Chapter 137

Rufus's face, green with rage, betrayed his intense desire to harm Severin, especially after learning of Severin's perceived jealousy. He was furious.

As Severin and the others prepared to leave the shop, Rufus shouted, "Stop them!" His bodyguards immediately obeyed.

Felicia, stepping forward for the first time in such a situation, exclaimed, "Mr. Rufus, what is the meaning of this? We're Shanahans. Do you intend to assault us?" Her upper-class upbringing fueled her indignation.

Rufus smiled. "Mrs. Felicia, what are you talking about? I admire your daughter. If she'll marry me, I'd gladly raise her child. Consider any car in here yours—ten, if you like! You'll be my mother-in-law. Why would I ever hit you?"

Felicia's face twitched. She despised Rufus. He's fat as a pig and thinks he can marry Diane?

Of all Diane's suitors, Felicia preferred Edward, the sole heir to a vast fortune.

Rufus, the eldest son of the Chavez family (second-tier upper-class), was idle and irresponsible. He squandered money on cars and bar hopping, unlike his younger, capable brother. It was clear Rufus would never lead the Chavez family. This was Felicia's main reason for disliking him. She smiled politely, a necessary courtesy to the Chavez family. "In that case, may we leave now?"

Rufus shook his head. "No, no, no. I wouldn't harm you Shanahans, a three-tier upper-class family. Perhaps future business deals await us, wouldn't you agree?"

He paused. "But Severin stays. How dare he insult me? What would people think if I let him go?"

William, stepping forward to aid Severin, said sullenly, "Mr. Rufus, Severin is family. He's my son-in-law!"

"Fuck!" Rufus cursed. "He's a Shanahan? Your son-in-law? I never received a wedding invitation. How many people even know this?"

"Williams, I'm showing you great respect by letting you leave. But I know you're just a warehouse supervisor. Who do you think you are?" he sneered.

Diane, her face white with fury at Rufus's humiliation of her father, snapped, "Rufus Chavez! You're out of line! Whether Severin is my husband is my decision! I'm not obligated to invite you to my wedding!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Rufus mocked. "Miss Diane, a Shanahan, former president of the family business, Brookbourn's most beautiful woman…look at you now! Have you abandoned yourself? Fallen for an ex-con? Aren't you ashamed you can't even afford a wedding?"

(Note: The promotional text at the end has been removed as it's not part of the story.)