Chapter 17

Everyone looked toward Adrian. There was a three-second pause followed by an explosion of laughter. “Haha! Adrian, you trash! You’re such a funny man!” Francis held his stomach as he pointed at Adrian with tears of laughter rolling down his cheeks. All the Cowells laughed uproariously. Simon chastised Adrian, “You said that you were going to get an invitation for the Cowells, but I was the one who ended up getting it. You just love to lie!” Clara added, “You’re so funny. You, the piece of trash, can get Samantha into the investment conference? What a joke!” Adaline closed her eyes because she was speechless. Adrian making an outrageous lie like that would just make everyone laugh at him. Samantha was disappointed again. She felt terrible for leaving Adrian on the streets earlier, but it seemed that he had not learned his lesson. ‘Go on. Laugh. I’ll enjoy the look on your faces on that day,’ Adrian thought. The laughter finally stopped, then the Cowells looked at him. Simon said, “Adrian, if you get Samantha a spot at the conference, I’ll get on my knees and call you ‘Daddy.’” “Stop thinking that you’re an important person. You’re just a piece of trash,” Francis said. “All right, let’s not waste time with this piece of trash. We’re people that the legate thinks highly of.” Clara sighed and waved her hand. They were going to leave when Clara continued, “Adrian, we’re just dying to see the invitation you’re going to get for Samantha.” The Cowells left after making a joke out of them. After they had left, Samantha and Adaline were quiet. It was obvious from their expression that they felt terrible, especially Samantha. She did not know how many more years she had to face such ridicule. “Mother, I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” Samantha put down her cutleries and shuffled into her room. Rue sighed upon seeing how physically and mentally tired Samantha was. Adaline looked at Adrian with tears rolling down her face. “Adrian, you saw all that. The Cowells don’t respect us. If you’re a real man, you need to stop lying and actually do something,” she said to him. Adrian turned to face her. “Ada, do you trust me? If you do, you’ll understand everything on the day of the conference.” “All right, I’ll trust you. Don’t disappoint me.” After saying that, Adaline went to her room too. Rue gave Adrian a smile. “Adrian, don’t be upset at Ada and Sam.” “Don’t worry, Mother. The truth will come out soon,” he replied. *** The next morning, Adaline went out to meet some friends. Samantha went to the office early. Even though she was disappointed, she had to hang in there for her company’s sake. Bailar was still deep in debt. Adrian left in a car that Daniel sent over and was at the event venue’s rooftop garden. The place was already nicely decorated. Daniel said, “Sir, I’ve followed your request in decorating the place and have informed Battle Warrior Lucas. He will be attending the conference.” “Good.” Adrian looked around and nodded in approval. “Take a look and see if there’s anything more that you’ll need. I’ve arranged for the armored cars to show up on the day of the conference.” Adrian thought about it but nothing came to mind. Then, he remembered something and said, “Send an invitation to the Xanders and tell them that the entire family is invited to the conference.” “Yes, sir.” Daniel immediately sent someone to carry out the order. Adrian, on the other hand, hopped into his car and drove to Xander Manor. Swallowston, Xander Manor. At that moment, there was an emergency family meeting in the living room about the investment conference for Swallow Central. Harold paced around the living room and was thinking of a way to secure an invitation. But ever since Henry’s passing, the Xanders were no longer as well-known in Swallowston as they once were. Therefore, they had no opportunity to attend the conference. “Father, think of something. The conference is in a few days. If we don’t get an invitation, we won’t get a chance to be part of Swallow Central.” Leonard was anxious. Everyone there was desperate to get an invitation. Harold sighed and said, “I can’t think of anything. We’re not going to be invited.” Everyone was crestfallen. Suddenly, Adrian walked in. “Grandfather, Uncles, what’s your decision? When are you going to hand Paraiso back to me?” Everyone turned their heads. Leonard was furious. “Adrian, you disrespectful man. How dare you show your face here. If it wasn’t for you, the legate would’ve attended your grandfather’s birthday celebration.” Everyone thought that Adrian was the reason, so they hated him to the core. Harold lost his temper. “Adrian, my useless grandson. Get out of here.” Adrian smiled. “Grandfather, that’s not very nice. Among your sons, other than my father, your other two are pretty much trash. If they take over the company, it will soon go bankrupt.” Leonard and Wilfred knew very well that Adrian was calling them trash. They grew even angrier than before. Wilfred yelled, “Is that how you speak to your elders?! If it wasn’t because of your father, you would’ve been kicked out the moment you set foot in here!” “All right, I did say that I’ll give you a month, so I’ll be back when the time is up,” Adrian said, then turned to leave the manor. Once he left, Daniel arrived to deliver the invitation. “Mr. Harold, by the order of the war legate, we are here to deliver an invitation to the Swallow Central investment conference,” one of the soldiers said as he walked in. “What? An invitation?” Everyone lost their minds. Harold accepted the invitation and started shaking. “Th-this really is an invitation to the conference!” “Dear lord, the legate actually sent us an invitation!” Leonard said excitedly. “The legate thinks highly of our family!” Everyone was shaking from shock. “Mr. Harold, the legate said that your entire family is invited to the conference. Have a great day,” the soldier said before taking his leave. At that moment, everyone in Xander Manor thought that they were dreaming. Harold held the invitation in his hand and enthusiastically said, “See! Our family is still respected! The legate thinks highly of us!”