Morkan Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Riverside City, located at the summit of Purple Silver Mountain.
On a clear day, you can see most of Riverside City below.
Yves was stopped by security outside the red line.
Soon, a familiar scent wafted from behind.
He turned to see Morgan, his partner, standing behind him. Her demeanor was cool, with delicate features, skin like cream, and eyes as bright as stars. Just standing there, she attracted countless glances from both men and women.
It's like a painting in the mountains, with Morgan as the muse.
A gentle breeze on the mountain blew her long black hair, enhancing her indescribable beauty.
"Is this really what you're wearing?" Morgan's beautiful eyes scanned Yves from head to toe.
A white T-shirt, faded jeans, and canvas shoes, all together worth no more than 200 yuan, even the gatekeeper seemed more dignified than him.
"A bit worn, but very clean," Yves said, touching his sleeve.
Morgan frowned, clearly displeased, but held her tongue.
Anyway, soon they would have nothing to do with each other.
"Mr. Johnson's release from the hospital is a big deal, and the gentry and wealthy of Riverside City will all be present."
"Also, Grandma and Uncle are here, so don't say anything inappropriate inside, or no one will be able to protect you if something happens."
Morgan walked inside with a gift box.
Oh right, he forgot to prepare a gift.
Yves slapped his forehead, feeling a bit helpless.
Even if he borrowed money to buy a gift worth thousands, it would be no different from trash to the Johnson family.
Suddenly remembering something, he took out a jade pendant from his pocket.
It was given to him by Yvonne yesterday.
Although Yves didn't understand jade, the pendant's vibrant color and smooth feel, coupled with the fact that the giver wasn't an ordinary person, suggested it was something extraordinary and presentable.
Yves pocketed the jade pendant, quickly caught up, and tentatively said, "Thanks, I'll pay you back soon."
With the Yama Hand, Yves wasn't afraid of not making money.
Morgan's expression remained unchanged, and she said indifferently, "I just don't want you to be distracted and say things you shouldn't, embarrassing me."
Her voice was cold, filled with aloofness.
The 100,000 yuan was indeed from her.
Yves wanted to express his gratitude, but seeing her icy demeanor, he swallowed his words.
Having been together for nearly a year, he naturally knew this woman was exceptionally stubborn.
Some things she would do but never directly admit, and confronting her would only provoke resistance.
The hotel's open-air platform.
Red carpet, violins, men and women dressed in elegant attire, toasting each other.
Yves's presence drew many curious glances.
The story of the Lloyd family taking in a useless son-in-law had long been a public joke.
As Yves walked by, the wealthy men and women nearby covered their noses without hesitation, as if poverty had a smell.
Yves didn't mind and followed Morgan to a secluded corner where the Lloyd family was.
As the true power players in Riverside City, the Johnson family wielded immense financial and political influence.
There was once a gold mine owner's son who was disrespectful and harassed a young woman from the Johnson family at a party. He was killed on the spot by the Johnson family, and his body was sunk to the bottom of the river.
Afterwards, the gold mine owner allied with other wealthy businessmen to go against the Johnson family.
In response, Harvey, the River King, stepped in and eliminated all of them overnight, leading to the bankruptcy and liquidation of resources worth over ten billion yuan.
No one understands the true power of the Johnson family, only that those who offend them never meet a good end.
The Lloyd family is merely a typical third-tier family in Riverside City, so being hosted by the Johnson family is a prestigious event that brings honor to the family, and naturally, they have no complaints.
"Hey, sis, why are you so late?"
"How did your conversation go with the eldest son of the Liu family I introduced to you last time?"
"There are quite a few wealthy siblings here this time. I think Wang Cong is quite good; his family has opened two more coal mines. Do you want me to introduce you?"
Cousin Lily and a few relatives immediately swarmed over, chattering away, completely ignoring Yves as if he were invisible.
Yves was used to being mocked and didn't say a word.
Brother-in-law Wesley never missed an opportunity to humiliate Yves.
"Yves, I recently signed a 5 million order with Tianhong Group and opened a branch in the neighboring county. We're short of a cleaner, 3,000 a month. Want to give it a try?"
Wesley's words dripped with sarcasm, and he looked at Yves with a hint of jealousy in his eyes.
When it comes to looks and ability, even the eldest sister Lily was far inferior to Morgan.
Whenever he had the chance, he would step on Yves to highlight his own strength.
Yves replied calmly, "No need, I have my ways to make money."
In the past, he would have agreed no matter how aggrieved, as his sister needed money for treatment.
But things are different now.
"True, with your right hand disabled, even begging under the bridge can earn you some meal money in a day."
Lily interjected, causing a burst of laughter among the relatives.
Uncle Xavier, the eldest among the relatives and a medical professor, a scholar, saw Yves empty-handed and disapprovingly said, "Yves, you came to congratulate the River King, why didn't you prepare a gift?"
Before Yves could say anything, Xavier unkindly said, "What should I say about you, you have no ambition at all. The Johnson family feeds you, not to let you embarrass them."
Yves replied calmly, "I have prepared a gift."
Morgan wanted to hand over the gift to help Yves out of the situation, but was stunned to see Yves take out a jade pendant.
"Oh, what's this?"
Fearing Yves would take it back, Wesley stepped forward and snatched the jade pendant.
"The color is too fake, it looks like glass at first glance."
