Chapter 10: Attending the Wedding
Dragon Bay, the most exclusive neighborhood in Horington, was built on the city's only mountain. This location provided not only breathtaking scenery but also exceptionally fresh air. Its residents were wealthy and influential members of high society. Ordinary people couldn't even afford the property management fees, let alone residency.
"Mr. Sullivan, this this mansion is too expensive. I can't accept this!"
Jared hastily returned the key to William.
"Of course, you can, Mr. Chance! Or is my life not worth a mansion?" William replied with a smile.
Jared, having been thusly pressed, accepted the key. William then produced a bank card containing ten million and handed it to him. Knowing he couldn't refuse, Jared pocketed it.
Just as he was leaving, a deafening clamor erupted from downstairs. Jared frowned. Seeing this, William summoned the hotel manager.
"What's going on? Why all the noise?" William demanded.
"Mr. Sullivan, the heir of the Scott family is getting married today. The wedding banquet is in the second-floor banquet hall," the manager explained hurriedly.
Satisfied with this explanation, William dropped the matter. After all, the hotel was open for business, and some noise during a wedding was unavoidable.
"I'll be leaving then, Mr. Sullivan."
Jared waved goodbye and left the private room.
Downstairs, he unexpectedly ran into Leyton, who was strutting into the hotel with Sandy in his arms. Leyton was momentarily stunned, then guffawed. "I didn't expect you to actually come to my wedding, Jared! Are you here for the free food and drinks?"
Giving Leyton a frosty glance, Jared silently moved to leave.
"Hey, don't go!" Leyton blocked his path, a mocking sneer on his face. "Look at your ex-girlfriend. Isn't she beautiful now? Don't you have anything to say to her?" He was clearly trying to humiliate Jared.
"Let's not bother with him, Ley. We're running late," Sandy murmured coquettishly, ignoring Jared completely.
"Don't waste time on this trash, Leyton. You're late for your wedding. Go to the banquet hall. I'll get rid of this loser!" Melinda echoed Sandy's sentiments, then turned on Jared. "Stop bothering us! You're so desperate you followed us here! Do you think my daughter would ever want someone like you? Look in a mirror! Get lost!"
Her harsh words stung. Surrounding relatives whispered and snickered, staring at Jared. He was the object of their ridicule.
"One day, you'll all beg me!"
Suppressing his anger, Jared shoved Leyton aside and started to leave.
Leyton's brow furrowed. "Stop him! Whether he wants to or not, he's attending my wedding! I want him to see his girlfriend marry me, you piece of trash!"
Baldy and several others immediately blocked Jared's path. Still angry about being beaten at Jared's house, they sought revenge.
Seeing them menacingly blocking his path, Jared slowly turned back to Leyton. "Are you sure you want me to attend your wedding?"
"Yes! I want you to see and know you're not worthy of opposing me!" Leyton sneered.
"Fine. But consider this a warning—if I attend your wedding, you won't be getting married today!"
Jared turned and entered the banquet hall. More than a hundred tables filled the room.
"Haha, we'll see about that!" Leyton laughed, disbelieving the threat. However, to prevent trouble, he told Baldy, "Baldy, keep a few men with you and watch Jared. Restrain him if he causes trouble!"
"Don't worry, Mr. Leyton. Leave it to me!" Baldy nodded, his gaze hardening. This is my chance for revenge!
Jared sat in a corner. The guests were all wealthy and influential Horington residents. An ordinary person like him was out of place. Many guests eyed him strangely. His presence was unusual at such a lavish wedding.
News of his identity quickly spread. More guests stared, most with mockery and derision, though some showed sympathy.
Jared remained unfazed. He sat alone, quietly eating snacks. Baldy and a dozen men watched him intently, ready to restrain him at the slightest suspicious movement.
"Well, well, if it isn't Jared Chance! When did you get out of prison?"
A sarcastic voice cut through the air. Jared looked up to see a heavily made-up woman in a revealing dress approaching, followed by a young man. Her words instantly drew the attention of nearby guests. They had assumed Jared was simply the bride's ex-boyfriend, but the revelation of his criminal record increased their interest considerably.