C1 Peaceful Life Was Broken

"Young Master Howard, do you truly intend to decline the old master's invitation?"

"I go by Howard, not Morales."

"Yet, the blood of the Morales family runs through your veins."

"The moment they cast out my mother and me, I severed all ties with the Morales family."

That afternoon, a striking black Bentley stood parked amidst the chaos of York City's riverside Littoral Street, its elegance drawing the gazes of many.

At a modest barbecue stand, a young man with fine features was tidying up his grilling tools and cart.

An elderly gentleman in a black suit had emerged from the Bentley and was now standing before the stall, seemingly pleading with the young vendor.

"Young Master, the old master was compelled by circumstances at the time. He may have wronged Madam, but he never meant to cast you both out..."

"A little over a year ago, the old master became gravely ill, and he charged us with the task of finding you. We exhausted countless resources and connections, scouring much of Country D, and it was no small feat to finally locate you."

"Would you really choose to be the scorned son-in-law of the modest Evans family over reclaiming your place in the Morales family? You are, after all, the last of the Morales bloodline in your generation..."

Miron replied coolly, "My affairs are none of the Morales family's business, and I have no interest in theirs. I'd appreciate it if you didn't intrude on my life again."

After packing up, he turned and walked away from Littoral Street.

The man in the black suit watched Miron's departing figure, letting out a sigh without following.

"The Morales family, huh..."

Leaving Littoral Street behind, Miron allowed a scornful smile to cross his face, his eyes reflecting a distant memory that seemed to stir a deep-seated pain.

The Morales family of Capital City was a household name across Country D, a top-tier dynasty that many aspired to associate with, hoping for a meteoric rise in status.

But for Miron, the Morales family was a wound in his heart that could never be erased.

Born into the Morales family of Capital City, Miron was the rightful heir, the old master's eldest grandson, destined for wealth and prestige. Yet at the age of eight, his life was upended when his father, Benjamin Morales, fell for another woman. Amidst a power struggle with his uncles for the family inheritance, Benjamin divorced Miron's mother, Dennag, who had been his partner through thick and thin, to marry into another of Capital City's elite families.

Denna, though of modest origins, was a woman of strong resolve. She staunchly refused any compensation from the Morales family and left with nothing but her dignity. Her son Miron, unwilling to part from her, ignored the Morales family's protests and vanished from Capital City with Denna. They slipped away from the Morales' watchful eyes, forging a life together, just the two of them.

In solidarity with his mother, Miron took on the Howard surname.

A decade had slipped by since then, and Denna passed away from illness three years prior. Miron had hoped to bury the sorrow of those days, yet unexpectedly, the Morales family had tracked him down.

Finishing his cigarette at the street corner, Miron shook off his thoughts and flagged down a cab, setting off for the G Vallie Hotel.

The day was significant—the wedding of Henry Evans' daughter to the heir of the prestigious Simons family in York City. The celebration was lavish, with invites sent to York City's elite and the entire Evans family.

Under normal circumstances, Miron, as the Evans family's son-in-law, would never dream of stepping foot in the G Vallie Hotel.

Twenty minutes later, the taxi arrived at the hotel's entrance.

There, a striking woman in a pale blue gown stood by the luxurious gates, her gaze fixed on Miron, her face devoid of emotion. This was Julietta, Miron's wife.

Two years earlier, Miron had joined the Evans family at the behest of the Evans Jewelry Group patriarch, Old Master Evans. The marriage had sent shockwaves through York City's high society, with many mocking the elder for his folly in giving his daughter to a penniless orphan.

Julietta was a celebrated beauty in York City, with countless distinguished young men from noble families pursuing her. Yet, she ended up betrothed to Miron, a man of no particular standing or connection, by Old Master Evans' decree.

The reasons for this match were known only to Miron and Old Master Evans.

With the passing of Old Master Evans a year ago, Miron became the sole keeper of that secret.

As for Julietta, she had never consented to the union. Though they were married, the reality of their relationship remained that of strangers, not husband and wife.

Following the passing of Old Master Evans, the Evans Jewelry Group experienced a dramatic power shift. Miron's father-in-law was unceremoniously ejected from the company's power center during the upheaval, leaving him without shares and his family's fortunes in freefall. He was forced to live under the scrutinizing gaze of the Evans family, where he was met with little respect.

Miron bore the brunt of his in-laws' disappointment. Without a distinguished background, significant savings, or notable achievements, he fell short of the Evans family's other sons-in-law.

