Episode 14

A maelstrom of emotions churned within Zeus Taylor. Fane's guess had nearly hit the mark.

Mr. Taylor, the patriarch, held his reputation in high regard. Back then, he had compelled Fane to wed the Taylor heiress to avert Ivan's enlistment as a soldier. That move alone was a severe strike to the Taylor family's esteem.

Zeus had not braced for the arrival of an even greater disgrace. Fane had been married to Salena for merely a day when he went off to enlist the very next, only for Salena's pregnancy to be discovered instantly.

Zeus knew Salena had been inebriated that night, even harboring suspicion that Fane had coerced her.

He had not anticipated Salena claiming the encounter to be consensual. That revelation nearly stricken Zeus with a heart attack.

Enraged, he banished Salena, her parents, and her 14-year-old brother from the Taylor estate.

Salena's inability to secure employment and the restrictions imposed on her were Ivan's machinations.

"Are you certain I can fill in any amount?"

Slightly taken aback before chuckling, Fane inquired.

"Of course! Fill it in!"

Seeing Fane genuinely tantalized by money sent waves of delight through Zeus Taylor's heart. Salena's beauty stood above the ordinary, her business acumen noteworthy.

Should Salena consent to divorce Fane, there'd be no dearth of prosperous suitor prospects.

In fact, he'd caught wind of Ken Clark's attempts to court Salena.

"Surely, the Master will honor his word, so fill it promptly!" Fiona asserted.

Fiona reveled in the conversation. Swiftly, she approached the dazed Salena.

"My dear, behold. I foretold his letdown. You wished to be his progeny, waiting for five years. Five years of suffering, only for the choice to be money? Such is the materialistic world!"

Salena stood lost, engulfed in confusion. Years of waiting, endured afflictions, all to culminate like this...

"Fane, have you lost your senses? Where else could one find such an admirable wife? Would you genuinely forsake your wife and child for wealth? Salena endured five years. She bore the scorn and ridicule, even forgoing work to scrape by on trash collection!"

Joan stepped forward, gazing at Fane, her eyes filled with disillusion. "One mustn't lack compassion!"

"Mother, let him be!"

Despair filled Salena's eyes. Five years' struggle climaxing to this conclusion.

"You see, Salena? All men are worthless. I implored you to abort, yet you wouldn't heed me!"

Cecilia cut in sharply, "Huh, even being unable to find a lover beats having one so unreliable."

Tears brimmed in Salena's eyes. She peered at Fane, feeling crestfallen. "Is your mind made up?"

Fane smiled. "I've decided!"

And with that, Fane proceeded to fill out the check.

Handing the check back to Zeus, Fane declared, "I've done as you asked!"

"Heh, naturally, my word is my bond!"

As Fane chose money, or so it seemed, a glimmer of regret flickered in Zeus' eyes.

Respect for Fane had been a seed in Zeus' contemplation. Should Fane demonstrate aptitude and treat his grandson kindly, acceptance was a probability.

Alas, the man fell short of expectations.

However, aghast, Zeus inspected his check.

There, inscribed, was an endless string of nines, '9999999999999999...'

Culminating in the symbol of ellipsis, the infinite!

"What mockery is this, you scoundrel? Do you jest with me?"

Zeus' visage darkened, his presence formidable.

Even Theodore moved in to glance at the check and barked, "You cad, Fane, what's this? A farce?"

"What is the problem?"

Cecilia, taken aback, hastened for a look. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven... but why end with an ellipsis? What amount is this?"

At that moment, Fane erupted in laughter.

Approaching Salena, he took her hand, his voice earnest,

"My wife has waited for this mere courier for five years, braving life's hardships. Do you believe money can measure her worth? Her value is beyond sight; thus, you can't afford the price I'd ask!"

"Oh, Fane..."

Caught between rancor and amusement, Salena bathed in joy.

Seconds prior, she thought Fane would opt for wealth, pursue divorce, leave her and their daughter.

Yet Fane inscribed an immeasurable series of nines on the check, appending the symbol of infinity as its terminal.

"May I see, may I see!"

Initially incensed, upon hearing this, Joan seized the check. After reviewing it, she energetically passed it to Salena.

"Salena, observe! This embodies your worth in my son's heart. You are priceless!"

"Yes, Mother, I am aware!"

Salena blushed, her years of anticipation not in vain. This man did not disappoint.

"Dare you trifle with our Taylor lineage. Fane, you seek your demise. Guards, disable and expel him this instant!" Theodore surged forward, bellowing in fury.

"Is this a challenge? Apologies, but I have honed my prowess in this domain!" Fane responded calmly to Theodore's roar.

A smile sketched across his face, Fane continued, "In the past five years, I can't count how high a mountain of my foes would be. Many fighters fell by my hand. Several near-death encounters, yet I endured, knowing someone loyal awaited at home. Dying was not an option!"

Fane's declaration emanated a potent aura. He stood sovereign-like with his mere presence.

"Today, I'll instruct the bold who dare cross me on the folly of their ways!"

"What did I say before we returned?"

Salena's expression darkened as she admonished Fane with a threatening tone.

Since joining the military, Salena thought Fane grew harder, but arrogance crept in.

Moreover, they were within the Taylor estate. Fane was merely the son-in-law. How could he dare act against family members?

Recalling his promise to Salena, Fane coughed out a sheepish laugh. "Erm, just a jest!"

Yet, guards outside the door had already barged in.

"Stand down!"

As the guards moved to act, Zeus Taylor commanded forcefully.

The guards exchanged looks then withdrew hastily.

"Father, that rogue makes a mockery of us. Do you not see?"

Frustration seeped through Theodore. Yet, none could contravene the orders of Zeus Taylor, the Grand Master.

While he headed the family and his son helmed the Taylor Group, it was Zeus Taylor who truly reigned. All crucial family affairs passed through him.

"He doesn't mock us. I did ask Fane to fill it to his content. Nevertheless, we cannot tender the price.

Zeus Taylor emitted a bitter laugh, then said, "Fane, it has been five years. My granddaughter endured plenty. Since you've genuinely fallen in love and Kylie has blossomed, I won't compel your divorce from Salena.

After these words, Zeus Taylor's tone shifted abruptly. "But..."

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