"It doesn't even have a decent gift box, could it be bought from a roadside stall?"
"You wouldn't be here to cause trouble on purpose, trying to disgrace our Lloyd family, would you?"
Morgan bit her lip in frustration.
This loser embarrassed her again.
Wesley took out a small bowl from the box and flaunted, "This is the gift I prepared, a black chicken small plate handcrafted by the master Ian Watson, priceless and a rare find."
Morgan had also heard of Ian Watson's fame; none of his works were priced below a million.
Although Morgan's annual salary exceeds a million, she really couldn't afford to spend a million on a gift.
Thinking of this, Morgan felt even more disappointed in Yves.
Xavier exclaimed, "You even managed to get a piece by Ian Watson, you're really bringing honor to our family. Lily, you've found a good son-in-law for our Lloyd family."
Lily said sarcastically, "Isn't that right? Unlike this good-for-nothing, who just eats and drinks at home, and at critical moments only lets us down. Both are sons-in-law, yet the difference is like night and day."
Saying this, she provocatively looked at Morgan.
She knew very well that Morgan was prettier and more capable than herself.
But what does it matter? She still ended up marrying a useless man.
"What are you all talking about, so lively?"
A woman supporting an old lady in a splendid purple robe walked over.
"Mom."
"Grandma."
Xavier, Lily, Wesley, and other relatives immediately put on smiles and gathered around.
Old Lady Lloyd, the matriarch of the Lloyd family.
She holds great power, much like Empress Dowager Cixi.
"Sister, did mom's hospital check-up go well?" Xavier carefully took over, supporting the old lady as he asked.
Pamela smiled and said, "Our mom eats vegetarian and chants Buddha every day. She wholeheartedly does good deeds, so of course, her health is good. We even stopped by a temple to draw lots, and the abbot said mom could live for at least another 30 years."
"Oh, that's really a blessing for our Lloyd family."
The relatives flattered her with endless compliments.
The old lady couldn't stop smiling.
Morgan signaled Yves with her eyes, urging him to say something nice too.
Yves fixed his gaze on the old lady and solemnly declared, "Grandma, you have a blood tumor in your brain nerves, the situation is very critical, and if not treated, you won't last more than eight hours."
As soon as he finished speaking, the relatives were all stunned.
Even Xavier and Wesley were taken aback.
Is he crazy? Daring to curse the old lady?
Pamela angrily said, "Yves, are you looking for death by cursing my mom?"
"I know it's hard for you to believe, but grandma is really in danger..." Yves insisted earnestly.
Although the old lady was prejudiced against him, it was a matter of life and death, and Yves couldn't just stand by.
"Shut up!" Xavier pointed at Yves's nose and scolded, "Do you think you're Sheldon, the president of the Medical Association, able to diagnose by sight and smell? Let me tell you, I'm a medical professor, and I know my mom's health better than you!"
Wesley, not wanting to miss the chance to stir up trouble, shouted loudly, "Good for you, Yves. Grandma gives you food and even 500,000, isn't that good enough for you? Instead of being grateful, you curse grandma, you're worse than a pig or dog!"
"I didn't curse grandma." Yves tried to explain.
Lily screamed, "Still denying it? The doctors said there's nothing wrong, yet you insist there is. What, does a good-for-nothing like you know medicine?"
The old lady looked at Morgan and said, "He's your husband, you should discipline him well, don't let him embarrass us!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, grandma..." Morgan was both angry and aggrieved.
Clenching her jade-like hands, Morgan seethed with fury towards Yves.
Old lady Lloyd was unimpressed and said calmly, "Haven't I treated you well enough, my dear granddaughter? I handed over several family businesses to you, and this is how you repay me?"
"I..." Morgan didn't know what to say.
Old lady Lloyd waved her hand and said, "Forget it, I think you've been struggling lately, unable to manage even your husband, let alone a large business. I think you should hand over the project to your uncle for now, and we can reconsider when you're back in shape."
Xavier was overjoyed, but he still maintained a look of resentment.
As if all the wealth in the world wasn't as important as Old lady Lloyd.
Morgan's face turned pale.
She built these businesses with her hard work and dedication.
Now that they've been taken back, years of struggle and effort are gone.
"Grandma, your condition is really serious, you must get treatment immediately, otherwise..." Yves wanted to cure Old lady Lloyd to redeem himself, but before he could finish, other relatives interrupted him.
"Morgan, aren't you going to kick this heartless person out? Isn't that embarrassing enough?" Lily harshly criticized.
Seeing Morgan's eyes red, her slender shoulders trembling slightly, Yves said guiltily, "Morgan, I..."
"Leave." Morgan said in a trembling voice.
Yves tried to hold Morgan's slender shoulder, but she forcefully pushed him away.
Her eyes were filled with endless pain and helplessness, she pointed to the door and shouted, "Go! I don't want to see you again!"
Yves sighed and walked towards the door.
"What a pathetic guy."
"He's despised wherever he goes; living is just misery."
"If I were him, I'd find a place to disappear."
The relatives sneered and mocked, kicking him when he was down.
An old man saw the commotion and came over to ask, "What happened here?"
Lily arrogantly retorted, "Why don't you mind your own business?"
Old lady Lloyd, seeing the man's appearance, was so frightened that she rushed forward and asked, "Are you... Frederick?"