Chapter 3

As our family of three chatted, Scarlett’s parents approached.

“Julian, really, why say such angry things on stage?

“If you upset Scarlett, you’ll just have to sweet-talk her later, won’t you?

“How about this: you help me secure that property deal in the East District, and I’ll put in a good word for you.”

The paunchy, arrogant man standing before me was Scarlett’s father, Patrick Hayes.

There was a time when he would grovel and fawn over me.

Now, he was practically walking all over me.

All because of my indulgence and endless concessions to Scarlett.

“Mr. Hayes, Scarlett and I have ended our engagement. I don’t need you to put in a good word for me with her.

“I won’t be helping with the property deal. Furthermore, Sterling Enterprises will cease all collaborations with your company, and all investments will be withdrawn.”

His small, near-bankrupt company had only been revived with the support of Sterling Enterprises.

But it seemed this whole family of ingrates had conveniently forgotten.

Mr. Hayes’ face immediately turned sour, and he pointed a finger at my nose, yelling:

“Fine, I won’t help you! Just you wait, you’ll come crawling back to my daughter, begging like a dog…”

*Slap!* My mom slapped his oily face.

“You insult my son again, and I’ll break your jaw!” She had always been gentle and kind, but at that moment, she was like a lioness protecting her cub.

“I’m just stating facts, how is that an insult? Isn’t that exactly what your wonderful son has been doing all these years?” Mr. Hayes didn’t dare hit back, but his mouth wouldn’t quit. “What does it matter if you’re rich and powerful? With a son so utterly blinded by love, your family’s reputation is on the ground for me to trample…”

I walked right up and dislocated his jaw, staring into his eyes:

“Get out.”

He stumbled back a few steps in fright. Scarlett’s mother, Brenda Hayes, caught him, looking at me with disdain and certainty:

“We’ll be waiting for you, your whole family, to come and apologize.”

With that, she dragged Mr. Hayes away, strutting off as if she’d won.

My parents looked at me in shock, then with apprehension. “We’re not going with you to apologize.”

“I’m not going either,” I swore.

They fell silent.