So during my two years abroad, Emily had already bought them off with money. For their own benefit, they had trampled on my dignity without hesitation.
When Kevin tried to grab my arm, I shoved him off coldly:
“Don’t call her your sister-in-law anymore. And don’t call me your brother—because I, Will Johnson, refuse to be disgraced like this.”
With that, I dragged my suitcase away and hailed a passing cab.
As the car door closed, I could still hear Richard cursing “unfilial bastard,” with Kevin sneering behind him, “doesn’t know what’s good for him.”
The taxi slowly pulled away from the mansion. Leaning against the window, I watched the streets recede, my eyes suddenly burning.
I had thought family would be my strongest support. But in my darkest hour, they sided with outsiders, delivering the cruelest cut.
The cab stopped at the Hilton Grand Hotel as dusk spread over its gleaming glass facade.
Dragging my suitcase inside, I was greeted by the smiling front desk clerk, who handed me my reservation slip:
“Mr. Johnson, your executive suite is ready. Would you like to check in now?”
I nodded, pulling a black card from my wallet.
“Charge the deposit to this.”
After processing, the clerk returned the card and room key. Just then, my personal phone buzzed three times.
Three text invitations to a banquet, all from the Lewis Pharmaceuticals Administration Office.
At the end, one line read: “A private car is waiting at the hotel entrance. Robert Lewis Sr. wishes to meet you.”
Holding the room key, I chuckled softly.
The Lewis family was the leader of the local pharmaceutical industry. They had tried to connect with me during my overseas expansion.
I didn’t expect them to reach out the moment I returned.
It would both ease my mind and open doors to new resources—saving me considerable effort.
I washed up in my hotel room, and someone from the Lewis family delivered a tux for the banquet, letting me know a car was already waiting downstairs.
After I changed, I headed to the lobby. A black Maybach rolled up outside the revolving door. The window lowered, and a suited chauffeur inclined his head.
“Mr. Johnson, I’m here on behalf of the Lewis family.”
I was just about to get in when a snide voice rang out behind me.
“Well, if it isn’t Will. Getting divorced and still blowing Emily’s money on a fancy hotel—got some nerve.”