Eldrin Denvair's voice was neither loud nor soft, but the disdain in his tone was unmistakable.
"If you can't come up with three billion, divorce Lyria and leave Port Avallon forever. Just looking at you makes me sick!"
Kael Renforth met Eldrin's words with an unwavering gaze, his tone calm and measured.
"And if I can? Then you, Eldrin Denvair, leave Port Avallon instead."
The confidence in Kael's voice caught Eldrin off guard. For a moment, he hesitated, uncertain whether to agree.
"Eldrin" Celeste Denvair interjected with a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with cunning.
"Surely, you don't believe he can actually pull it off, do you?"
Celeste's words planted a seed of doubt in Eldrin's mind. But the idea of Kael's utter humiliation quickly fanned his temper.
"Fine! If you can really produce three billion, I'll leave Port Avallon. But if you can't, you'll divorce Lyria immediately!" Eldrin sneered, smug satisfaction spreading across his face.
Three billion? The very thought was laughable!
In the corner of the room, Celine Denvair watched anxiously. Her expression betrayed her inner turmoil.
To be honest, she didn't believe Kael had that kind of money either. But she didn't want to see him lose.
"This is pointless," Celine muttered under her breath, her frustration growing.
Eldrin, whose sharp ears caught her words, snapped back.
"Who said we're family? That man's a curse, and soon he'll be out of Port Avallon for good!"
Celine cast a pleading look at Lyria, hoping someone would put an end to the farce. After all, Kael was still her brother-in-law, and his humiliation would only drag the family's name through the mud.
"Sis," Celine whispered, tugging at Lyria's sleeve, "this wager is ridiculous. How do you even enforce something like leaving Port Avallon? It doesn't count!"
Eldrin hesitated, realizing Celine had a point.
But before anyone could speak further, Celeste chimed in again, his tone light and mocking.
"Why not make it official? Announce it in the newspapers. A public statement declaring him a pariah if he ever sets foot in Port Avallon again. Let the whole city bear witness!"
Eldrin's eyes lit up.
"Brilliant idea! Let's do it!"
Celine sighed deeply. Eldrin's determination to humiliate Kael left her with no choice but to wait for the outcome.
Moments later, the company's financial officer hurried in, a report clutched in his hand and a conflicted expression on his face.
Eldrin's grin widened at the sight.
"See? I knew it! He doesn't have the money!"
The matriarch's face hardened, her disdain evident as she snorted.
The room was filled with jeers and scornful whispers.
Only Kael Renforth remained composed, his expression calm as still water.
Even Lyria's breathing quickened as she stepped forward to intercept the report.
"Well?" she demanded.
Eldrin's voice rose again, brimming with triumph.
"What's there to ask? Kael Renforth, it's time to pack your bags and leave Port Avallon!"
"Make that public statement now!" the matriarch added coldly.
"Kael Renforth, you've been living off the Denvair family for years. It's time you made good on your word for once. Don't disgrace yourself further!"
All eyes were on Kael, waiting for him to crumble.
But Kael stood tall, his posture unwavering. He met their scorn with quiet confidence, showing no sign of concern.
His belief in Deven was unshakable. And even if the funds weren't there yet, a single call from him could resolve the situation instantly.
As the tension in the room mounted, Lyria scanned the financial report. Her expression grew increasingly grave. She turned to Kael, holding up the paper.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded.
Kael glanced at the report, his calm demeanor unbroken.