The hall fell into an abrupt silence, every eye fixed on Liam as if he were the main act of a circus. Then, the quiet was shattered by bursts of loud, derisive laughter.
"A hundred million dollars?!" Carl repeated, barely containing his mirth.
"How desperate is this man?" Melissa scoffed, her contempt unmistakable.
"Does he truly believe we're that gullible?"
"You? A hundred million?" Yona sneered, her eyes narrowing. "You're out of your mind."
Mia felt her cheeks flame with embarrassment. She couldn't fathom how Liam was making such a fool of her.
What an insufferable boaster!
How could he continue to posture so arrogantly when it was clear he didn't possess a hundred million dollars?
She stormed over to him, her eyes ablaze with indignation, and clutched his hand firmly, pulling him aside.
"Please stop this!" she implored whispering, her brow furrowed in irritation.
"You're not just humiliating yourself, but me as well."
"I know I asked you to play along, but I have everything under control, and you're ruining it with your absurd lies! Do you really think anyone here believes you have that kind of money?"
"But..." Liam tried to interject.
"Enough! You've said enough, so just stop and don't say anything else!" she demanded calmly.
Liam surveyed the room, witnessing the rest of the family still laughing at him.
He sighed, raked a hand through his hair, and turned back to Mia,
"I'm not lying," he said softly, "I have no reason to deceive anyone."
Carl smirked triumphantly and stepped closer, "You know you don't have to feel ashamed."
He looked down at Liam,
"Look around, no one here is buying your ridiculous story. I know you must feel out of place among us, but if you let go of your pride, maybe I can help you. We always need people like you for the menial tasks and running errands."
He spoke in a condescending tone.
"So if you're thinking about a career change..." he paused for effect, chuckling,
"Oh wait, I might be assuming too much. Do you even have a job?" Carl grinned as if he'd made a witty remark.
"If you're looking for a job, perhaps I can assist. I'm the manager at Space Corporation—the largest company in Springfield, I'm sure you're aware. I could probably find a department for you, Liam."
"Did you at least get a college education?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Liam stood quietly, one eyebrow raised.
"Space Corporation?" He smiled slightly.
He was the heir to the Maron family, worth trillions, Space Corporation was his one of his family's business.
Carl laughed, "Oh, of course. A country bumpkin might not know Space Corporation...But I believe you could start with a janitor? How about 3000 dollars per month? It must be a great income for you."
He approached Liam, placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression darkening.
"We look out for each other in this family, consider this an act of generosity towards you."
"Huh, that's interesting," Liam said with a calm smile.
"What is?" Carl tilted his head, puzzled.
"I won't be the janitor of Space Corporation, I'm actually here to take over as the new CEO of the company." Liam replied, his tone casual.
The moment those words left his lips, the entire hall burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Mia pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head, utterly embarrassed. At this point, she couldn't fathom why Liam was continuing with this farce.
Liam looked around again, nonplussed by their reaction. Everything he said was the truth; why didn't they believe him?
Carl shook his head, barely containing his amusement,
"CEO of what company? Losers Inc?" He mocked.
"You're pathetic," he said, shaking his head.
"You're so desperate to appear wealthy, you'd say anything just to get people to think you are, but all you are is a poor liar. Men like you disgust me." Carl sneered.
"I don't know where you got the news that we would have a new CEO, but the new CEO is supposed to be at the welcome banquet tonight, so why are you here?" He asked.
Liam shrugged, "I was supposed to attend the company's welcome banquet tonight, but I canceled it for dinner with all of you."
The room fell silent, though everyone seemed tired of hearing what they believed to be more of Liam's absurd claims.
Carl laughed loudly, glaring at Liam.
"Are you high?Mia...As your brother-in-law, I don't really suggest you to marry this...crazy person." Carl said, chuckling dryly.
To prove his words, Carl took out his phone.
He explained, "Even though I had no qualification to join this banquet, my supervisor, the vice-president would be on this banquet for sure."
He typed, "Sir, how was the banquet? Hope you enjoyed it. When could we meet our new CEO?"
Carl smiled confidantally, "See? Your lie will be exposed soon."
Saying this, Carl's phone buzzed. But when he saw the message, his smile was rigid.
"The banquet was canceled."
