Chapter 79

The morning sun shone on the Carter family manor. An old man with a lame leg, using a crutch, walked across the green meadow. He wore white slacks, leather shoes, and a white golf cap. His gray hair and wrinkled face showed his age, but his sharp eyes revealed a lifetime of overcoming hardship.

Two tall, imposing bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses followed respectfully. The old man was Denton Carter, once an ambitious Oakhaven power broker with thousands of gang members under his command. A sneak attack during a fierce battle had broken his leg, earning him the moniker "Crippled Dragon."

Denton's ambition ignited at age thirty. He ruled Oakhaven for twenty years, accumulating billions and becoming a renowned business tycoon. He'd since handed the family business to his son, interfering only in major matters. Though retired, he retained considerable influence in the martial arts and business worlds.

He strolled to a chair under an umbrella. Two maids in black dresses and aprons arrived with his breakfast: a bowl of soup, peanuts, and dried radish—a surprisingly simple meal for a tycoon. Even after achieving immense wealth, Denton preferred this simple breakfast, a reminder of his roots.

He placed his crutch beside the table, slowly enjoying his meal as if it were a feast.

An older man in a black suit approached. "Sir, Mr. Emerson Palmer is here. He's waiting in the villa's reception room."

Denton chuckled, eating peanuts. "That old fellow's here because my granddaughter, Claire, rejected his grandson, Benjamin. He's come to complain."

The man, Denton's housekeeper, Stephen Knight, laughed. "Young people disagree. Mr. Emerson worries too much."

"I'll go after breakfast. Let him wait," Denton said, resuming his meal.

"Yes, sir," Stephen replied, waiting respectfully.

After breakfast, Denton wiped his lips and two maids cleared the table. He took his crutch, stood, and said, "Stephen, let's go!"

"Yes, sir," Stephen replied, following Denton and his bodyguards.

Mr. Emerson Palmer sat on a sofa in the luxurious villa, Cooper standing solemnly beside him. Emerson looked up as he heard a deep voice. Denton, limping with his cane, entered. Denton and Emerson had started their careers together, forging a deep friendship that led them to arrange a marriage between Claire and Benjamin.

Emerson put down his teacup. "Yes, I missed you."

"Visit anytime. You're always welcome," Denton said, sitting.

Stephen served Denton coffee and refilled Emerson's tea. They chatted for fifteen minutes before Denton asked, "Emerson, another reason for your visit?"

They were Oakhaven tycoons; neither needed to be hypocritical. They often played cards in high-end clubs. There had to be something important.

"I'll be honest," Emerson said, taking out his phone. He showed Denton photos and videos of Claire kissing Gilmore Reed in a car.

Denton examined the evidence calmly, despite his inner outrage. His years of ambition and martial arts experience had prepared him for this.

"Benjamin, waiting for Claire, took these," Emerson explained.

"Who's Gilmore Reed?" Denton frowned.

"A student at Oakhaven University. He's also your granddaughter Christine's boyfriend," Emerson revealed.

Denton's eyes widened slightly. "We arranged for Benjamin to marry Claire. I won't allow this. And I won't let Gilmore off."

"I'll leave it to you. We need to act quickly to protect Claire and Christine," Emerson said, pleased.

"Bring Benjamin tonight. I'll interrogate Gilmore. If he's harmed my granddaughters, he'll suffer," Denton stated powerfully.

Emerson beamed. "I'll be here tonight to watch."

After Emerson left, Denton sat in the living room, considering…