Chapter 15

"Of course, you should spend it all. Doesn't the price of a set of international designer evening gowns start at a hundred thousand?" Cyrus asked. Having lived in the mountains for a long time, he wasn't well-versed in worldly matters. But from the time he had treated wealthy heiresses before, their clothes never cost less than a hundred thousand. His wife shouldn't be worse off than those people. "No, that's too much. This is all the money we have," Zoey said hurriedly. "Zoey, money is not a problem; don't worry. I remember you looking stunning in a gown, even more beautiful than any celebrity," Cyrus said. "When have you seen me in a gown?" "At our wedding. I want to see you shine and astonish everyone, regaining your dignity in front of your family," Cyrus said, excited. He had searched his memory for that scene. Zoey couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. The wedding dress was the most beautiful moment of her life and also the beginning of her tragedy. After repeated requests from Cyrus, Zoey gathered the courage to go out and look for clothes. She hadn't been to a big shopping mall in three years, usually buying cheap clothes on Amazon for a few dozen dollars. Looking at the prices that easily reached tens of thousands in the luxury clothing boutiques, she didn't dare linger. First, she spent five thousand dollars on a complete set of suits and leather shoes for Cyrus. When it came to herself and Mira, after careful consideration, she spent only three thousand dollars, buying a set of parent-child coats in a decent pink color that made them look vibrant in public. With her tall figure, delicate skin, outstanding physique, and graceful temperament, whatever she wore would have an immediate tenfold effect without appearing too shabby. The remaining money had to be saved to prevent Mira's condition from worsening. ... On Saturday evening, when Zoey changed into her new clothes to show Cyrus, he didn't seem satisfied. "I-is it not nice?" Zoey became nervous. "You look beautiful in anything. But dressed like this, your stepmother and siblings might openly ridicule you," Cyrus said. "I think it's already good enough," Zoey forced a smile, afraid that Cyrus might change his mind and get angry on the spot. The money she spent on clothes over the years didn't even add up to three thousand dollars. She didn't dare to have more extravagant expectations. Hugging Cyrus's neck, Mira coaxed, "Dad, don't be angry. Mom is already gorgeous." Cyrus smiled and said, "Dad isn't angry. It's just that I think your mom deserves something better. Let's go." Zoey picked Mira up and tentatively asked, "Yesterday, I saw a smart wheelchair that costs over 10 thousand dollars. Since we have time now, can we go take a look?" If Cyrus disagreed, she wouldn't dare to buy it. "Zoey, I've already prepared your dad's gift. It should be delivered in about an hour, and he won't need a wheelchair anymore," Cyrus replied. "What do you mean he won't need it?" "You'll find out later." Cyrus smiled mysteriously and took Mira from Zoey's arms while freeing up his hands to send a message, "This is the young lord of the Hippocrates Sect. Now you have the opportunity to repay the favor of saving your mother's life. Within two hours, I want to see Summerland's most expensive ladies' evening gown at the Jorsproburgh Golden Hotel's entrance. Zoey's measurements are as follows: 86, 58, 88, 168 cm, 47 kg..." "Duly noted, Grand Doctor." Initially, he didn't want to be so high-profile, but he naturally wanted the best since he was making a move. Zoey's mood was good on the bus, chatting and laughing with Mira. After all, it had been a long time since she had seen her dad. She considered her own financial situation, thinking that even if Cyrus hesitated to spend money on gifts, her father probably wouldn't blame her. Upon arriving at the entrance of the Jorsproburgh Golden Hotel, darkness had already fallen. A procession of luxury cars, ranging from BMWs to Audis, streamed in. Among the attendees, only the three of them had arrived by bus. Three security guards stopped them, questioning, "Are you here for the birthday celebration?" "Yes, I'm Zoey, the eldest daughter of the birthday celebrant." The security guards exchanged glances, seemingly having received special instructions. Waving dismissively, they shouted, "No invitation, no entry. Move aside." Zoey was about to argue; how could a father's birthday celebration exclude his own daughter? Cyrus remained composed, glanced at the time, and said, "It's