“What the ...?”Carl sweated, the banquet was canceled?Liam was right?There had been no mentions of who the new CEO was, but seeing the calm look on Liam’s face, Carl felt disturbed. What if what Liam said was true?Slowly, he shifted his gaze towards Liam, disbelief and anger evident on his face.“No… no, that can’t be real. It just can’t.” Carl’s voice trembled as he stared at Liam, his eyes wide with disbelief, his whole body frozen as his mind scrambled for an explanation.‘But that would mean that he’s my boss.’ The realization gripped him with even more fear."That can't be true! There must be some reason that the banquet was canceled!"Carl shouted with a deep voice."What? The banquet was truely canceled? Which means...that poor guy was right?"Yona sweated, she said anxiously, "Dear, what's happening? How come...""Shut the...up!" Carl yelled whispering, he texted fast to his boss. He must figure out the real reason that they cancel the banquet! If Liam was truely the CE
"Truth? Since I stepped into this house, I have never lied. It's you who never believed me," Liam said calmly. He felt that this game was getting a bit boring.Carl looked at Liam's face and sneered, "I’ve never seen such a shameless person, to actually..."However, Liam didn’t pay any attention to Carl’s words. He bowed to David and said, “I’m sorry, David Grandpa. This involves a life, so I must take my leave early.”David’s expression darkened slightly. He wasn’t fully convinced by Liam’s words. However, Liam’s unwavering confidence from beginning to end made him question his own judgment.After a brief pause, he sighed and said, “It’s fine. You can go. Just remember, you still need to go register your marriage with Mia tomorrow.”Liam gave a slight bow. “No problem, Grandpa. I’ll remember.”Saying this, Liam quickly walked out of the Stevens mansion and hailed a taxi, heading straight for Chairman Young's mansion.Liam knocked on the grand door of the mansion. The butler opened it
As soon as Liam spoke, the room erupted in anger. It was one thing if he did not know how to heal Natalie, but what he was saying now was outright insulting.“Who the hell do you think you are to question Dr. Barret?” Michael snapped irritably, “Do you even know who he is?” “I think it’s time you leave since you’re just going to keep interfering with Dr Barret’s treatment.” He demanded coldly. Liam shifted his gaze across the room and was met with cold, annoyed looks.He shrugged and heaved a tired sigh. Over the years, he had cured thousands, but he had also seen hundreds of people die because they refused to trust him. As a healer, he couldn’t force his treatment on anyone. “Believe it or not, you are actually putting her life at risk by leaving her in the hands of that man.” He said his voice calm but resolute, and without waiting for a response, turned and walked out.“Get out!” Lisa roared with anger.However, just when Lisa roared, she heard a scream from a maiden."Madam...
Hearing this, Liam felt a flash of anger. If Michael had listened to him, this wouldn’t have happened, Natalie wouldn’t be on the brink of death.But he remembered Jack Gunter’s words about the Young family being loyal subordinates of their family and heaved a tired sigh.If he left now, he would be damning an innocent girl to pay the price for her parents' mistakes.With that running through his mind, he looked at Michael with a scolding gaze, “You’re lucky. If I had left this compound, your daughter would be dead before I could return.” Michael’s face crumbled with regret and fear. He broke down begging earnestly, the reality of his mistakes flashing before his eyes. “Young master, please forgive me. I didn’t know who you were. I thought I was helping my daughter, but I was only making things worse.”If anything happened to his daughter, he would only have himself to blame. He had to do whatever he could to fix this situation now or he’d never forgive himself.Liam met his pleading
After Natalie had been stripped naked, Liam took a deep breath and began the procedure. He looked at Natalie, steadying his breath, feeling the flow of energy through his body. He rubbed his hands, and then pressed them gently over her body, transferring the healing energy from his hands onto her body, and after a short while, he stopped.The water in the bathtub turned murky brown with a foul smell.It was as if the toxins from Natalie’s body were being rapidly expelled and neutralized by the chemicals in the bathtub.About an hour later after he had completed his treatment, Natalie’s face became less pale and filled with life immediately. She slowly blinked her eyes open, gradually regaining her consciousness.Although her vision was still hazy, she could see a faint figure towering over her and immediately screamed.“Who are you?!” She shouted, her face tinged with fear and confusion.She had been unconscious the whole time Liam was treating her, but in that moment she was suddenl
After Liam left the mansion, he drove straight to his newly gifted mansion, exhausted from his day. However, as soon as he walked into the house, his phone suddenly buzzed. Heaving a tired sigh, Liam retrieved the phone wondering who could be calling at this time. Seeing it was Mia, he hesitated for a while and then answered. He had barely said hello before Mia’s annoyed voice sounded, “Listen, my grandfather has demanded that we register for our marriage first thing tomorrow morning. I’ve tried to talk him out of it and convince him that we don’t need to rush into it, but he won’t let up. So meet me at the registrar's office tomorrow morning, do not keep me waiting.” Liam hesitated for a while. He could tell from her tone that she did not want this marriage, but there was not much he could do. “Okay, I’ll be there.” “Does it not bother you?” Mia sharply interjected, her voice tinged with anger and frustration. “I mean you are about to enter a fake marriage with a complete
