The Rise of the Disgraced Heir

"You're absolutely right! Keeping a useless piece of trash like you in my company is just a waste of resources!"

I shook my head with a faint smile. "Willa, I can take you saying I'm idle, but I won't stand for you saying I'm useless to the company. Do you really think you got to where you are today all on your own?"

When Willa saw that I dared to speak back in addition to refusing to take responsibility, she became enraged. "Frederick! Open your damn eyes and take a good look! I am the chairwoman of Baker Group! Do you think the company went public because of you, a worthless loser?"

I nodded earnestly. "Exactly. You're spot on. The Bakers were able to rise to become one of Stormford's four great families precisely because of me."

As soon as I said that, the dinner table erupted. "Kid, you're really full of hot air, aren't you? The Bakers are a respected name in Stormford and what are you?"

"Mr. Lawson is right. How dare a man who can't even get respect from his own wife sit with us?"

"I suggest you leave now. Everyone here is a big shot in the business world. We don't welcome gigolos."

I rubbed my ears, tuning out their words. "Whether or not I have the right to sit here isn't up to you."

"The moment those words left my mouth, the entire room fell silent. Everyone in attendance tonight was a powerhouse in Stormford's business scene, from top executives to major investors. Even Baker Group had only just managed to secure an invitation this year.

My statement spread like wildfire, drawing all eyes to me. One by one, sharp and hostile gazes locked onto me as if they were ready to tear me apart. As the crowd grew larger, I soon found myself surrounded."

Seeing this, Jacob grinned from ear to ear. "Everyone, let me clarify. This man is indeed Mrs. Baker's husband, but he's already been fired from the Baker Group. You can hit him, you can yell at him; we won't stop you."

Hearing his words, I almost couldn't hold back my laughter. "Jacob, I'd suggest you don't cut ties with me so quickly."

I flashed him a small smile. "Because without me, Baker Group will go bankrupt in less than ten minutes. Want to bet on it?"

Jacob slammed his hand on the table. "Frederick, are you dreaming? A freeloader like you thinks he can bring down the company? You must be out of your mind."

I nodded, looking at him calmly. "That's the truth. If you don't believe me, feel free to test it."

Jacob raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "Test it? Someone who doesn't even know his own worth dares to act tough in front of me."

His mocking didn't faze me in the slightest. Instead, I smiled confidently. "Unlike you, I, Frederick Larkin, never rely on anyone to get things done."

The moment I said that, the expressions on the faces of the business elites at the table shifted. "Tch, I was wondering who was acting so arrogant. It's just Baker Group's pet."

"Well said! A kept man living off his wife's fortune, yet he still dares to look down on others? What a joke!"

"Everyone at this table is worth billions and you? You don't have a hundred bucks in your pocket.

I cleared my throat and scanned the room. "You're mistaken. It's not that I look down on others. I look down on every single one of you."