Within the Evans household, Miron faced a cold reception, becoming the target of everyone's disdain.

"Miron, keep your comments brief at the banquet," Julietta said sternly. "Today is crucial. I've brought a generous gift to plead with Ms. Rhyd for her help. Whether my father's factory can weather this storm depends on my uncle's willingness to lend a hand."

"I've got it," Miron nodded in understanding.

As they arrived at the G Vallie Hotel, the opulence was unmistakable. The villas sparkled with lavish decorations, and the gardens boasted tranquil ponds, all remnants of Old Master Evans' legacy.

The hotel's exterior was lined with an impressive array of vehicles, from Maseratis and Porsche 911s to Cayennes and even the least extravagant being Audis.

"Hey, Julietta, you took a cab here? Why didn't you call me for a ride? I would've sent a car. On a day as important as this, what were you thinking? You're just embarrassing the Evans family," a young man chided as he stepped out of a Porsche 911, removing his sunglasses to give Julietta and Miron a taunting look.

Julietta pressed her lips together, choosing to remain silent.

Alexander Evans, Miron's father-in-law, was perhaps the most down-and-out member of the Evans' older generation. Suppressed by his brothers early in his career, he was later pushed out of the company. Eventually, he was left with a small, nearly bankrupt jewelry processing factory, which he managed to keep running for a year.

With their financial situation, affording an extra car for Julietta was simply not feasible.

"Julietta, think about it. If you had listened to me and divorced this loser to marry the Simons family's third son, would you be in this mess?" The young man's voice grew more animated and smug, completely disregarding Miron's presence. "But it's not too late. If you want a shot at wealth again, just ask me. I'm happy to set you up with someone more suitable!"

In front of everyone, including her husband, she spoke with such blatant disregard for others!

"Mason, haven't you said enough?" Julietta snapped, her face turning ghostly pale with fury.

"Hey, I'm just looking out for you as your brother. It's pitiful, really, being tied to such a loser. I'm offering you some friendly advice, showing you a clear path, and you won't even listen. If that's the case, you might as well resign yourself to a lifetime of poverty!" Mason drawled with a taunting edge.

Having said his piece, Mason's gaze shifted to Miron, his expression dripping with mockery.

"Miron, how can you have the gall to show up at Ms. Rhyd's wedding?" he jeered. "Oh, I get it. Your father-in-law's factory is about to go under, isn't it? Can't pay the wages, facing closure. You must be here to suck up to the family, hoping for a loan to bail you out of this mess, right?"

Miron met Mason's eyes, his own expression unreadable.

Julietta's father, Alexander, had been forced out of the Evans Group by Carter Evans, Mason's father and the third son of the Evans family. And now, the severe difficulties facing the factory were all Carter's doing from behind the scenes.

Taking a deep breath to quell her rage, Julietta turned to Miron and said, "Just bear with it, don't engage with him. We're here on serious business today."

Miron nodded, and together they entered the grand hall of the villa.

"We'll see how long you can keep up that stoic act," Mason muttered, watching Miron's retreating back. He twisted his neck and a sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.

Inside, the hall was expansive, with a grand Western architectural style and opulent decor, complete with a plush red carpet.

The distinguished guests of the Evans family had already begun to arrive and take their seats.

Holding a beautifully wrapped gift box, Julietta approached the bride, her smile genuine and warm. "Ms. Rhyd, congratulations on your wedding. Wishing you a lifetime of joy and togetherness."

Rhyd was undeniably beautiful, with her exquisite features and fair, flawless skin. Her demeanor was one of haughty grace. Yet, even with all her poise, she didn't quite match Julietta's radiance.

She gave Julietta a dismissive glance and said, "Just put the gift over there."

"Rhyd, can I join you for a walk?" Julietta offered, smiling.

"No need to butter me up. I know what you're after. My family won't be helping with your dad's situation," Rhyd replied icily, sparing no feelings.

Julietta's smile seized up, quickly giving way to a look of hurt she couldn't hide.

Her fists clenched tight, her slight frame shook with barely contained emotion.

Before her marriage to Miron, she was the adored granddaughter, the Evans family's jewel. Rhyd had been so warm to her then. Why had she become so distant now?

Rhyd was now marrying into the Simons family, one of York City's elite. The wedding was a grand affair, and the Evans clan turned out in full to celebrate the prestigious union.

And Julietta...

She fell silent, her mind on her father's troubling predicament. Yet, she managed to summon another smile and continued to follow Rhyd.

From his seat, Miron watched the exchange, a complex mix of feelings stirring inside him.