After a short drive, they arrived at the Carpi Sports Club. It was one of the most exclusive sports clubs in the city for the wealthy class.Mia and Yona were warmly welcomed as they arrived at the archery range, and because Liam was with them, he was allowed entry. Outside the hall, several young people were gathered, watching as Victor attempted to break his own record. Liam glanced and could see a man firing an arrow at a target with several others. Suddenly the announcer yelled in excitement, “Ladies and gentlemen, I can’t believe it. Victor Carpi has set a new record. He’s the undefeated archery champion of the world!” Victor turned around, bowing gracefully to the cheers and applause from the crowd and then he spotted Yona and approached her with a smile. “Yona, Mia, I’m glad you could make it.” But just as he spoke, his eyes fell on Liam and immediately, the excitement on his face slowly faded. “So he’s here too.” “Yeah unfortunately so. He’s Mia’s husband, they
However, Liam did not pay attention to Victor's provocation; he remained confident, but the people around him booed. "Country bumpkin, just admit defeat! Victor scored full marks! Don't be a clown!" Liam ignored the people around him and took the bow and arrows handed to him by the staff. Victor looked at Liam in disbelief, "Kid, don't you understand the rules of archery? I've already scored full marks; there's no way you can beat me! I advise you to admit defeat early and divorce Mia!" Liam glanced at him mockingly, "The competition isn't over yet, and you already think you've won?" Hearing Liam's words, Victor sneered, "Fine, then let me see how this clown will perform!" Liam ignored the surrounding boos and jeers and easily picked up the bow and arrows. Just when everyone thought Liam was going to embarrass himself, he surprisingly pulled out three arrows in one go! Before the laughter could start, Liam quickly shot all three arrows within three seconds, and the onl
Lord David remained quiet for a while, a deep frown settling on his fist. Peter had tried to remain casual, but he could still sense the threatening tone in the man’s voice and so calmly asked, “Did anyone in my family do anything to offend you, Mr Nelson?”Peter smirked and picked a flower from the garden, “That’s the thing about families isn’t it? They can be compared to this flower,” he started, plucking the petals off, “If one of these is infected, then the entire flower can become rotten, left to rot on the ground.” Lord David became more confused as he spoke. He feared Peter was talking about Carl.He knew that Peter Nelson had some partnerships with the Salernos even though he did not know the terms of their arrangement, but after settling the Salerno debt, he couldn’t fathom why the Nelsons would still have an issue with his family.He opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat. Peter quickly interjected again, this time, the calm look on his face had compl
After returning from Victor’s party, Mia was even more confused than before. Victor’s little stunt at the party had embarrassed her further, but still there was a trace of concern in the things he said. At this point, she did not know what to think. Being married to Liam was proving to be more and more difficult by the day.She got up from the bed that morning, headed for her morning walks, but as she stepped outside the front entrance, she saw a package. Shifting her gaze curiously, she could not help but wonder who it was for, but on a closer look, she found Liam’s name on the package and her curiosity grew even more.Slowly, she reached for it, her heart pounding in her chest. She carried the box and hastily returned to her room. For a long while, she stared at the box, not knowing if to open it or not. A part of her felt that whatever was inside that box was the clue she had been looking for, something that could reveal a piece of Liam’s past, but another part of her hesitated,
Mia remained frozen as the thought gnawed at her, causing her stomach to churn in dread.At that time she spots Liam and filled with anger, she turns and starts approaching him, but just then, the microphone echoes loudly interrupting.The MC announces that the party is about to begin and calls Victor to the stage.As Victor took the stage, a warm smile stretched his lips as he stared directly at Mia, making her uneasy.He then began, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight. My family just secured a new position in the Chamber of Commerce and we are very excited about this opportunity. It just means that we’ll be able to take better care of the people around us and support the growth and progress of this city.”The crowd erupted in loud cheer, but Victor waved his hand, silencing them. He took a sip of his drink and continued, “Now, I understand that there are some people, some not too far away from us who might not be able to achieve this kind of feat, but it is not t
