"You think you're great, Simon? I've been kind enough to give you the opportunity to receive compensation from me, but if you want to take the hard way, I don't mind," Mrs. Irene said as she crossed her arms.
Samuel just stared at Mrs. Irene, his breathing ragged, his mind on Kaila who was now being held hostage in the house by Madame Irene. It was funny, just a short time ago Kaila had been thrown away like useless trash and now they were desperately trying to get her back after her physique had become perfect.
"Tomorrow there is a big meeting of the Samson family, not just dinner and the inauguration of the cooperation between the Reevez family and several other big families. If you still have the courage, you can come with the Reevez name as a guarantee to get in," Mrs. Irene said arrogantly.
"A poor man with no clear background like you won't get in. Don't overestimate yourself," Ben (Kaila's father) said in a dismissive tone.
Samuel remained silent, still with his cold, piercing gaze fixed on them, making no defense for his mockery. He just grunted and turned to leave the house.
"You must know your limits, lest your pride and greed destroy you," said Mrs. Irene.
Samuel walked away with anger burning in his heart, leaving the house with a million resentments towards his in-laws. He had tried to be as respectful as a son-in-law could be, but it all faded when he saw how they treated him and even Kaila.
*****
As Kaila's parents said, the next day there was a big celebration in the Erzasce building. Many people from prestigious and noble circles attended the event. The event was organized by the Antama family, the owners of the Antama Corporation, a very successful company active in various fields. The company was founded without many people knowing who actually owned the company.
The Samson family, the Gonara family, the Reevez family, and other families gathered there. Yes, they all had business connections, and they were also people who were gathered as the global elite. They played a very important role in maintaining and regulating the country's economic system.
"I have heard that the power of the Samson family extends to the military. They are beginning to influence the world's military."
"From what I have heard, he has deliberately built a factory that provides an extraordinary amount of materials for the production of weapons. I've heard that the factory can supply millions of dollars worth of materials per hour. No wonder he's so respected."
"Where have you been? It was a few months ago. The head of the Samson family is now highly respected by the military, and he will surely become even more unrivaled. Look at him, so authoritative."
The women of some conglomerate families loved to talk about powerful men like the Samson Family's son. Now that the name of the Samson family has risen, it's been almost two decades since the family became a big leader of many business sectors. But along with that, there is also a name that is sinking, even though it is isolated so that it is not known by many people out there.
"Ah, good night, Mr. Brandon. We are so honored to have you of the Reevez family join us for some authentic tea from the Groves Mountain. I hear this tea is the equivalent of an Aventadori, but it must be a small price to pay for you," Mr. Ben said humbly to the man named Brandon.
Brandon Samson, son of the highly respected and revered Samson family. He is the target of many women from different families. Even the Reevez family was eager to make their son-in-law in the honorable Samson family.
"Night, I'm not that great, don't hold me in such high esteem," Brandon said.
Kaila's parents were so enthusiastic in front of Brandon that they were eager to have him as their son-in-law. They also often mentioned Kiara, hoping that she could be their hope for a large fortune from the Samson family.
"Kiara, say hello to Mr. Brandon. You must be polite in front of him," Mrs. Irene reprimanded as an alibi to bring Kiara closer to Brandon.
Kiara was well aware of the situation, and instead of being annoyed, she was very much in line with her mother's drama.
"It's a great honor to be in the same place as you," Kiara greeted him gracefully.
Brandon smiled faintly and gave a brief reply. But his eyes were distracted when he saw a woman in a light blue dress standing not far from them. The sad face with the light makeup made Brandon's gaze not even a little distracted from the woman.
"M-Mr. Brandon?" Mrs. Irene asked.
Mrs. Irene was curious what Brandon was looking at with such enthusiasm. And after she turned her head in the same direction, it turned out that Kaila was the main object of Brandon's gaze right now.
'What? Kaila? Is it possible? Is it possible that Mr. Brandon wants Kaila more than Kiara? Tsk, I had hoped that Kiara was the one Mr. Brandon liked. But this is also a good opportunity for me, I have to sell Kaila. It's okay, there are plenty of other conglomerate families I can find Kiara to partner with. Now my main focus is on Mr. Brandon.'
Mrs. Irene thought to herself, she was confident in her decision, she was sure that she could extract wealth from the Samson family through the forced marriage between Kaila and Brandon.
"Ah, Mr. Brandon. Please forgive my moody daughter, she is indeed quiet," Mrs. Irene said.
"Really? Oh, she's not quiet, I think she's very graceful," Brandon said without hesitation.
Brandon looked at Kaila meaningfully. It wasn't just an admiring gaze, but a cunning look like a predator with a huge appetite for possession.
"She's single," Mrs. Irene said, knowing what Brandon was thinking.
Brandon looked at Mrs. Irene and smiled wryly. "But... Didn't I hear a while ago that she was married to a man from out of town?"
Mrs. Irene panicked and hurriedly refuted. "No! I mean, that was just a diversion. There's something that makes us have to protect her by spreading such a rumor."
"Oh, really? Great, I'm interested in this girl. She could be a good match for me--"
"There is no good relationship between a married woman and a man who wants to take another man's property."
Everyone in the room turned to Samuel, who stood proudly in a suit that accentuated his good looks.
"You again! Have you no shame? Do you think you can meet my standards?" exclaimed Mrs. Irene angrily.
"Who is he?"
"He doesn't seem to be an influential person like us."
"He doesn't come from the right circles like we do."
"He doesn't have a clear family background."
"Although he is handsome, he doesn't seem to be well established."
There were many negative whispers about Samuel; no one liked him. Some shied away from him because they didn't want to be near him, others stared and hissed at his presence.
"Simon!"
Kaila exclaimed happily when she saw her husband coming to the party she didn't want, she immediately ran towards Samuel but her hand was grabbed first by Mr. Ben and made her struggle angrily.
"Don't grab my wife like that!" snapped Samuel unhappily.
Brandon smiled contemptuously at him, he really felt that he was above Samuel in everything. He underestimated Samuel, who he thought was nothing and had no power there.
"Wife?" asked Mrs. Irene, interrupting. "She's Mr. Brandon's future wife! How shameless! Since when have I thought of you as my son-in-law? Don't expect to be part of the Reevez family!"