The Rise of the Humiliated Son-in-Law

Big Payoff

Gaston and Vivian arrived at the hospital. They quickly walked through the entrance, greeted by the antiseptic smell and the noisy sounds of medical equipment. Vivian, her face looking pale, held Gaston's hand tightly.

As they entered the ward, Vivian saw her mother lying weakly in bed.

Just a quick glance was enough for Gaston to know that this was just a ruse by his mother-in-law. Vivian might know it too, but as her daughter, she might hesitate to say the truth.

“Mom, what happened?” Vivian asked, moving closer and gently patting her mother’s hand resting on the bed. However, Rosaline didn’t respond.

Suddenly, Jonas appeared beside them with an angry expression. “This is all your fault!” he shouted without hesitation, making Vivian furrow her brows. “If you had just listened, Mom wouldn’t be in this state!”

Gaston chose to stay silent and observe from the beginning. He used his keen ears to analyze the actual situation. With his skills, he could hear Rosaline's heartbeat—steady, just like Vivian's and Jonas's.

Gaston had to play the fool, as per his plan. He quickly changed his expression to one of confusion and clumsiness. “Mrs. Wright, don’t lie! I know you can get up!” he exclaimed, pinching Rosaline’s arm hard.

Rosaline winced in pain at Gaston’s behavior. How rude! Absolutely outrageous!

Jonas reacted swiftly. He pulled Gaston and slapped him. “You idiot!” he shouted angrily. He immediately rubbed his mother’s arm, checking the mark left by Gaston’s pinch.

Fortunately, his mother managed not to scream or curse that stupid loser. If Rosaline couldn’t hold it in, their charade would be exposed, and everything would be for nothing.

Jonas had paid a hefty price here. Coincidentally, one of the nurses was a friend of his. Jonas had asked for her help to set up the room to make his mother look like someone who was truly critical. In reality, she was just tired.

Jonas also requested a private room and arranged for no doctors to check on her during this time. This charade cost him tens of thousands of dollars. However, it was a small price to pay compared to getting Vivian to comply with their wishes to accept Wilson Huber’s love.

They could acquire wealth far greater and limitless. The Huber family was extremely rich. Their business was everywhere. If Jonas could take control of just one major company, his life would be easy, and he could choose the prettiest and hottest girlfriend to marry right away.

The only obstacle in this plan was Gaston. This idiot couldn’t even count from 1 to 10, so why was it so hard for him to die?

He was always the biggest stumbling block to their plans. Worse yet, Vivian insisted on defending her foolish husband.

However, Gaston remained calm, not showing any pain on his face. Instead, he just smiled widely.

Seeing the commotion between Jonas and Gaston, Vivian quickly intervened. “Jonas, stop! Don’t hurt Gaston anymore!” she shouted. She didn’t want to see her husband being treated that way, especially since what Gaston said could very well be true.

Jonas glared at Vivian with burning anger. “He started this! You shouldn’t have brought this idiot along!”

“Gaston, step outside for a moment,” Vivian instructed, trying to keep the peace between them. “I need to talk to Jonas,” she added, hoping to resolve the issue without further chaos.

“Why can’t I stay here, Vivi?”

Vivian was trying to come up with a way to deal with Gaston. She took some dollars from her wallet and handed them to him. “Here, go,” she said. “Buy yourself the ice cream you like.”

Reluctantly, Gaston nodded. “Okay, I’ll go buy ice cream,” he said. He stepped out of the ward.

Outside, Gaston stood in the hospital corridor, trying to collect his thoughts. However, his keen ears remained active, catching every sound around him. He overheard the conversation between Vivian and Jonas not far from where he stood.

“If you don’t want Mom to die, you need to apologize to Wilson!” Jonas threatened, his voice full of pressure. “He’s the only one who can help us now. We owe him ten million dollars!”

Hearing Wilson’s name felt like a hundred bees stinging Gaston’s heart. Jason and his mother were indeed manipulative. They were using Vivian.

“I’m willing to apologize,” Vivian said. “As long as it’s just an apology. I’m not getting involved in your plans!”

Jonas continued to press. “What’s so hard about leaving that stupid guy, Vi?”

“Have you ever raised a dog, Jonas?” Vivian asked.

Jonas snorted softly; he wasn’t interested in discussing this.

Vivian added loudly, “After just one year of raising a dog, you will fall in love with it. Just imagine how I feel with my husband.”

“Ah, your husband is an idiot!” Jonas mocked. “Just think, if you married Wilson, he could give you a comfortable life.”

“No, Jonas! Don’t say that nonsense again.”

“Then you better not see Mom again after this,” Jonas threatened Vivian. “She would rather be dead than see you keep fighting.”

Gaston was fed up with hearing all of this. He was tired of the discussion about the ten million dollars.

While Vivian still thought he was buying ice cream, Gaston took out his phone and stepped into a quieter corner of the hospital corridor. He quickly searched for Damian Wagner’s number.

After a few rings, Damian’s voice came through on the other end. “Master! It’s so good to hear your voice! How are you?” he asked enthusiastically.

“Mr. Wagner, I want to work for you,” Gaston replied, his voice firm despite a hint of hesitation. “The situation is complicated, and I want to know what I can get out of this job.”

“Oh? Of course, Master. Whatever you want, I’ll give you in return for your help.” Damian sounded very eager.

“I need ten million dollars,” Gaston said, getting straight to the point. “In exchange, I will help you.”

Damian fell silent for a moment. Ten million dollars was no small amount. He must be considering it.

The silence lingered for a few seconds, but after a moment, he spoke again in a serious tone, “Oh? Ten million dollars is not a big deal, Gaston.”

Gaston was taken aback. “Are you serious?” he asked, unable to believe Damian’s response.

“Yes, for your help, that amount is not a problem,” Damian replied firmly. “Master, just give me your account number, and I’ll send the money right away!”