Claire Wilson sighed as she watched her parents ridicule Charlie Wade. "Papa, Mom," she pleaded, "don't criticize Charlie. This was my idea. I don't want our family to be looked down on anymore. Haven't we suffered enough all these years?"

Her mother retorted, "But you can't handle this! Even your grandmother wouldn't be welcomed by them personally!"

Charlie watched the bickering with a wry smile. He doubted his snobbish in-laws would ever believe he owned Emgrand Group. A knock came at the door.

"I'm coming," Elaine Ma said, sighing wearily as she opened it.

Charlie glanced at the door and saw a young man in an Armani suit, sporting a Patek Philippe watch worth at least four million dollars. He looked undeniably charming and sophisticated.

"Hey, Wendell! Why are you here?" Elaine shrieked excitedly.

The man, Wendell Jones, a persistent suitor of Claire's, smiled. "Auntie, I heard about Claire's deal with Emgrand Group. I'm here to offer some advice."

"Wow, you're our family's lifesaver!" Elaine exclaimed, practically gazing at him as a prospective son-in-law. She ushered him inside. "Wendell, can you help Claire win Emgrand Group's contract?"

Wendell nodded politely, ignoring Charlie as if he were invisible. He approached Claire and said smoothly, "Claire, why didn't you tell me about this? It's huge. Don't worry, my family has connections with Emgrand. I'll talk to my father. Let's see how we can help."

His claim wasn't entirely truthful; his father's influence was exaggerated, a ploy to win Claire's affection.

Knowing Wendell's feelings, Claire responded indifferently, "Wendell, I appreciate the offer, but no thank you. I'll find a way myself."

Elaine gaped in confusion. "Claire, are you crazy? Mr. Jones is kind enough to help, and you refuse?"

Claire remained silent, but Charlie, intrigued, asked Wendell, "Mr. Jones, how can you help? Emgrand Group is massive. I doubt you have much influence, yet you claim you can help Claire win the contract?"

Wendell sneered. "What do you know? The Jones family and Emgrand have been partners for years. This time, our family is getting at least one-third of their two billion dollar project! I'll ask my father to give Claire a ten-million-dollar subcontract. Problem solved, isn't it?"

Charlie was stunned. "Wow! I didn't know the Jones family had such a close relationship with Emgrand!"

Wendell sneered again. "Of course! Everyone in Aurouss Hill knows that!" He then glared at Charlie contemptuously. "Charlie, let me give you some advice. A nobody like you should leave Claire. You'll only bring her misery."

Claire said coldly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, I don't need your help, and please watch your tongue."

Wendell was shocked. "Claire, I'm helping you! Why are you siding with this loser? Why are you so protective of him?"

Claire stated firmly, "He's not a loser. He's my husband!"

Wendell's face darkened. "Fine! Do as you please! I want to see how you'll solve this! Don't come crying to me later when you fail!" He stormed out.

Elaine furiously pointed at Charlie. "You! What else can you do besides be Claire's burden?"

Charlie said flatly, "Mom, he's all talk. He can't even win a contract with Emgrand, let alone help Claire."

"Bullshit!" Elaine retorted. "What do you know, you oblivious fool! The Jones family is getting one-third of a two-billion-dollar contract!"

Charlie remained outwardly impassive, but inwardly he smiled. He didn't know the extent of the Jones family's power, but he knew Emgrand Group would sever all ties with them.

Claire, oblivious to her husband's thoughts, turned to her mother. "Mom, don't criticize Charlie. Just wait until I return from Emgrand Group!"

Elaine sighed in despair. She'd married a useless man, and her daughter had married an even worse one!