The situation had taken unexpected turns, and even Jennifer's perception of Frederick underwent a visible change."Jen, are you alright? You didn't get hurt, did you?" Sylvia asked with concern. Her words thawed Jennifer's icy demeanor, turning her uneasy. Jennifer had never imagined having the need to navigate around a mother-in-law before."Madam... I mean, Mom. I rushed out today, and didn't bring any gifts. Here's two hundred thousand. Use it for tea or buy something for yourself," Jennifer said, trying to lighten the mood as she handed Sylvia a bank card. "If it's not enough, let me know, and I'll transfer more money to you."Sylvia quickly pushed away Jennifer's hand. "How could I take your money? Jen, don't worry about me. I make enough to support myself. The most important thing is for you two to get along and give me a cute grandchild soon. I dream of holding my grandchild in my arms!" she said with a warm smile.Jennifer trembled slightly, astonished. "A grandchild?"
"A high school reunion?" Frederick furrowed his brows. He genuinely had no idea. After the college entrance exam, he joined the military in the Northern Frontier and cut off contact with most of his high school classmates.But to Stella and Malcolm, his reaction meant something else entirely.Stella quipped, "Seriously? How come our class's top student didn't get notified about a reunion?"Malcolm put his arm around Stella's waist, giving her a mischievous squeeze. "Top student? That's ancient history! Past glory means nothing now!He smirked. "Frederick, did you vanish after the exam because you failed and were too embarrassed to show your face? Couldn't even get into a community college, huh?" Frederick replied flatly, "I don't owe anyone an explanation for my choices."In truth, his exam scores were exceptional. He even received offers from top universities like Clear North University. They had secretly sent a representative to tell him that he could enroll in the universit
The crowd paused, their disdain and contempt growing stronger in their eyes. Looking for food as soon as he walked in? He’s hopeless! How could the former top student have fallen so low?Only one woman, with a gentle face and minimal makeup, handed him a plate of snacks. She whispered, "You can eat this to fill your stomach for now."Frederick recognized her as his former desk mate, Jade Hawkins. She had confessed her feelings to him before, but he had politely declined, and she graciously accepted being friends. In their final year of high school, they studied hard together for the college entrance exam, spending some wonderful moments together.After graduation, Frederick realized he had developed some feelings for Jade. But by then, it was too late."Thanks, Jade," Frederick said with a faint smile.Jade smiled, though she looked somewhat regretful. "Are you doing well now?""Fairly well. I think things are okay," Frederick replied. He never expected that among his forme
"Frederick, how much did you say was in this?" Jade asked. She thought her ears were playing tricks on her."Fifty billion," Frederick said casually.Everyone stood up, as if electrified, and burst into laughter."Damn! Frederick, were you stupid when you were in school? Do you even know what fifty billion means?""The GDP of Mirage City for a whole year doesn't even add up to fifty billion! If you asked Mirage City's richest man, Derek, for that amount, he'd probably go bankrupt overnight!"Joshua took a harsh drag from his cigarette. "Frederick, it's fine if you're broke, but stop talking rubbish. We might still consider you a decent person.""Fifty billion! You're great at making up stories! Hahaha!" Stella couldn't stop laughing. "Oh, Frederick. Who would've thought that after struggling at the bottom of society for years, you've picked up the bad habit of boasting like a bottom-feeder instead of keeping yourself grounded!"Malcolm narrowed his eyes. "Ah, Stella, can you bel
A long string of numbers rolled across the screen, so many that one would think they were reading a social security number!"One, two, three…seven…nine… Nine zeroes and fifty… That's fifty billion!"He rubbed his eyes several times, wondering if he was seeing things. The real numbers in front of him felt like a bolt from the blue, turning his legs weak.Fifty billion in the card! Goodness! Was this a prince from another country, or a mega-rich tycoon from overseas?No! The management must be notified!"What's going on?" The manager of the Essence Hotel rushed over, furrowing his brow."A guest just whipped out a card I've never seen before, and it's got fifty billion in it!" the waiter blurted out."The Global Elite Black Card? You can count the owners of those in Drakonia with just two hands!" The manager's eyes widened in shock. He asked hurriedly, "What's the owner’s name?""According to those folks, it's...Frederick Lester!""Frederick Lester? Wait a minute! You really hea
"No way! I didn't hear that!" Stella insisted confidently.She absolutely refused to believe that the hotel would give them almost eight million worth of wine for free just because of Frederick!Malcolm chimed in, "I didn't hear it, either! How could the hotel possibly open three bottles of 1985 Romanee-Conti for free just because of this loser? Clearly, it's because of Mr. Harper!""Exactly! Mr. Harper is under the Loder family! How could we have missed that?"Everyone suddenly realized this, and nodded in agreement. This quickly became the consensus, and they all echoed the same thought. Even those who initially heard Frederick's name quickly changed their tune, claiming they misheard.Joshua, who had been a bit unsure, now believed it completely and laughed loudly. "Haha! Such generosity must be because the Loders' heir instructed it. Mr. Loder is too kind to spend so much!" he boasted."Of course, it's all because of you, Mr. Harper!""Even the Great Four Warrior Clans hav
"The Lesters? They're from the Great Four Warrior Clans, right?!"Everyone was immediately terrified. Instinctively, they distanced themselves from Frederick."Oh god! He really is bad luck!""He's messed with some shady people before, but now he's gone and provoked the Great Four Warrior Clans!""They're Savant Grandmasters! We better keep our distance, or we’d get caught up in the mess!"Cursing under their breath, everyone moved away from Frederick.Malcolm quickly spoke up, "Gentlemen of the Lester family, we're actually not familiar with this Frederick at all! If you want to take him away, please do so! We won't object!"Stella and the others nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's right!"Even Joshua, who had been knocked to the ground, crawled up like a worm and began begging for mercy."I had no idea you were part of the Lesters! I'm under Mr. Glen Loder! Please, spare me! Think about the Loders' reputation, and let me live!"Tristan sneered. "I have no interest in the lives
"What's wrong with the security in this damn hotel? The Lesters' Savant Grandmasters just waltzed in as they pleased! If anyone didn't know any better, they'd think this was the Lesters' own backyard!" Frederick snarled. Glen was still reeling from Frederick's kick. He was drenched in sweat as he apologized profusely, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lester! It's all the fault of our useless security team! They're so incompetent, they wouldn't dare stop anyone from the Lester family."I'll fire the entire security department immediately! They're all idiots! Even I can't stand them!"Jade watched the scene unfold with a mix of shock and dread.Goodness! Were these the almighty Great Four Warrior Clans she had always heard of? In front of Frederick, they were nothing but lowly lackeys!"Mr. Loder, both our families are part of the Great Four Warrior Clans. We've always coexisted peacefully. But today, when we're cleaning house. Do you really want to meddle?" Tristan said, his face contorted in rage