Episode 13

"Respectable? Hah, if you weren't dressed like that, maybe I would believe you!"

Cecilia sneered, then added, "It looks like there are several dresses over there. Clearly, some were purchased for Salena, right? I would estimate the total to be around tens of thousands of dollars!"

Cecilia remarked as she browsed through the contents. Her eyes landed on a dress and she pulled it out of the bag. "This can't be. T-this is a global limited edition dress! It's worth more than a hundred thousand dollars! It's the latest model from a well-known international brand!"

Hearing her words, several people from the Taylor family displayed expressions of shock.

It wasn't because they couldn't afford the dress, but it seemed odd that the Fane family could.

After all, it wasn't a high-end watch or a piece of jade, but merely a dress. Even members of the Taylor family would think twice before splurging hundreds or even thousands of dollars on it.

"Put that dress back. I don't want your hands tarnishing Salena's gown!"

Right after seeing Cecilia take out the dress, Fane's expression grew dark as he issued a warning.

Startled, Cecilia returned the dress to the bag. However, she quickly put on a smile, "Hah, I get it. You must've bought a fake. Tsk tsk... it looks quite authentic. I almost fell for it,"

The rest quickly arrived at the same conclusion. "Exactly. How could they afford international branded items? Absolutely hilarious. What else could it be but a high-quality knockoff?"

"Cecilia, whether it's genuine or not is none of your concern, is it? It's a gift from my husband. As long as it's from him, I will cherish it regardless of its authenticity!"

Salena retorted sarcastically after hearing the unpleasant remarks, "Well, unlike someone in this room, who remains without a boyfriend despite her age. Could it be that you're jealous of me?"

"You..." Cecilia was triggered.

Despite her decent appearance, she indeed had no boyfriend. Salena's words stung her deeply.

Cecilia then sneered, "Hah, me? Jealous of you? Why would a rich girl like me be envious of you? Should I be envious because you were cast out of the Taylor house like trash? I don't have a boyfriend because I'm looking for someone wealthy. Not like the girl before me, cheap enough to marry a delivery man,"

At that moment, Cecilia added more venomous comments.

"Plus, your wedding was less than grand. No engagement gifts even. Quite the embarrassment for our Taylor family,"

"What's it to you if I'm willing? It's not your business. It's my choice!"

Salena fought back fiercely, nearly shattering her composed demeanor.

"Some people just love a downfall, what more can we do?"

Cecilia shrugged. "Well, such hardships are something a girl like me will never experience,"

"Enough!"

Finally, Zeus Taylor shouted, remaining composed.

Zeus Taylor was well-aged, but his words instantly quieted the room.

Zeus walked over to Fane, inspecting him thoughtfully. For some reason, he felt the young man had undergone a complete transformation. Merely standing there, he exuded an air that couldn't be taken lightly.

Was this the same youth who requested a million dollars to treat his mother's illness five years ago?

He pondered for a moment, then finally said, "Tell me, how much must I pay you to leave Salena alone and not disturb her again?"

Zeus Taylor knew all too well Salena's obsession with the young man. Her refusal to divorce was surely because of him.

However, he could thwart this by approaching Fane.

Upon hearing her grandfather's words, Salena frowned, looking at him anxiously.

After all, with the power of money, it would be hard to resist. Moreover, even though they were officially married, there was hardly any affection between them.

Fane paused before replying, "Money? Hah, do you think I care about such things now?"

After all, five years ago if not for saving his mother, Fane would've never asked someone for a million dollars.

"Old Man, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Salena is my woman. For her and my child, she's suffered hardships for five years. It's impossible for me to abandon them!" Fane replied firmly, smiling.

Hearing Fane's words, Salena's heart overflowed with warmth. Her five years of waiting had not been in vain.

Zeus Taylor quickly wrote out a check and signed it. He then offered it to Fane.

"Our Taylor family does not favor you as our son-in-law. Back then, you promised to stage your marriage to Salena to take Ivan's place in battle. I spare your life this time because of your relationships with Salena and Kylie. But you must go!"

"Write any amount you wish! You can cash it at any bank in Central Province. Also, I will overlook your assault on Ivan!"

From Zeus Taylor's viewpoint, he was making a significant concession.

Hearing his grandfather's words, Ivan grew furious. He stepped forward quickly, saying, "Grandfather, we have to kill this insolent brat. He broke my arm..."

"Silence!"

Ivan was stunned as Old Master Taylor instead turned and glared at him.

"Ivan Taylor, do you think I'm unaware of your secret dealings? You think I don't know because my health is failing and I rarely leave the house, right? I, Zeus Taylor, may be old, but I am not blind. Ever since you became director, our company's performance has declined in recent years. I've just been too weary to scold you!"

Zeus Taylor continued, "I ignored your behavior and harassment of Salena because I was angry she chose to have her child. But Kylie is Salena's daughter. She's only four years old. The idea that you'd feed her stomped-on bread is unbearable to even think of!"

"Father, Fane can't just hit Ivan over that, right? Besides, that's just Fane's baseless word. Who knows if he's lying?"

Theodore Taylor, head of the Taylor family and Ivan's father, interjected as he stepped forward.

"Is that so? Would you dare let me investigate the matter to see what really happened?"

Zeus Taylor's words left Theodore speechless. Zeus then added, "You played a significant role in shaping Ivan's current behavior, gallivanting with questionable women. Ivan is under your care. We're only a third-class aristocratic family. It took much effort to get here. Aren't you afraid that one day the Taylor family will crumble at your son's hands?"

"Grandfather, that's not how it is, I go out to drink and entertain clients. It's for the sake of smoothing over business deals!"

Ivan laughed awkwardly, then added, "Moreover, the company's performance has been quite good these past two months. You must believe me. This year, we'll see a huge profit and recover our past losses,"

Hearing Ivan's words, Fane felt much better.

It seemed that much of Zeus Taylor's reason for pushing Salena away was because of his irritation that Salena had married a nameless person like him.

However, five years had passed. Surely, most of Zeus's anger had subsided. Plus, he was likely keeping a discreet eye on Salena and Kylie's situation. Altogether, Zeus Taylor still cared for his granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

"Here, sign this. As for the amount, write what you will! Then, we can call it even!"

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