Renee couldn’t help but chuckle. “I see. Well, then tell me more about your life as a son-in-law in a wealthy family.”
“The son-in-law’s life… can be summarized in one word: miserable! Being scolded, cold stares, mockery – it’s all part of daily life. Cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, that’s the routine. ”
“How did you manage to survive?”
“Life taught me resilience.”
“Why didn’t you choose to leave?”
“The doctor said I have a weak stomach and can only live off wealthy families’ food.”
Renee burst into laughter, her whole body shaking with amusement.
By the side of Flying Dragon Tower, Leo got out of the car. Until Renee got her Mercedes E-Class back, he would have to temporarily use Nicola’s Porsche.
Sophia’s grandmother’s name was Teresa, and she lived in Huntstone City, 80 kilometers away from Langstel.
Originally, the Henley family wanted her to live in Langstel, but since Teresa was getting older, she preferred a city with good natural views.
The Henley family’s legacy was built by Sophia’s grandparents, and since her grandfather passed away early, the family’s responsibility shifted to Teresa. She had the biggest say.
Teresa had three sons and two daughters. The eldest was Lillian, the second was Sophia’s father Martin, and the third was Merry. The fourth was Sean, and his only son was named Bruno. The fifth was Stanley, and his only daughter was Fanny.
Bruno Henley, as Teresa’s only grandson, was a direct descendant of the Henley family, so he received a lot of attention.
In the Henley family, Teresa, who was in her seventies, held absolute authority. Her word was law. Therefore, her seventieth birthday celebration was grand. Most members of the Henley family, both direct and extended, would attend.
Leo had spent over three hours practicing in the emerald warehouse on the third floor of the Fly Building. Now, he was sitting in the Porsche, drinking Sprite. He started off.
Meanwhile, at the Browne family’s villa in Clouddream Mountain, August Browne set down the documents in his hand.
“I never expected that Leo is actually the son-in-law of the Henley family…” August Browne mused, then turned to Mr. Bill. “Mr. Bill, did you say today is the Henley family’s old lady’s seventieth birthday?”
“Yes, sir,” Mr. Bill nodded in confirmation.
“Leo probably should be going, too. How about this, prepare a grand gift and send it to the Henley family’s old lady, saying it’s for the future wife. Just don’t mention who it’s from.”
“Alright, sir,” Mr. Bill acknowledged and left the study.
August Browne lowered his head, looking at Leo’s photo in the documents, and a smile appeared on his lips. “Leo , please accept this small token of my appreciation.”
As evening approached, Diana’s villa in Huntstone was a lively scene. The courtyard was bustling with people, children playing and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.
“Didn’t Sophia’s useless husband attend Grandma’s 68th birthday two years ago? I wonder if he’ll come this year.”
“He’ll definitely come. Today is Grandma’s seventieth birthday. As a grandson-in-law who married into the Henley family, how could he not come? Without him, there’d be much less entertainment.”
Hearing this, the crowd burst into knowing laughter.
City life was oppressive, so bullying Leo had become one of their few pleasures.
“By the way, I haven’t seen Leo in a while. I wonder how he’s doing at Sophia’s family.”
“What could he be doing? Even my poodle lives better than him!”
“For a man to live like that, it’s really not easy.”
“I don’t understand why Sophia, with her looks and charm, would choose someone like Leo, a useless man.”
“Well, you know, four years ago Sophia got sick. Her mother believed a fortuneteller and brought in Leo for luck. That’s how she ended up marrying that useless Leo.”
“I see. So now that Sophia’s better, why doesn’t she divorce the deadweight?”
“We don’t know. Our Henley family’s chance to join the upper echelons now depends on Fanny. I heard the William family’s four young masters are still single. If Fanny can marry into that family…”
“Exactly. The William family has the backing of the Flying Dragon Business Association. If Fanny becomes part of the William family, our Henley family might have a shot at becoming top-tier.”
Gossip was in their blood. Even before the birthday celebration had started, groups of relatives of the Henley family were already discussing and speculating.
Sophia was wearing a custom-made evening gown that showcased her perfect figure. As she entered the courtyard, she became a moving spectacle.
All eyes from the Henley family turned toward her, but she paid no attention, her gaze searching for something in the crowd.
She hadn’t told Leo about her grandmother’s seventieth birthday, but she had brought him to her grandmother’s birthday celebration before. If he cared, he’d know today was the most important day for the Henley family.
Sophia’s emotions were conflicted. She wanted Leo to come, yet she also wished he wouldn’t.
If Leo came, he would undoubtedly become a target for ridicule and mockery. But if he didn’t come, it might appear disrespectful to her grandmother, leading to assumptions that she didn’t want him there. It would reflect poorly on her.
“Sophia, you’re here. Where’s your famous husband?” A young man of her age approached.
He was dressed in designer clothing, wearing an arrogant smile, and surrounded by a few entourages.
“Bruno, what do you mean by that?” Sophia’s expression turned chilly.
“Just asking casually if that useless guy of yours is here.” Bruno seemed indifferent.
“He’s your brother-in-law!” Sophia retorted.
Bruno fired back, “I’ll call you sister, but that doesn’t mean I have to call him brother-in-law. He’s a useless interloper, not worthy of being called my brother-in-law. Oh, by the way, I heard your company’s facing financial trouble. Do you need me to transfer some funds from my company to subsidize you?”
“No need for your fake kindness,” Sophia replied with disdain.
Sophia was one year elder than Bruno. Though they were cousins, their relationship was always strained.
At this moment, a woman with a somewhat enchanting appearance walked over. She looked at Sophia with a smile. “Sophia, have you seen Leo? I haven’t seen him in ages. I really miss him. It’s Grandma’s seventieth birthday today. He won’t miss it, right?”
“He’ll come,” Sophia answered simply.
Fanny was cut from the same cloth as Bruno, and Sophia knew it well.