Chapter 2

2

My father's face darkened instantly as he slammed his hand onto the table and stood up.

Carter's father, Harold Shaw, rushed over with an apologetic smile.

"Arthur, old friend, this is just between the kids. As elders, we should just give them our blessings instead of getting worked up."

"Rest assured, our brotherhood will never change no matter what happens."

My father shot him a chilling glare and snapped, "Harold, who the hell do you think you are?"

"You think you're worthy of calling me your brother?"

Leaving Harold frozen, my father strode up to the stage and pulled me into a protective embrace.

"Sweetheart, don't be sad. Dad is here, and I will get you complete justice for today."

"Now that everything is out in the open, things are much simpler."

My father turned his icy gaze toward Carter.

"Carter Shaw, I hope you have the guts to take full responsibility for what you did today."

Carter shrank back slightly in fear.

"Uncle Arthur, forced love never works out. Even if I bowed down and gave in, Gwen and I wouldn't be happy. Surely a man of your stature wouldn't hold a grudge against a junior like me?"

"Please don't be angry. I'll still treat Gwen well. I'll care for her like my own sister, and our families' partnerships can continue as usual."

My father laughed out of pure rage.

"Give in? So you're saying the prized jewel of the Prescott family isn't good enough for you?"

"Good. Very good."

"A brat like you isn't even worth getting my own hands dirty."

My father grabbed the microphone and announced loudly across the hall:

"Since today's wedding is canceled, it will now be my daughter Gwen's birthday gala."

"I'm giving you five minutes. Within five minutes, every member of the Shaw family and their affiliates must get the hell out, or don't blame me for getting rough."

My father was usually a genial man. Even as the head of an elite powerhouse, he rarely lost his temper and always maintained a mild-mannered reputation.

He was so mild-tempered that people often forgot he was the head of the Prescott empire, a titan whose footstep could make the entire financial district tremble.

In less than three minutes, the Shaws and their relatives fled the banquet hall without daring to make a peep.

Only Harold Shaw remained below the stage, looking embarrassed as he tried to plead.

"Arthur, why make things so ugly for everyone?"

"You know how much I've always adored Gwen. Weren't you always talking about taking Carter in as your godson? Why do this?"

He turned and glared at Carter.

"What are you standing there for? If you can't marry Gwen, quickly recognize Uncle Arthur as your godfather!"

Carter froze for a second, then immediately moved to kneel before my father.

"Godfather, don't worry. I will honor and respect you properly and never let Gwen suffer any hardship."

To make matters worse, Savannah shamelessly chimed in beside him.

"Carter's godfather is my godfather too. I will honor you just like a devoted daughter."

I felt a wave of nausea hit my stomach.

I never knew people could be so utterly shameless.

My father sneered and patted my hand, signaling he would handle it.

"I can't bear such a filthy gesture, and I certainly don't have such vile, disgusting children."

"I will settle today's score with you piece by piece."

"As for you, Harold Shaw, our ties are severed starting today. Next time we meet, it's war."

With that declaration, my father waved his hand, ordering security to drag the humiliating pests out into the street.