Chapter 5

On the day of Mr. James's 80th birthday, I brought Hernandez with me.

He just glanced at Hernandez indifferently, then pulled me aside to chat.

"Marcus, come sit with me."

Hernandez glared at me resentfully, then consciously walked away.

The host's voice rang out: "Let's give a warm round of applause to celebrate Mr. James's 80th birthday."

Suddenly, countless old photos appeared on the big screen. They showed a woman and a man in intimate poses.

Everyone recognized the man—it was my father, Johnson.

And the woman in the photos was my mother, Lavinia.

The caption read: Homewrecker schemes to seduce married man, attempting to steal his place.

I was dazed by these old photos, still unable to react when my true identity was exposed next.

[Shocking Secret: Williams Group Leader Is Actually the Son of a Homewrecker.]

[Williams Group Heir's Background Exposed: Child Left Behind by Mistress Who Climbed the Social Ladder.]

Everyone's eyes turned toward me simultaneously.

"So Marcus is the son of a mistress!" A voice from the crowd struck like thunder, exploding in the banquet hall.

All the world's malice surged toward me in that moment.

"No wonder the Oliver family rejected him. Who would dare marry the son of a homewrecker!"

"He looks like a male escort. Whoever marries him will be unlucky."

I felt a buzzing in my ears.

I'd only told one person about my mother—Oliver. This was my weakness, my untouchable pain.

I clenched my fists, forced myself to walk toward Oliver, and slapped her across the face.

"You... are shameless!"

"Marcus, this is a misunderstanding. Let me explain..."

"I will never forgive you. Oliver, even if it costs me my life, I'll drag you down with me!"

I slowly raised my eyes, my gaze sweeping across Hernandez's smug face.

Then I addressed the guests, my voice ice-cold: "Today, at Mr. James's birthday celebration, I publicly auction off my marriage to the highest bidder!"

I glanced at Oliver and continued, "The requirement is: bankrupt the Oliver family."

Another wave of mockery washed over me like a flood.

[He's lost it! Who would marry an illegitimate son? We wouldn't take him for free!]

[Can't be the elite heir anymore, so now he's become an auction item?]

I gripped my hands, my fingertips turning white, enduring wave after wave of ridicule.

Time passed minute by minute, and my hope gradually faded.

[Isn't this just humiliating himself? Get lost...]

[Don't dirty our place. Get out!]

"Who says no one wants him!" A cold voice drifted out. "Mr. Marcus, I'll marry you."