Supreme God Of War!

3

Edgar James said that Richard Nicholas was half-hearted, leaving no words unsaid, then went on:

"But that’s okay. Nicholas Family, you have Dream Science. Even if it doesn’t work, you can always come back and starve."

At those words, Richard Nicholas’s expression changed slightly. Serena James grew even angrier.

The story of Dream Science and Technology was well-known. Edgar James couldn’t help but know that Andrew Nicholas had jumped to his death, and yet he said such things in front of everyone, clearly intending to insult Richard Nicholas.

Someone nearby tried to remind him kindly, "Edgar, what are you talking about? Dream Science is already Brian Arthur’s. What Nicholas Family?"

"Oh, yes."

Edgar James looked at Richard Nicholas, laughed, and said, "Sorry, my memory’s bad—I forgot."

He patted his chest and continued, "But don’t worry. Even if you can’t get by, you won’t starve to death. With a brother like me to take care of you, I figure you’re in pretty good shape. You could come work at my company as a security guard or doorman. I’ll give you six thousand dollars a month. How about it?"

"Enough!"

Darius James’s quiet but firm shout made Edgar James close his mouth.

"We’re all one family. Let’s speak a little more carefully."

He looked at Richard Nicholas again. "Richard Nicholas, now that your circumstances aren’t great, I hope you can work harder. Otherwise, perhaps you shouldn’t attend the next family party."

Edgar James watched gleefully, hoping to see Richard Nicholas humiliated.

Serena’s face turned pale—she had never experienced such a humiliating moment.

As for Richard Nicholas, he quickly regained his composure. There was no sign of anger or pain on his face, as if the others’ words had nothing to do with him.

At that moment, outside the hotel, the sound of car horns blared.

More than ten white BMWs formed a long line, pulling up in front of the hotel. In the middle was a silver-black Bentley worth millions, flaunting its noble status.

"Sister and brother-in-law are here!"

Edgar James stood up happily and didn’t forget to glance at Richard Nicholas. "My brother-in-law also joined the army and returned. Look at how proud he is. We’re both soldiers—why is there such a big gap between you two?"

"Stop talking nonsense. Go greet your brother-in-law with your grandfather."

Darius James got up and walked toward the entrance, the others following behind.

It was clear from his eagerness that the arriving guests’ status was high enough to merit such a welcome from the family head.

At the door, Darius James stopped and straightened.

The Bentley door opened, and Paul James took her husband, Albert John, by the hand as they stepped out.

"Grandpa, why are you picking me up yourself?" Albert John asked.

"Aiya, you’re the deputy commander of a battlefield unit. Isn’t this something we should do?"

"Grandpa, don’t say that. Come inside—it’s cold out here."

"Let’s go, let’s go in."

The group surrounded Albert John and walked back into the hall together.

"Come, Albert, Paul, sit here."

Grandfather beamed as he pulled Albert John and Paul James to seats of honor, his face wreathed in smiles—an attitude utterly different from how he had treated Richard Nicholas earlier.

At the ten-seat table, one place was missing, as Richard Nicholas’s unexpected arrival earlier had thrown off the arrangements.

"Oh, one’s missing," Edgar James remarked.

Darius glanced over and said mildly, "Richard Nicholas, stand for now and wait for the waiter to bring another chair."

His voice was calm, but it was obvious he barely regarded Richard Nicholas at all.

Serena, sitting beside Richard, clenched her fists in anger, but could do nothing.

Richard Nicholas chuckled, stood up, and went to get a chair himself.

Darius James and Albert John chatted and laughed, asking after Albert’s current position, never once directing a single question toward Richard Nicholas.

At one point, Paul James looked over and pointed. "Sister, is that Richard Nicholas—your conscripted husband?"

"Yes."

"It’s my first time seeing him. Who introduced you two?"

Edgar James laughed. "Introduce? He went bankrupt, failed in the army, doesn’t even have a job, and needs the James Family to support him. Just looking at him dirties my eyes."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Paul James had always been second to Serena James in everything—less attractive, with a plainer figure. She had been compared unfavorably to Serena all her life.

Now she had finally found an opportunity to take a jab.

Clinging to Albert John’s arm, she said coyly, "Husband, you’re a soldier too. If he’s been in the army, can’t you find him a job?"

Albert John raised his eyebrows. "Are you kidding? Especially on our battlefield—without a certain rank, you’re not even qualified."

He turned his head and looked Richard Nicholas up and down.

"What’s your rank now?"

Richard Nicholas answered lightly, "God of Victory Harvey."

The entire table fell silent.

God of Victory Harvey? What kind of rank was that?

