Chapter 4

After being discharged from the hospital, I made an excuse about a business trip and didn't go home for two weeks.

Chloe seemed busy taking care of the injured Liam, and she didn't press me much.

It was my mother-in-law, Mrs. Davies, who suddenly called me.

It was the same old, tired conversation.

"Adam, when are you finally going to give me a grandchild?"

In that moment, I found it incredibly ironic.

She probably had no idea that she *could* have had a grandchild, but her own daughter had personally destroyed it.

"I don't plan on having children."

"Don't want them?" Mrs. Davies shrieked, her voice sharp and loud. "If you're not going to have kids, what good are you to our family? Your background is ordinary, your job isn't great, and you can't even produce a child. What's the difference between you and a good-for-nothing? I never should have agreed to Chloe marrying you!"

I knew. For five years of our marriage, my in-laws had always looked down on me.

Before, for Chloe's sake, I had always chosen to endure it. But now, I had no reason to swallow my anger.

"Anyway, let's not talk about that," Mrs. Davies paused, then suddenly lowered her voice. "Next week is your father-in-law's sixtieth birthday. You and Chloe both need to come home. Remember to prepare a big gift for your father-in-law. Don't you dare embarrass my daughter!"

I froze for a moment.

Then, I chuckled. "Alright."

When the time comes, I'll definitely give you all a *big* gift.

…

In the blink of an eye, it was my father-in-law's sixtieth birthday banquet.

When I arrived at the Davies' family home, the grand hall was already packed with relatives and friends, drinks clinking, buzzing with lively chatter.

To my surprise, Liam was there too.

Chloe made no attempt to hide him, introducing him to every relative and friend one by one.

I walked towards them, my face set in a dark scowl, and coldly demanded, "Chloe, it's your dad's birthday today. What are you doing bringing this pesky leech, Liam, here?"

Before Chloe could reply, Mr. Davies rushed over.

"Adam, what kind of talk is that? Liam is my godson. We met fishing. You have no right to be rude to him!"

"Godson?" I was stunned.

I had no idea that not only had Chloe's heart wandered, but even my father-in-law was gradually falling under Liam's spell.

I, on the other hand, had become a complete outsider.

Liam suddenly extended his wine glass towards me, a fake smile plastered across his face. "Brother-in-law, you're just in time. I'd like to propose a toast! You actually misunderstood last time; Chloe was just celebrating my birthday. Nothing more. Even though you almost gave me a concussion last time, thanks to Chloe's careful nursing, my injuries are almost healed."

"What?!" Mr. Davies stared at me in shock, his nostrils flaring in anger. "Adam, *you* caused Liam's head injury last time? Liam has no grudge against you. Are you insane or something?!"

"Godfather, please don't be angry. My injuries are fine, and I've already forgiven brother-in-law."

Liam forcefully shoved the wine glass into my hand, feigning a polite smile. "Brother-in-law, drink this glass, and we'll let bygones be bygones."

With that, he raised his own glass and drained it.

I glared at him, clutching the wine glass in my hand. Then, I suddenly flipped it, splashing all the contents directly onto his face.

"Liam, who the hell wants to let bygones be bygones with you?!"