fine. They'll come to invite us in soon." As two cars entered, noticing the family of three, they came back around. Rachel and Sean, representing Jorsproburgh Herbal City for the celebration, were in a Land Rover. Following behind them was Frederick and Cecilia's Audi A8. "Oh, isn't this Ms. Clarke? Why aren't you going in?" Rachel mocked. Sean rolled down the car window, smirking, "Let the useless guy and the kid go home. I can take you in." Zoey hugged Mira tightly as it was a cold night. She replied, "No need." What good intention could Sean possibly have? Wasn't it clear? "Sean, look at her attire. It's so shabby, probably some cheap second-hand clothes. Are you really going to bring her in? Aren't you concerned about being embarrassed?" Rachel remarked. "That's what you get for marrying a piece of shit," she added. Cecilia couldn't bear to watch any longer and exclaimed, "Enough from both of you! What's the point of adding insult to injury?" She wanted to help Zoey, but Frederick pulled her aside, saying, "Don't get involved. This useless man entering the venue might infuriate Wallace." Cecilia looked at her best friend, shivering in the cold wind, and felt sorry for her. Having dealt with a man like Cyrus for years, she knew how much Zoey had endured. Zoey pleaded, "Uncle Lopez, could you please take me in? I just want to see my dad. I'll leave after that." "Zoey, this must be your stepmother's idea. Forget it, go home," replied Frederick. Glancing again at Cyrus, and recalling his empty promises, he scolded, "You came here empty-handed and still dare to join the celebration. You're just spouting lies every day. What a shameless person." Witnessing everyone blaming her father, Mira burst into tears, crying, "Please don't scold my dad." Mabel Lowe, Zoey's stepmother, arrived with her son and daughter in tow to welcome Frederick at that moment. After all, they had a long-standing friendship with the Clarke family and were significant clients of the herbal medicine factory. Mabel scolded Mira, "If you want to cry, go somewhere else. It's a joyous occasion. Don't spoil the atmosphere, and quit acting like a beggar." Cyrus held his daughter in his arms, pointing to the sky with a smile, "Sweetie, don't cry. It seems your grandfather's gift has arrived." "What gift?" Mira looked in the direction her father pointed, a military green heavy-duty helicopter circling in the sky. Mira wiped her tears and even laughed. "Daddy, is that the plane bringing us a gift?" "Yes, it is." Cyrus then looked towards the nearby Rolls Royce convoy, saying, "It seems the gifts for you and Mom have arrived too." Zoey felt utterly embarrassed, whispering, "Cyrus, please, I beg you. Don't say anything more." Holding her mother's hand, Phoebe laughed with tears in her eyes. Even the security guards couldn't help but laugh. "Uncle Lopez, Mr. Wood, Ms. Connell, look. He's even trying to deceive his daughter. Does a man like him have the right to attend the birthday dinner?" Phoebe said. "Indeed, Lord Cyrus's boasting nature hasn't changed." At an unknown moment, a growing crowd of spectators had gathered, their eyes filled with disdain, mockery, and ridicule, resembling a surging tidal wave. Zoey wished she could find a place to hide. Shaking angrily, Mira clenched her tiny fists and shouted at everyone, "My dad is not a liar! You can't insult him like that..." The little girl couldn't comprehend why, when her dad had changed for the better, these people still treated him like trash. Was it just because he lacked money, making everything he did wrong? Facing financial challenges was one thing, but enduring public humiliation was deeply shameful. Zoey didn't expect Cyrus to preserve their dignity, but she simply wished he wouldn't bring further embarrassment. "Mira, don't cry. I'm sorry. Mom shouldn't have brought you here tonight. Let's go home." She snatched Mira from Cyrus's arms, turning to leave. However, the Rolls Royce convoy blocked their way, forming an intimidating formation. Ten Phantoms guarded a stretched RV, halting in front of Zoey. A well-dressed foreigner stepped out, examining a photo on his phone. He respectfully inquired, "Hello, may I ask if you are Ms. Clarke?" "I-I am Ms. Clarke. What's going on?" At this moment, Zoey, startled, took a few steps back while holding Mira, almost stumbling. Mira and Zoey couldn't stop their tears, desperately wanting to escape this place full of gossip and troubles. Without time to think, they faced the ultra-luxury convoy—just who were they here for?