After instructing Carl to deliver the gift to the Dexters' mansion, Dave's thoughts shifted to more pressing matters. He needed to visit the local branch of the Great Empire - Velcro Group. Earlier, he had received a text from the secretary of Velcro Group, one of his subordinates. The message informed him that a shipment of precious herbs and crystals had arrived—resources vital for training novice warriors and regarded as strategic assets. Without Dave's signature for distribution, approval, and allocation, the department responsible couldn't proceed. Knowing he had to act quickly, Dave put aside his recent arrival in the area and his new marriage. Responsibilities awaited him. There was no time to waste. He quickly hailed a cab and instructed the driver to head to Velcro Group, his mind already racing through the tasks ahead. Meanwhile, at the Dexters' mansion, the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement. Ava had invited Jerry and Hannah over to discuss the upcoming c
As the evening wore on, the three friends shared a celebratory dinner, toasting to the upcoming charity event and the opportunities it promised. Ava couldn’t help but dream about what membership in the Kevton Chamber of Commerce would mean. She envisioned new business deals, expanded networks, and a strengthened position for her family’s enterprise. The future seemed brighter than ever! After dinner, the sound of a car arriving drew their attention. Dave had returned after completing his tasks at Velcro Group. As he walked into the mansion, Jerry and Hannah noticing him, eyed him with disdain. Hannah broke the silence, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, look who decided to show up. Just in time for dinner, as usual. How convenient!" Dave however ignored her, maintaining his composure. “The freeloader is nothing compared to Jerry, who not only got Ava a beautiful jewellery gift but also helped her secure an invitation to the charity gala," Hannah continued,
Gordon’s voice was filled with regret and concern. He had heard that Ava had rejected Dave as her husband and always disagreed with him. Gordon apologized for Ava’s behaviour and suggested sending a car to bring Dave over, hoping to see Ava apologize to him in person. However, Dave quickly replied, "There’s no need to send a car, Pa Gordon. I’ll come on my own." When Dave finally arrived at the Dexters' mansion, he was greeted by Ava at the door. She appeared nervous and hesitant, clearly instructed by her grandfather to meet Dave upon his arrival and make amends. Her pale face reflected the scolding she had just received from him for her hasty decisions and mistreatment of Dave. However, despite her annoyance, there was a flicker of concern in her eyes when she saw Dave approaching. She felt guilty for how she had treated him, yet her pride wouldn’t allow her to fully soften. Despite her annoyance, a flicker of concern appeared in her eyes as she saw Dave approac
"I'm sure you've never had a chance to handle even 2% of that all your life, so it should be more than enough for you to start fresh somewhere else, far away from me!” Ava added. Dave looked at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes. “$200,000?” he echoed, his voice calm but with a slight edge. “Why do you think so little of our marriage, Ava? Is that all it’s worth to you?” Ava’s expression hardened. She had expected him to accept the offer without question—perhaps even be grateful! But his response only angered her. “This marriage,” she spat, “is shit. It doesn’t even exist in my eyes." "How can I call this a marriage when I’m stuck with a pauper?" "You’re not my husband, Dave. You’re just someone I was forced to marry!” Her words were harsh, cutting through the air like a knife. But Dave remained unfazed. He had heard worse before and had grown a thick skin already. So instead of retaliating, he shrugged. “If that’s how you feel,” he said with a smirk
“It might be best if you move in with Ava. You’re her husband, after all, and it’s time the two of you start living together properly,” Gordon continued. Hearing this, Greg and Joyce exchanged surprised glances. The idea of Dave moving in with Ava was unthinkable to them, and they couldn’t mask their apprehension. Greg clenched his fists, sharing Joyce's fear that Dave might actually agree to Gordon’s suggestion. Dave simply shook his head. “I appreciate your concern, sir,” he replied Gordon. "But, Ava and I married quickly, and we're still adjusting to each other. I think it's best not to rush into living together just yet." "With time, as our relationship grows stronger, we can revisit the idea." "In the meantime, I'll focus on working hard to provide Ava with the perfect home she deserves." Dave's response was measured and reasonable, surprising everyone. “I see,” Gordon replied, showing understanding. “That’s a wise approach, Dave. I respect your decision.”