Albert John cleared his throat. "Even if I’m not familiar with Rocky, I know how things work. There’s no such position as God of Victory Harvey, Richard Nicholas. Don’t make things up."

The others all nodded.

"That’s a lie. Why haven’t I heard of it?"

"If Albert John doesn’t know the badge, then it doesn’t exist."

At their sneers, Serena wished she could sink through the floor.

Richard Nicholas, on the other hand, stayed calm and even smiled. "Perhaps you haven’t heard of it because your ranks are too low—you’ve never been exposed to it."

The crowd stared at him as if he’d gone mad.

So arrogant they could hardly stand it.

Who was Albert John? The deputy commander of the Slab School battlefield unit—the second highest rank there.

A moment later, the table erupted in laughter.

Edgar James pointed at Richard Nicholas. "Sister, can you take this lunatic home? He’s embarrassing us."

Albert John sneered as well.

"Some people have low status, but still lie to make themselves look better. In the end, they just make themselves a joke. I don’t despise you for being poor, but you’re so shameless it’s nauseating. Get out—I’m not in the mood to eat with you here."

Edgar James barked, "Did you hear? My brother-in-law told you to get lost!"

The atmosphere turned awkward again.

Darius James turned to Serena. "Serena, tell him to sit at a far table."

"Yes, Grandpa."

Serena rose, gritted her teeth, took Richard’s wrist, and led him to a deserted corner table.

Richard Nicholas only shook his head, his expression calm.

"You can still eat?" Serena said sharply. "You’re stuffed full, acting like nothing happened. Do you even know how to spell the word shame, Richard Nicholas?"

Richard Nicholas said coldly, "The fake will be exposed soon enough."

"What do you mean?"

"You’ll understand soon."

At the head table, Darius James said, "Albert, I wanted to ask you something yesterday."

Albert John smiled. "Grandpa, if you want to ask about the new leadership, I can tell you."

"Yes, I guessed as much."

Albert continued, "This time, with the three zones merging, the position of person in charge is a good one—but it’s hard to do well."

"Why’s that?"

"Simple. He’ll be the general manager of three regions, controlling all the resources. If he handles it well, he’ll make a fortune. The question is, will the original leaders of those regions let him do it? In business, that kind of power is hard to manage."

Darius nodded. "So, do you know who it is?"

"I don’t know."

"Even you don’t know?"

Albert John said awkwardly, "Of course. My rank is far below his. The only clue is that he’s from Rocky."

Rocky?

Darius couldn’t help glancing toward the inner tables. He felt foolish, shaking his head repeatedly.

"Albert, pay attention to this. If the new leader is willing to help the James Family, we can benefit greatly. Just one of the three merged regions could feed us for years."

Albert John patted his chest. "Don’t worry. In a few days, I’ll personally welcome the new leader, and I’ll put in a good word for the James Family. With that, how could we not make money?"

"Thank you, then."

"You’re welcome."

"Come, drink."

"Drink!"

At that moment, three black Rolls-Royces pulled up outside. Each car was worth millions—ordinary people couldn’t afford to drive them.

Who could they be here for?

Darius and Albert exchanged a glance, set down their wine glasses, and walked to the door.

The doors of the three Rolls-Royces opened, and several men in military uniform stepped out.

Each car bore a large honor banner.

The leader stepped up to Darius James and greeted him.

"Hello, we’re from the battlefield, here to present commendation banners to thank your nephew-in-law for his outstanding contributions."

The battlefield?

A nephew-in-law?

Darius immediately turned to Albert John. "Albert, this is wonderful—your superiors sent you commendation banners! You’ve made the James Family proud!"

Albert laughed awkwardly.

Inside, he was baffled. With his abilities, did he deserve even one banner, let alone three?

He suspected some special achievement must have been credited to him and resolved to ask his superiors later.

Darius grinned from ear to ear. "Good, very good! Hang all three banners in the main hall!"

"Yes."

After delivering the banners, the soldiers returned to their cars and left.

At the corner table, Serena looked at the three commendation banners and said with a faint laugh, "Eldest sister really married a dream husband."

Her tone was tinged with both envy and bitterness.

What woman doesn’t dream of marrying an elite man?

At that moment, Serena’s heart was heavy with complicated feelings.

Richard Nicholas glanced at the three banners and said, "I don’t care for such things, but I gave them to them anyway. It’s annoying."

He shook his head and continued eating.

At the family banquet, Albert John went around toasting everyone, while no one paid the slightest attention to Richard Nicholas.

Serena sat beside him, her face dark. More than once she wanted to leave—she didn’t want to stay here any longer.