The Stevens became even more skeptical after Liam’s card cleared. Even after Keenan had turned and walked away, they still couldn’t make any sense of it.Mia stood frozen in spot, shifting her gaze towards Liam in confusion.Meanwhile, Yona became more convinced that Lord David had secretly orchestrated the payment.“Your grandfather would not waste $100 million just to cover that loser. Something else must be going on.” Melissa persisted.“Then how would you explain what just happened? Do you really believe that that bumpkin could have a $100 million?” Yona interjected, expressing doubt.However, before anyone could say something, she quickly added, “I think there’s only one way to figure this out.”Carl leaned in curiously upon hearing this, eager to unravel Liam’s secrets. He could not stand the fact that the bumpkin loser that he’d looked down on and belittled this entire time could be someone greater than him.“I think we should hire a private investigator,” Yona whispered. “I ha
The tension in the hall became unbearable after Liam spoke. Lord David hesitated for a while, dreading what might happen if the card did not clear the payment.Mia shook her head in frustration. Just when she thought Liam had refrained from boasting, here he was, bragging about having a way out again.“Do you think this is some kind of joke?!” She snapped, her voice sharp and piercing.“You are a part of this family now and whatever happens to us affects you as well. So stop pretending you’ve got everything figured out and let us figure a way out of this.” Liam shifted his gaze towards her and was filled with disappointment. He didn’t care if everyone else refused to believe him, but Mia? He only wanted her confidence, but yet again he couldn’t even get that.“Use the card.” He repeated firmly, meeting Mia’s annoyed look with an intent gaze.Seeing the determined look on his face, Lord David reached into his pocket and brought out the card, his hand trembling. At that point, his mind
As Keenan announced that he no longer wanted the money, the Steven family started rejoicing and praising Victor who shamelessly accepted despite not knowing what was happening.Liam sneered, shaking his head in disbelief. This time he didn’t bother to convince them that he was the one that helped them. However, the joyous atmosphere quickly faded as Lord David announced, “We’ll pay it back.”The celebration instantly stopped as those words fell and everyone shifted their gaze to him, frozen with shock and confusion.“We are an upright and esteemed family, if we owe anybody money, we are going to pay it back.” He added, glanced at Carl with a softer gaze.Even when he still condemned Carl for acting so erratically without letting anyone in the family know, he could not accept that he got away with this without having to pay.Lord David believed that every action and decision made held a deep weight, and it did not sit right with his conscience that they would just walk away without b
The man stepped forward boldly, staring intimidatingly at Lord David,“Keenan, I’m from the Salerno family.”As soon as those words fell, a shockwave hit the room.Melissa and Yona shifted their gazes between each other, filled with panic.They thought this situation with the Salernos was over, so why were the thugs yet?Liam arched his brow in confusion, slightly irritated. He believed he’d taken care of this Salerno business when he put Luara in charge of their empire and affairs, so why were these men disrupting the atmosphere and of their dinner?He reached his hand into his pocket to retrieve his phone and call Laura. With Jack’s help, by now she should have become the master of that family, and be able to handle all their affairs easily.However, just before he could, Lord’s David interrupted,“Why are you here?” He asked, still trying to keep a bold demeanor.Keenan smirked and snapped his fingers. Immediately, one of his men hurried towards him and handed him a paper.He rais
Liam knew that with Jack’s help, Laura would become the master of the Salerno family, which would expand his control over the underground mafia and mobs.As he was about to leave, Manu’s phone suddenly rang causing him to stop midstrife.He turned slowly towards the direction, his curiosity rising. Laura stepped closer to Manu’s body, searched his pockets for the phone, and brought it out. “Answer it,” Liam said.Hesitantly, Laura raised the phone to her ear, her hand trembling, and answered,“Manu, it’s Peter Carpi. I know we agreed to meet much later, but I’m running out of time and need that $5 million loan. The market is even more cruel than I anticipated.”Immediately, Luara placed the call on hold, unsure of what to say, and turned towards Liam, “It’s Peter Carpi.”As soon as Liam heard the name, his eyes narrowed in curiosity. He stepped closer to her with a stern expression causing Laura to become uncomfortable,“What does he want?”“$5 million,” Laura answered.Liam’s eyes
Laura’s eyes widened in shock when Liam spoke. How was she going to lead an entire gang and handle the affairs of the grand estate? She wondered, staring at Liam wordlessly. She had only wanted to get revenge for herself and her mother and never imagined she’d be running the empire of the man who wrecked her life.Suddenly, at that point, something else occurred to her. Who was this man, and how could he just appoint her to run Manu’s gang and empire?“Who are you?” She asked with curiosity. However, Liam ignored her and reached into his pocket, retrieved the personal phone he used to communicate with Jack, and handed it to her, “Call this number. He’ll handle everything for you.”“You’re going to have to be careful Laura, Manu might be dead, but you’re still at much risk.”Laura’s face twisted with worry, “What do you mean?” She asked dreadfully.Liam heaved a deep sigh, hesitating for a while. He did not know whether involving the girl in any of this seemed right, however, the mo