Dave watched Ava with his lips curling into a faint smile. Although he knew the invitation cards weren't sent by Jerry, he chose not to reveal the truth. After all, Ava would eventually discover it on her own. Gordon leaned in to examine the invitation, his face brightening with approval. “Excellent work, Ava. This is exactly the kind of progress I was hoping for. Keep it up, and you’ll make us all proud.” Ava beamed with smiles at her grandfather’s praise. Almost immediately, Gordon glanced at Dave. For a moment, she felt a surge of triumph, as if everything was falling into place just as she had planned. “Dave, I think it would be a good idea if you became Ava’s assistant. You could help her with her work, reduce her stress, and the two of you would have more opportunities to spend time together and understand each other better.” The suggestion hit Ava like a ton of bricks! The thought of Dave following her around all day, pretending to be her assistant, was unbea
Dave watched her with an amused expression, his lips curling into a faint smile. He knew the truth behind that invitation, but he kept his silence. After all, they would find out the truth later. Gordon leaned in to examine the invitation, his face lighting up with approval. “Excellent work, Ava. This is exactly the kind of progress I was hoping for. I'm so proud of you. Keep it up." Ava beamed with smiles. For a moment, she felt a surge of triumph, as if everything was falling into place just as she had planned. But then Gordon turned to look at Dave. “Dave, I think it would be a good idea if you became Ava’s assistant. "In addition to helping her with her work and reducing her stress, the two of you would have more opportunities to spend time together and better understand each other. The suggestion hit Ava like a ton of bricks! The thought of Dave following her around all day, acting as her assistant, was unbearable! She could barely tolerate his presence f
As soon as Dave mentioned having his own money, Ava’s parents, Greg and Joyce Smith, exchanged sceptical glances. Greg shook his head, unable to believe Dave's audacity. How could a nobody like Dave have the guts to say he had money?! “Money, huh?” Greg scoffed, his voice thick with derision. “You expect us to believe that you’ve got your own money, but you’re still here, living off of our daughter?” Joyce folded her arms tightly across her chest, her eyes narrowing as she looked Dave up and down. “You see, we know your type. Just trying to get a free ride, aren’t you? Do you think you can mooch off our family and live comfortably without lifting a finger? Well, let me tell you, it’s not going to work!” Dave stood calmly, his face betraying no emotion despite the biting words being thrown at him. And before everyone knew it, Gordon, Ava’s grandfather, stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention. “Enough!” Gordon said firmly, his voice carrying
"Hannah, you’ve always been quick to jump to the wrong conclusions. Ava is truly unfortunate to have you as a friend."At this moment, Ava became more angry at Dave.She had expected him to apologize to Jerry and even thank him for helping them. But here he was showing no sense of remorse.To her, it was beyond embarrassing—especially in front of Jerry, who had saved them from a dire situation.“Dave, your behavior is insufferable,” she said sharply, turning to face him. “You don’t realize how much embarrassment you’ve caused. Do you think we can’t see through your lies and your desperate need to prove yourself?”Dave's expression remained indifferent. He seemed unfazed by her accusations.Without hesitation, he turned to face Ava, standing beside Gerald and Hannah."You all are blind and ignorant,” he replied calmly."You’re praising the wrong person while being deceived. But that’s none of my business, is it? Fools will always pay their dues to liars.”Ava’s face flushed with anger
Jerry blinked, clearly surprised. He had never met the casino manager before, so how could the man speak of him as someone important he didn't want to offend? Even his family had no ties to the underground world."Your presence alone was enough to scare them off. How influential!" Gerald exclaimed.The room buzzed with murmurs as the rest of the family considered Gerald’s theory. It made sense, in a way. Jerry was well-known in high society, and his family’s influence was undeniable. If anyone could have caused the casino manager to retreat, it would be someone like him.Jerry, realizing that everyone was now looking at him expectantly, decided to roll with it. He chuckled, patting his chest in mock humility. “Well,” he said with a grin, "That was the least I could do. Ava and I are good friends, after all, and if my presence helped her and her family, I'm glad I could be of help."Hannah, standing next to Jerry, smiled and placed a hand on his arm. “That’s so like you, Jerry.
