Today was the first day at Cloud Dream Mountain Villa, and Jessica was determined to solidify her position as the head of the family. She couldn’t afford to let her reputation crumble. Regardless of the consequences, Leo had to kneel on the durian!
With her mind made up, Jessica approached Leo, her face stern, and authoritatively commanded, “Leo, everyone wants to see your specialty act of kneeling on durians. Grab those durians and kneel down so our family and friends can have a good look.”
Leo fixed his gaze on Jessica, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked audibly. However, his expression remained as calm as ever, devoid of any anger.
Sophia, on the other hand, was alarmed by her mother’s words. She knew Leo well, and coercing him like this could lead to dire consequences.
Sophia could even sense the aura of violence emanating from Leo at this moment. It was a dangerous situation.
In a crucial moment, Sophia stepped forward. “Mom, what’s with all this talk about kneeling on durians and specialty acts? Can you please not act so irrationally?”
Jessica looked at Sophia, unfazed. “Sweetie, what are you saying? I’m not acting irrationally. Today is a joyful day as we move into our new home. I asked Leo to perform to liven things up. What’s wrong with that? Besides, I’m not forcing him. If he doesn’t want to, he’s free to leave.”
Sophia was left speechless by her mother’s response. She could only sigh and say, “Well, if you don’t want to listen to my advice, then I won’t interfere. Whatever Leo does later, I won’t help you!”
The drama had just begun, and Bruno was quick to add fuel to the fire. “Aunt Jessica, did you see that? Your son-in-law doesn’t pay any attention to your words. He doesn’t care about you at all. We have a desire to witness him kneel on a durian in person, but it seems we won’t get that chance.”
Fanny chimed in, “Aunt Jessica, were you just bragging? As the head of the family, can’t you even command your son-in-law?”
Other Henley family relatives joined in.
“I always said that Leo, the useless son-in-law, dares to defy even his grandmother. How could he possibly listen to Jessica?”
“Tsk, just now she claimed to be the head of the family, but it seems it’s all talk.”
“I thought the residents of Cloud Dream Mountain Villa were extraordinary, but now it seems otherwise. As the saying goes, ‘You are the company you keep.’ It looks like living with a useless son-in-law made her worthless too.”
Countless taunts pierced through Jessica’s face, tearing down her pride.
In her rage, Jessica couldn’t contain her anger. She stared at Leo with widened eyes and angrily commanded, “Leo, you damn useless waste! Are you deaf? Can’t you even listen to my words? If you still want to be with my daughter, you better kneel on that durian now! Do you hear me?”
Leo finally moved, clenching his fists and slowly walking toward the durians on the floor.
This action excited everyone, as they anticipated Leo’s compliance.
Jessica secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
“Leo!” Sophia was astonished, unable to comprehend why Leo had given in. Even if it were for her sake, he shouldn’t have surrendered.
Bruno chuckled smugly, “Leo, as a freeloading son-in-law, you must unconditionally obey your mother-in-law’s orders. Hurry up and ripen those durians with your knees. We’ve never tasted durians ripened by human knees; we’re quite eager to try.”
Leo’s compromise and submission allowed Bruno to release the pent-up resentment that had been brewing inside him. The memories of the bridal dowry and the kidnapping of Sophia had weighed heavily on Bruno’s mind. Only by making Leo kneel on those spiky durians could Bruno regain a sense of control and satisfaction in his life.
Bruno took out his phone to capture the moment when Leo knelt on the durian. He was prepared to upload it online to gain a large following.
But Sophia couldn’t bear it. “Leo, no!” she shouted, her voice filled with disappointment.
She didn’t want to witness Leo’s humiliation, as she wished for him to become a true man, one who could stand tall. If he knelt, all her dreams and admiration for him would crumble.
Fanny couldn’t resist taunting, “A leopard can’t change its spots. Leo has been living off your family for four years, and his wasteful nature has become ingrained in him. You can’t stop or change him; you should just accept it.”
After Fanny spoke, she smiled with relief, her bad moods lifted.
Suddenly, a loud, pig-like scream echoed through the entire living room.
Everyone’s hearts skipped a beat, and they all thought it was Leo who had screamed.
But something was off. Leo was still standing, not kneeling.
Upon closer inspection, they understood.
Bruno was the one kneeling on the durian!
How was this possible?
Just moments ago, Leo had been approaching the durians step by step. How had Bruno suddenly taken his place?
Upon further examination, the truth became clear. Bruno was kneeling on two durians simultaneously, and blood was oozing from his knees. His body trembled violently, and large beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.
Turning their attention to Leo, they saw his right foot firmly planted on Bruno’s shoulder, his face bearing a sinister smile, creating a truly terrifying image.
Bruno desperately tried to stand up, but the immense pressure on his shoulders kept him immobilized. Any movement would drive the durian spikes deeper, causing excruciating pain that felt like his heart being torn apart.
The shocking sight left everyone in awe.
Sophia heaved a sigh of relief, watching Leo’s dominant stance. Her heart raced.
“Bruno, this is my home, not a place for you to act recklessly!” Leo’s voice echoed coldly in the living room. “Didn’t you want to experience the taste of kneeling on durians? I’ve granted your wish. Enjoy it.”
“Bruno!”
After the initial shock, Sean and the old Mrs. Henley panicked. Sean rushed over to push Leo away.
Leo’s eyes flashed with a cold, imposing light as he glared at Sean. “Do you also want to experience the taste of kneeling on durians?”
Sean was momentarily immobilized by the overwhelming pressure emanating from Leo. He found it difficult to breathe and dared not move.