The next day, Adam met Lucy at a luxurious restaurant in the heart of Reed city. Despite feeling a bit awkward, Adam still smiled warmly and greeted her.Lucy Anderson, a beautiful woman of forty-five, looked stunning and captivating in her expensive blue dress and beautiful makeup. Her short haircut gave off a strong and bold impression.Adam sat in front of her, and his aunt started the conversation. She seemed pleased to see Adam grown into a young man and said, "You look very handsome, Adam. When was the last time we met? Was it fifteen years ago?"Adam smiled and replied, "Actually, it's been more than sixteen years."Lucy pursed her lips and looked slightly sad. With a less cheerful expression, she said, "It's been such a long time. Back then, I used to carry you around. Do you remember?"Memories of the past made Lucy feel heartbroken. She imagined the beautiful face of her sister-in-law who looked happy when with young Adam.Adam was the child of conflicted parents. His father
After meeting Lucy, Adam returned to his small house on the outskirts of Reed near the Barbaros River. The housing where he lived could be considered remote and far from luxurious. Most of the residents there were retired war veterans and teachers with low pension funds.Adam chose to live here since he was expelled from the McLauren family a month after his marriage. Fortunately, Anna had a little money saved from her late grandfather. So, they could open a store and pay off this house in installments.The cost of living in this city is not cheap, sometimes when the store is quiet, Adam cannot pay the house installments. They were almost evicted some time ago, but fortunately, someone was willing to lend them money.Now Adam doesn't have to worry about the house installments and his and Anna's livelihood. He can easily pay off the house with the money given by his aunt. Or maybe, he can buy more than that. Why not? He has a lot of money now.As Adam entered, he saw his wife cooking l
The glittering decorative lights beautify the luxurious residence of the McLauren family, resembling a royal palace. The spacious yard is transformed into a party venue with a luxurious and classy atmosphere.All elite circles are present in their luxurious attire and expensive jewelry, showcasing themselves among the hundreds of guests in attendance.One of the wealthy family's grandchildren is seen among the crowd of guests with her husband.Adam Anderson, a tall man with an ideal physique and a handsome face, looks very dashing in the suit chosen by his beautiful wife, Anna.Anna McLauren is the youngest granddaughter of the famous family, known for her beauty and charm. She has a tall and slender body with white skin and long reddish-brown hair that captivates the hundreds of pairs of eyes unable to look away, especially the men.As they enter through the main door, they immediately become the center of attention for everyone. But not just because of Anna's beauty, but also becaus
The woman with a sharp and intimidating gaze spoke in a condescending tone to Adam, "Are you serious? Our grandmother is too precious to receive something that has fallen to the ground. Isn't that right?" She asked her husband and other brother.The second son-in-law nodded in agreement and said, "That's right. Adam, buy a new gift. Something equivalent to what we bought for Grandma. That's what it means to be an McLauren family son-in-law!"Marry chimed in again, speaking in a demeaning tone, "Moreover, a cheap vase as a birthday gift is too simple. Are you intentionally insulting Grandma in front of so many people?"Insulting? The price of that vase was actually very expensive! I almost used up all my savings!Seeing her husband cornered, Anna stepped forward and spoke firmly, "Enough! Are you insulting my husband just because of a gift? Isn't sincerity the most important thing? Just so you know, Adam bought that vase with all the money he had. He really wanted to give the best gift
The chubby man who lodged the complaint spoke up in annoyance, "You are trying to deceive me. I can take legal action if you refuse to compensate me for the full amount."Adam turned to the man and said politely, "Sir, please calm down. We will examine it first."The man with a fierce expression looked at Adam as if recalling something, then spoke spontaneously, "Aren't you that poor son-in-law of the McLauren family? Oh my, haha." Suddenly, he laughed.Adam furrowed his brow in confusion. "What's so funny about that?"The chubby man continued his words after he stopped laughing, mockingly, "You know? I know some people who work at the mansion of that wealthy family. And they can't stop gossiping about you. The pathetic man living off the youngest granddaughter. If I were you, I would be so ashamed and wouldn't have the courage to show my face in public. You are truly a useless low-life. Tell me, what's the charm you use to win the heart of a rich girl? I want to try it."Adam couldn'
Everyone there was shocked and watching, those who knew about Adam started to gossip about him."Fraud, he say? That's a criminal act!""He looks so handsome, but I never expected him to do something shameful.""Isn't the money from his wife enough? He's the son-in-law of a wealthy and renowned family, how could he stoop so low?""Don't you know? He comes from the streets, no wonder his true nature shows."Feeling encouraged by the surroundings, the chubby man started to provoke Adam again. He spoke in a condescending manner, "You're just embarrassing your wife's family. You fraudster! Isn't it enough that you're milking the McLauren fortune? Now you're deceiving people for money? How pathetic!"Adam clenched his fists in anger. He was on the verge of hitting the man and finishing him off. But he held back. He knew that violence wouldn't solve anything.So, cleverly, he called one of his employees and said, "Bring the CCTV footage when this man came to the store. Also, bring our inspe
Edwin nodded slightly, saying, "I've contacted her, but I didn't mention your injury. I told her the store was a mess, and you stayed overnight to clean it up."Adam looked relieved, recalling the events from the party yesterday. "Anna has had enough trouble because of me. This shouldn't bother her."Edwin patted his friend's shoulder gently, saying, "I understand, buddy."Adam sighed, staring at his palm, feeling something odd. About the strange stone, Adam couldn't stop thinking about it. He then spoke to Edwin, "I feel like something is bothering me right now."Edwin looked at him curiously, asking, "What is it? Is it about the scam scheme?"Adam looked back at his friend, then replied, "No, it's about the jade statue I broke. I remember there was a large piece stuck here," he pointed to his empty palm.Edwin remembered something, then reached into his pocket. He handed a small object to Adam, "This stone? You've been holding onto it all the time. I thought it was valuable, so I ke
His spirits instantly dampened, with a weary expression and a weak sigh, Edwin looked at his friend and said despairingly, "Well, I guess we'll just watch. It's impossible to get anything with him here."Adam simply nodded quietly, responding in the same despondent tone, "You're right."Meanwhile, Anna gazed at the two gloomy men with confusion. She asked her husband curiously, "What's wrong?"Adam shook his head, smiled, and calmly replied, "It's nothing. Isn't this your first time in a place like this? You'll see crazy people throwing their money away for something old." He playfully pinched his wife's cheek.Anna's fair face blushed with embarrassment. A hint of red spread to her ears. She gently punched Adam's chest, covering her embarrassment, and said, "Stop it. You're one of those crazy people too, Adam." The beautiful woman then laughed.The footsteps of the elderly man stopped next to Anna. He turned and greeted the granddaughter of the McLauren family in a flirtatious voice,