Gerald was just about to cry out to Jerry to help him, but before Gerald could say a word, the casino manager spoke up. Steeling himself, the manager gave a subtle but respectful nod toward Dave before addressing the room. “Listen everyone,” the manager began, his tone now composed and businesslike, though there was a slight tremor in his voice. “I’ve just realized something important. It appears that this family is hosting a very distinguished guest.” “Given this, I must apologize for any disturbance we’ve caused. Rest assured, Gerald’s debt is hereby cleared in full.” It turned out that just a couple of days ago, the manager had seen the photo of Dave in his boss's office. Although his boss hadn't explained Dave's identity, since he wasn't qualified to know too much either, had sternly warned his subordinates not to offend the person in the photo under any circumstances, or even God wouldn't be able to save them! The casino manager never expected to meet the person
Dave’s firm words seemed to hang in the air. The Dexters stood frozen, their faces etched with shock and disbelief. Joyce was the first to break the silence, her expression twisted in anger. She pointed a trembling finger at Dave. “Are you insane?” she hissed. “What kind of fool are you to provoke someone like that? Do you want to destroy this family?” Greg stepped forward, his voice low and trembling with suppressed rage. “You think this is a game, don’t you? That casino manager isn’t someone you mess with. You’ve just made things worse for all of us.” Ava, though still processing the chaos of the situation, turned her fiery gaze to Dave. “This is exactly why I didn’t want you involved in my affairs,” she snapped. “You’re reckless and useless, and now you’ve jeopardized us all with your foolish words!” But Dave, far from being intimidated or cowed by their anger, smirked and crossed his arms. He turned his attention to Gerald, who was standing in a corn
The tension in the room was palpable as the underground casino manager leaned against the doorframe, his cold, calculating eyes scanning the family like a predator sizing up its prey. His men stood behind him, arms crossed and faces hardened, creating an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to crush the very air in the villa. "One billion dollars," the manager repeated menacingly, his voice dripping with mockery. "Pay up!" "Or we'll take Gerald and teach him a lesson he won't forget. Maybe a few broken limbs will remind him not to mess with us." Gerald, whose legs had already been trembling, now fell to his knees, his face pale as a ghost. He turned to his parents, his voice quivering as he pleaded, "Mom, Dad, please! You can't let them take me! Do something!" Joyce clutched her chest, her breathing ragged. Greg was visibly shaken, his eyes darting around the room. The manager smirked, clearly enjoying their desperation. "You have two options: pay the full amount
The atmosphere in the villa was suffocating as tension and fear loomed over the Dexter family. Ava stood frozen, her frustration bubbling dangerously close to tears. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as she glared at her brother, who stood awkwardly amidst the chaos he had caused. Gerald’s pale face betrayed his fear, but his attempts to maintain a mask of bravado only worsened Ava’s frustration. "Unbelievable," Ava hissed, her voice shaking. "You’ve done nothing but embarrass this family, Gerald. Do you even understand the gravity of what you’ve done?" Greg and Joyce were equally distraught, and Greg paced back and forth, muttering curses under his breath. Joyce also wrung her hands together as tears welled in her eyes. “How could you do this, Gerald?” Joyce finally blurted, her voice a mix of anger and anguish. “Do you have any idea what you’ve risked?" "Do you realize what could happen to this family if Gordon decides to disinher
Dave watched the scene unfold with a bemused expression. He could see the anger simmering beneath Gerald’s forced apology, but he didn’t care. “Apology accepted,” he said casually, waving his hand as if dismissing the entire matter. Gerald’s eyes blazed with fury at Dave’s dismissive tone, but he held his tongue. He couldn’t afford to cross Gordon, not now! But the humiliation was like a fire in his chest, and he could feel his anger festering. Just then, Ava appeared, walking back into the yard after finishing some errands. She noticed the tension in the air immediately and stopped in her tracks, taking in the scene: her brother, seething with anger, Dave standing calm and unbothered, and Gordon looking exasperated. She rolled her eyes, a deep sigh escaping her lips. “What now?” Ava asked, exasperated as she walked past them toward the dining area. The servants were busy setting up the tableware and arranging the lavish dishes for lunch. Ava barely managed t
Joyce, still seething, quickly nodded in agreement. “I think we should call Gerald back home. He’ll know how to handle that arrogant bastard! He'll put him in his place.” Gerald was their son, and they knew what he was capable of. Greg wasted no time in reaching for his phone. Within minutes, he had made the call, and Gerald promised to return as soon as possible. It wasn’t long before the front door opened, and he stepped inside. He was a tall and athletic man in his late twenties. His parents wasted no time. They explained how Dave had manipulated and exploited Ava, siphoning off a staggering 1.2 million dollars! "Gerald, we need you to handle this," Greg said. "You’ve got to get that money back. That scoundrel needs to be taught a lesson!" Gerald cracked his knuckles and gave a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Dad," he said, his tone laced with a sinister edge. "I'll make sure the bastard regrets ever messing with Ava." By now, it was almost lunchtime.
Meanwhile, Joyce, who had gone to the kitchen earlier, stepped into the living room and saw Dave still standing there. She folded her arms, glaring at him with a smirk. “You know, loser,” she began, her voice laced with disdain, “you’re like a toad lusting after a swan." "Do you really think someone like you has any chance with a priceless jewel like my daughter?" "It's truly pathetic. You should just walk away while you still can." "Dave kept a blank expression. Joyce continued, her voice growing colder. “My ideal son-in-law is someone like Jerry, Ava's friend. He’s successful, wealthy, and comes from a respectable family. He’s everything you’re not. So, do yourself a favour and stop this ridiculous charade! You’re out of your league!” Before Dave could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway. Greg, Ava’s father, entered the living room, his presence commanding immediate attention. He had come back into the living room to have lunch whe