THE TRAMPH WHO BECAME AN HEIR TO A FORTUNE

Chapter 9

Max walked into the living room, which was filled with tense silence. His father stood in the center of the room, face red, eyes full of anger. Several of their relatives were standing around, all looking at Max with disappointment and dissatisfaction that was impossible to hide.

"What happened?" Max tried to remain calm, but his gaze couldn’t hide the nervousness creeping up inside him.

His father, Andrew Miller, stepped forward with clenched fists. "You want to know what happened?" His voice trembled with emotion. "Our company's stock has plummeted, Max. Investors have lost trust, and you... you're just out there enjoying yourself at fancy restaurants, flaunting your credit card!"

Max was shocked, not expecting things to be this bad. "This must be a misunderstanding. Maybe the investors are overreacting or... or..."

"Stop making excuses!" Andrew cut him off, his voice loud and filled with rage. "With all this, we could go bankrupt in the blink of an eye, Max! And it's all because of your behavior! How many times have I warned you not to be reckless with the company’s finances?"

Max lowered his head, feeling every word from his father like a heavy blow. His habit of living off the family's wealth suddenly felt like a burden he couldn't bear anymore.

"You need to find out what caused this downfall," Andrew’s voice echoed again, colder this time. "Review every decision you've made and make sure nothing is tarnishing our company’s reputation. Investors are starting to question our credibility, Max. And if you can't protect this name, then you're nothing but a burden to our family!"

Max nodded slowly, his father’s words hitting his consciousness. He tried to steady his breath, but his chest felt tight.

"Are you listening to me?" Andrew stepped closer, staring at him sharply. "I don't care how you do it, but make sure the big projects we have in our hands right now don’t fail! If necessary, threaten everyone trying to block us, including those who are starting to rebel inside, understood?"

Max could only nod, too confused to respond with words. He looked at his father, who had always been the source of their family’s strength, now looking fragile amidst the storm. Every word his father spoke was filled with fear masked by anger.

Andrew stared at him intensely, his eyes gleaming sharply. "Don’t ever disappoint me again, Max. This is your final warning."

Max nodded, the fear and pressure from his family starting to feel real throughout his body. For the first time in his life, he felt trapped, as if the world he had always known was beginning to collapse around him.

---

Valerie stood in front of a large vanity mirror, her eyes shining as she gazed at her reflection in a stunning black gown from a prestigious boutique. The dress hugged her body perfectly, adorned with diamond accents around the neck and shoulders. Her hair was styled up, revealing her elegant neck, while diamond earrings sparkled in both ears.

Hanry and Patricia, her father and mother, smiled proudly as they looked at their daughter, who appeared incredibly glamorous.

"Darling, you're going to be the center of attention tonight," Hanry complimented as he adjusted the end of his tie.

Valerie smiled arrogantly. "No one can top my look tonight, Dad. All eyes will be on Valerie Haroldson."

Patricia chuckled softly. "Of course, darling. This is the most prestigious party. We must show who we are. The Haroldson family can’t be underestimated."

Once they were ready, the three of them stepped into the grand ballroom. A red carpet was laid out, crystal chandeliers hung beautifully from the ceiling, and guests stood in small circles, whispering and chatting. Valerie walked with confidence, her head held high, occasionally flashing a slight smile at the guests who looked her way. But suddenly, all attention shifted to the entrance of the ballroom.

The guests fell silent. A handsome man in an elegant black suit and a beautiful woman in a shimmering silver gown entered. They looked perfect, like something out of a dream. The man was Ethan Harrison, and the woman standing gracefully beside him was Alicia Harrison.

A look of disbelief immediately spread across Valerie’s face. The entire ballroom seemed to freeze, mesmerized by the charm of the Harrison siblings who had just entered. Guests whispered in awe, some even glancing at Valerie with mocking smiles.

"What are they doing here?" Valerie muttered under her breath, staring at Ethan and Alicia, who had now become the center of attention.

Hanry and Patricia were equally shocked. They had heard of Dylan, the former homeless son-in-law who was said to be close to the Harrison family, but they never imagined Ethan would appear like this. They briefly wondered if Dylan was just a "friend" to Alicia, someone given the charity to attend this party. But seeing Dylan so dignified and confident, their doubts deepened.

Ethan, standing beside Alicia, seemed relaxed, his trademark slight smile never leaving his face. Meanwhile, Valerie’s anger started to rise.

"Is he now Alicia Harrison’s kept man?" Patricia asked Hanry in a whisper, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I don't know, but the guy seems to be enjoying his role," Hanry replied dismissively. "Maybe he’s forgotten who he really is."

Valerie tried to calm herself, but seeing Dylan mingling with the upper class made her feel humiliated. Before she could organize her thoughts, Alicia turned and waved at them with a warm smile that seemed to carry a hidden meaning. Holding Ethan’s hand, Alicia walked over to Valerie and her family.

"Oh my gosh, Valerie! You’re Max’s girlfriend from Blue Sky, right? I almost didn’t recognize you. You look... different," Alicia said with a sly smile that made Valerie feel humiliated.

Valerie forced a smile, her face tightening. "Thanks, Alicia. I’m just trying to adjust to all this luxury."

Alicia let out a small laugh, looking at Ethan standing beside her. "Oh, Dylan, you remember Valerie, right? She was your ex-wife who was so... hmm, attentive to you."

Ethan looked at Valerie coldly, showing no emotion. "Of course, I remember. How could I forget?"

Valerie fell silent, unable to speak a word. A mix of shame and anger boiled inside her, especially seeing Ethan, who now appeared far superior to her, both in looks and status.

"I never thought Ethan would mingle with... this crowd," Hanry mocked sarcastically. But Ethan responded with a polite nod, unbothered by the insult.

"This crowd? You mean I’m one of them?" Ethan calmly replied, offering a subtle jab at Hanry. "The Harrison family has never judged anyone by their background. They evaluate people based on their abilities."

Patricia, hearing this, could only swallow hard, realizing that the Harrison family was far more influential than theirs.

Not wanting to stay in the awkward situation any longer, Alicia quickly pulled Ethan’s hand. "Sorry, we still have to greet other guests. Enjoy the party, Valerie," Alicia said with a smile.