed as they glared hatefully at Rita and her mother.Wishing to save face, Karol remarked. "Alright, that's fine. Since Madison's name has been cleared, I guess there's no need to prolong the matter. How about we part ways here?"Richard snorted. "Do you take me for a joke?... Since you and your daughter are at fault, I believe you know what to do next.""You expect me to kneel and apologize?... Damn it, you bastard, don't overstep your boundaries." Karol icily replied.Maddie tried to tell Richard that it was okay, worried that the situation might spiral out of control but Richard wasn't about to let this slide."Will you not apologize?" Richard probed.Karol snorted. "Do you know who
"Please forgive us, Madison, we made a big mistake," Karol begged on her knees.Maddie hesitated to respond, perhaps because she was torn between forgiving Karol and Rita for their acts or putting them through the same humiliation she endured because of them.Pursing her lips, she glanced at Richard, like she hoped for him to give a verdict but he remained silent.It seemed he was serious about her being the judge of the situation.Taking a deep breath, she finally replied. "It's fine, I forgive you.""Thank…""But I don't." Richard suddenly said causing the atmosphere to grow oppressive.Maddie glanced at Richard, worried that she had made a mistake but Richard wasn't looking at her."Maddie is a kind soul so she'd forgive you, however, I won't. For insulting my family, you will pay the ultimate price. I will give you two options; either you join Lister Brand as an employee or you leave.""What?" Karol couldn't believe her ears at Richard's words.Richard snorted. "I've spoken to you
Richard nodded as he got to his feet. "Alright then. I'll take care of the unearthing process as well as the valuation and subsequent sales. As agreed on, you'd take 40% and I'll take 60%.""No, Mr. Smith. If possible, I'd like for you to hold on to the money, perhaps open a bank account to which we can have access.""Oh?... Why?" Richard couldn't help but inquire.Lauren hesitated before she explained. "First City Bank is a dangerous institution, Mr. Smith. They might end up doing something bad even though the land is no longer in their hands to take." "Are they really that despicable?" Richard had always thought the Martinez family were the height of despicable but it seemed other organizations were waiting to prove him wrong.Lauren nodded. "First City Bank has ruined many lives, Mr. Smith. I won't lie and say that I'm not scared because I am." Richard furrowed his brows before ultimately nodding in agreement."As you wish. But don't worry, First City Bank won't dare to do anythi
"Oh my gosh, it's Mr. Raymond Young.""Is that him?""The son of the Young family from overseas?...it's said that their family is in the World's top 3000 richest. The Dawson's are connected to such a prestigious family?... Unbelievable."Raymond arrived with a convoy in his car, the Phantom Boat which was the same brand Richard had owned once upon a time but because of circumstances, ended up getting destroyed.It reminded him he still had a pound to receive for what was done to him that day.Regardless, Raymond was in the company of several guards dressed in expensive tuxedos and carrying weapons.He grinned as he walked, taking in the admiration of everyone present.Unlike others, however, Melinda rolled her eyes in indignation, earning a glance from Richard."Do you know him?""What gave it away?""?""Ugh, fine, we went to the same college together. He was such an obnoxious ass that chased anything in skirts. He had sex with a record 500 women and he wanted to add me to his list.
"What is going on here?" Commissioner Gordon inquired calmly as he walked, accompanied by quite a few special ops.Everyone gave way to him for fear of getting in his way, allowing him to quickly reach Richard's position."Commissioner Gordon," Richard called out cheerfully. "Glad to see you here.""Likewise, my friend. Now tell me, what's going on here?"Raymond at this point couldn't help but get worried considering Richard looked to be on good terms with the Commissioner.Richard sighed as he replied. "I was teaching that man over there a lesson but unfortunately his bodyguards decided to stand in my way.""Is that so?... That won't do at all." Commissioner Gordon remarked as he gestured for his men to move.Immediately, Raymond's bodyguards had themselves surrounded causing them to immediately back away from Richard."Much better," Richard muttered before glaring at Raymond who immediately backed away in fright."You…you better stay right there. Do anything to me and you'd surely
"How dare you say something so presumptuous!" Matthew bellowed in anger as he stepped forward."Who do you think you are to dare have intentions towards a daughter of the Dawson family?... Do you think you are worthy?...a nameless bastard like you?... You'd best retract your words right now lest I cut off your tongue and feed them to the dogs."Richard remained unmoved as he spared the former a perfunctory glance before promptly looking away, further infuriating Matthew."You bastard!" Melinda quickly spoke up. "That's enough Matthew. The man you are insulting saved Grandfather.""And because of that, he decided to have the swan while only being a disgusting frog. He is not worthy!... If he wishes, we would gift him money, after all, that's all he has to offer.""Matthew!""Am I wrong?... Richard Smith is a nameless fool who has no business being here. I believe he is trying to use you to gain access to Rosario so he can take it from us."Just as others began to comment, all pointing
Taking the opportunity as everyone was mocking Richard, Matthew remarked. "You see the fool that dares to think he is worthy of your hand, Melinda?... He doesn't even know the difference between a mere piece of gold and a spirit stone. Just kick that fool out already.""You…" Melinda trembled but she knew that something was wrong.The stone in Richard's hand looked like gold and he must have known this, so why had he brought it out?She couldn't understand what was happening even as Richard insisted."Please, just appraise it. It's not what you think." He seemed sure of himself which further annoyed Murphy."Do you think I don't know what I'm saying?... I am a world-renowned appraiser and you think I won't be able to recognize gold from a mile away?... Please respect yourself and get out of here. I don't understand what Vincent sees in you." Murphy berated.However, Richard stood his ground. "I still ask that you appraise it.""You…""Damn it, stop embarrassing this family already."