THE SON-IN-LAW THEY DESPISED

The grand ballroom of the Imperial Crown Hotel glittered beneath crystal chandeliers. Expensive suits, dazzling gowns, and sparkling jewelry filled the room as influential business leaders and wealthy families gathered to celebrate the seventieth birthday of Harrison Group's founder, Richard Harrison. Soft classical music echoed through the hall while waiters served champagne and gourmet dishes. Every guest carried an expensive gift wrapped in gold or silver paper, hoping to impress the powerful Harrison family. Outside the hotel, an old taxi stopped at the entrance. The driver looked at the young man in the back seat. "We're here." Ethan Carter smiled politely, paid the fare, and stepped out with a neatly wrapped wooden box in his hands. His black suit was clean but old, making him look ordinary among the luxury cars lined outside the hotel. The security guards recognized him immediately. "The Harrison family's live-in son-in-law," one whispered with a smirk. "The useless one?" They laughed quietly. Ethan pretended not to hear. He adjusted the gift in his hands and walked inside. As soon as he entered the ballroom, conversations stopped. Dozens of eyes landed on him. Some mocked him openly. Others whispered behind their wine glasses. "He's actually shameless enough to show up." "I heard he has been living off his wife's family for three years." "What kind of man lets his wife support him?" Ethan ignored every word. He had grown used to insults. Across the hall stood his wife, Olivia Harrison, wearing a breathtaking silver evening gown. She looked elegant and confident, but the moment she saw Ethan, her expression changed. She walked over quickly. "You're late," she said softly. "I'm sorry. There was traffic." She noticed the wooden box in his hands. "What did you buy?" "A birthday gift for Grandpa." Olivia sighed. "Ethan... I hope you didn't waste money we don't have." Before Ethan could answer, a sharp voice interrupted. "So the useless son-in-law finally arrived." Margaret Harrison, Olivia's mother, walked toward them in a designer dress, followed by several wealthy women. Her face twisted with disgust. "Ethan Carter, can't you see this is an important event? Look around you." She pointed toward the mountain of luxury gifts. "Everyone brought paintings, diamonds, rare wines, and antiques." Then she looked at Ethan's wooden box. "And what is this?" Several guests laughed. Margaret didn't stop. "You've lived in our house for years, eaten our food, and embarrassed this family every single day." "If you had any shame, you would never have come." Olivia lowered her head. "Mom... please." "Don't defend him!" Margaret snapped. "Your grandfather only tolerates him because you insisted on marrying him." More guests gathered around to watch the drama unfold. Even Ethan's brothers-in-law joined the crowd. Daniel Brooks, the man who had always wanted Olivia to marry him instead, smiled proudly. "I wonder what priceless treasure Mr. Carter brought." The crowd burst into laughter. Margaret folded her arms. "Open it." Ethan remained calm. "It's a gift for Grandpa." "I said open it!" Without waiting for permission, Daniel grabbed the wooden box from Ethan's hands and tore away the wrapping paper. Inside was an old brown teapot. Silence... Then the entire ballroom exploded with laughter. "A teapot?" "Is he serious?" "My shoes cost more than that." "What a joke!" Someone even clapped sarcastically. Margaret's face turned bright red with anger. "A broken teapot?" "You call this a birthday gift?" She snatched it from the box and held it high for everyone to see. "This is exactly why you'll always be a failure." Olivia closed her eyes in embarrassment. Ethan looked at the teapot quietly. He wanted to explain. It wasn't an ordinary teapot. It was a centuries-old handcrafted antique that an elderly collector had entrusted to him years ago. Experts would value it at millions. But no one here would believe him. Richard Harrison slowly approached from the stage. The old man glanced at the teapot, then at Ethan. Before he could speak, Daniel laughed. "Grandpa, don't blame Ethan. Maybe this was all he could afford." The crowd laughed again. Ethan clenched his fists but said nothing. Years ago, he had made a promise. Until the time was right, he would hide his true identity. He would endure every insult. Every humiliation. Every accusation. No matter how painful it became. Margaret threw the teapot back into the box. "Take your trash and leave." "You've embarrassed this family enough." The room fell silent. Ethan looked once at Olivia. She wanted to speak... But under everyone's gaze, she lowered her eyes. At that moment, Ethan realized something. The woman he had sacrificed everything for couldn't stand beside him when he needed her most. Without another word, he picked up the wooden box and turned toward the exit. Just as he reached the hotel entrance... A convoy of black luxury cars screeched to a halt outside. More than twenty bodyguards stepped out in perfect formation. The hotel manager ran outside, looking terrified. The ballroom doors swung open. A dignified elderly man in a tailored suit hurried in, scanning the room. The instant his eyes landed on Ethan, he froze. Then, in front of every guest in the ballroom... He bowed deeply. "Young Master Carter..." "We've finally found you." The ballroom went completely silent. To be continued...