Ethan's commanding presence startled Silas, causing him to step back involuntarily. Realizing what had just happened, he was overwhelmed with rage and humiliation. This little individual had intimidated him. It felt like a massive blow to his pride, even if it was just for a moment.
Claudia yelled at Ethan, her voice slicing through the tension in the room. "Shut up! What do you know? Even if Mr. Clay made a mistake, it wasn't intentional! What nonsense are you saying about radioactivity? A loser like you knows nothing."
One of the relatives, a man with a beer belly, rose and echoed, "Exactly! I've never heard of Autunite before. How can you, a good-for-nothing, know what it is? Don't make up names to trick us!"
Ethan's eyes turned icy, his gaze cutting through the room like a blade. He couldn't disrespect Claudia, Anastasia's mother, but the other relatives were fair game. He approached the beer-bellied relative slowly and menacingly. "Since you're saying I'm making up stories and this thing is harmless, try it yourself."
He handed over the diamond debris, pretending to rub it on the man's skin. The relative recoiled in terror, falling over furniture in his attempt to flee. "Stop, stop! Don't come near me!" he cried, his voice trembling with fear. Chaos erupted as people pushed and shoved to get away from Ethan and the dangerous debris.
The room was thick with tension; gasps and hurried whispers filled the air. Claudia's face was a mix of rage and anguish as her world crumbled around her. She never expected this confrontation to expose their veneer.
"Enough!" Ethan's voice cut through the chaos, silencing the room. His stare was fixed, his resolve unshakeable. He looked at each of them in turn, eyes filled with a mix of rage and determination. "Do you think you can insult, mock, and treat me like dirt? No more. I will not be your scapegoat. I will prove my worth not with words but actions."
He turned to Anastasia, his gaze softening. "For you and Sophia, I will fight. I will persevere. And I'll make things right." His words hung in the air, a promise he was determined to keep.
In the hallway, chaos erupted. "Enough!" During the commotion, Anastasia, silently carrying her child, broke a bowl on the ground, shocking everyone. She took a deep breath and approached Silas. "I'm sorry the pendant you gave Sophia broke. I'll reimburse you."
Silas remained polite. Shaking his head, he said, "It's a gift for Sophia. It's enough that you don't blame me. How could I ask you to pay for it? I'll get her another gift."
"Thanks, but that's not necessary," Anastasia declined gently.
Silas wanted to say more, but Anastasia moved to Ethan's side, scowling at the debris in his hand. "Why are you still holding that? Aren't you scared you'll get hurt?"
Ethan grinned, reassuring her, and followed her to the kitchen to clean up. Her voice, even tinged with anger, soothed his spirit. He knew he had a long way to go, but these moments gave him hope.
Silas watched, eyes filled with anger and resentment. He felt the sting of being ignored, the humiliation of his gift being exposed as a forgery, and the realization that Ethan had a connection with Anastasia he could never replicate.
At that moment, two sleek black cars arrived at the Reed residence, followed by a luxurious Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. The air vibrated with anticipation as two large men stepped out and knocked loudly on the door, demanding attention.
"Who is it?" Claudia snapped, her irritation mounting. The persistent knocking was the last straw. She had believed she got a valuable gemstone worth over two hundred seventy dollars, only to discover it was counterfeit and highly radioactive. She'd touched the pendant for a long time and felt uncomfortable but was embarrassed to wash her hands before Silas.
She flung the door open in a huff. "What are you knocking for?" Seeing two imposing bodyguards at their doorpost, her words faltered. Their presence left her dumbfounded. She swallowed hard before asking, "Yes? Who are you looking for?"
The bodyguards exchanged glances before one stepped forward. "We are here to see Charles Reed. Is he home?"
Claudia's eyes widened in surprise. "Charles! Someone's here to see you!" she called, her voice tinged with curiosity and dread. She stepped aside to let the bodyguards in, her mind racing with questions.
As Charles arrived, the atmosphere grew tense. The arrival of these outsiders hinted at secrets and conflicts yet to be resolved.
"Is this Charles Reed's home?" asked a man in his fifties who resembled a butler.
"Are you looking for my husband?"
Charles approached from the living room and was stunned when he saw the man. Wasn't this Victor Sable, the head butler of Damien Monroe, the richest man in Emerald Coast County?
Anastasia's father hurriedly walked down the stairs, smiling. "I didn't realize it was you, Mr. Sable. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."
Silas interrupted, shaking Victor's hand first. "What brought you here, Mr. Sable? It's an honor to see you."
Victor frowned. "Who are you?"
"Silas Clay. My father, Logan Clay, controls SW Corporation. A few days ago—" Victor withdrew his hand and took a handkerchief to wipe it, not looking at him. The Monroe Corporation was superior to the SW Corporation, a second-rate company.
Silas' face flushed with embarrassment. He had hoped to make a connection but was humiliated instead.
Anastasia's father dared not respond, staring at Victor, wondering why he was here.
"Are you Charles Reed?" Victor asked.
Anastasia's father nodded vigorously.
Victor handed over a thick gift list from his pocket. Claudia's eyes sparkled as she read it aloud:
"Starlight Estate's Exclusive Lakeside Villa!"
"Customized Ferrari Supercar!"
"80% shares of Luna Fashion!"
"80% shares of the Cloud Crest Hotel!"
"One Majestic Jewelers branch!"
"Seven stores in the Platinum Square Shopping Center!"
Claudia's breathing quickened as she read the list, and she finally cried, "There's a million-dollar betrothal present! Oh my God!" She pinched Charles' arm fiercely. "Hubby, I'm not dreaming, am I?!"