Chapter 31

“Phillip, didn’t you used to hate him? How about you teach him a lesson today?” Jacob subtly questioned Phillip.

“Come on! I was disrespectful to Simon before because of your nonsense, but not anymore,” Phillip retorted. “I’m basically Simon’s loyal follower now. If you don’t respect Simon, you’ll have to deal with me!”

Jacob burst into laughter. “Phillip, you’ve lost it! First thing in the morning, and you’re acting like a fool! You’re his follower! Hahaha!”

“So what! It’s an honor to be Simon’s follower. You’re not even worthy of being his follower. Understand?” Phillip declared.

Simon couldn’t help but cringe at Phillip’s obsequiousness. This was excessive.

“Phillip, it seems you have some problems as well,” Jacob taunted with a smirk. “No matter what, Phillip comes from a business family, so why does he stick up for this poor guy like a lackey? How shameful.”

“Stop laughing, Jacob. I want to make this clear: if you do anything to Simon, I, Phillip, will not let you off the hook!”

Jacob backed down. He could bully Simon, but he couldn’t risk antagonizing Phillip—he knew it would cause trouble for his family.

“Simon, are you okay?” Phillip asked, turning to Simon.

“I’m fine,” Simon replied indifferently.

“Simon, Jacob is clueless. If you really want to take him down, he won’t even know what hit him. If you ever need anything, just tell me. I’ll go through fire and water for you!” Phillip said earnestly.

Just then, Isabel arrived. Simon’s eyes lit up.

“I brought you your literature textbook. Mom said you forgot it again. You’re so forgetful,” Isabel said, handing him the book.

“Thanks,” Simon smiled.

“Hey Isabel, how’s it going?” Phillip grinned, greeting her.

Isabel, remembering Phillip’s past bullying, eyed him warily.

“Wow, don’t look at me like that. I’m Simon’s loyal follower now. I won’t mess up again,” Phillip quickly added, raising his hands in surrender.

She looked at Simon, who whispered to her, “What’s going on? He suddenly started kissing up to me. It was so unexpected.”

“Well, no matter what, it’s still useful. With Phillip around as a follower, if anyone tries to bully you at school, they’ll have to think twice,” Isabel replied.

Isabel was about to leave when Phillip waved eagerly, “Take care!”

“We’re not that close,” Isabel retorted with a glance. Phillip, grinning, added, “You’re Simon’s sister, so that makes you my sister too! We’re pretty close now!”

Isabel left without another word. Phillip secretly rejoiced. He now had someone as amazing as Isabel on his side!

Later, Liam and Amelia’s wedding proceeded as planned. Despite the family tensions, the wedding went ahead. Amelia, in her wedding gown, watched the groom approach, her heart overflowing with excitement. From now on, she would reach the pinnacle of her life—a wealthy heiress and the wife of a rich family. In contrast, she could leave her “poor, backward” Galvez family and her paralyzed fiancé far behind. This thought filled her with smug satisfaction. She was the true winner.

The Swanson and Clyde families mingled with guests. Lucian, the eldest son, was confidently exchanging toasts, basking in the success of a major project and his sister’s marriage. Suddenly, someone whispered in his ear. His face contorted in disbelief, his cup dropped, and he fainted. The lively wedding fell silent, filled with murmurs and speculation.

After medical attention, Lucian regained consciousness. “Son, what happened? The doctor said it was stress—what’s going on?” his worried mother, Rosy, asked. Lucian began to explain, but the text cuts off mid-sentence.