The Rise of the Disgraced Heir

I may not be a business expert, but at least I know how to be a decent person. From the moment I stepped into this banquet hall, all these so-called business elites have done nothing but discuss shady ways to exploit loopholes, never how to actually grow their companies. One was bragging about underpaying his employees. Another was boasting about dodging taxes. With bosses like these, it's only a matter of time before their companies go under.

The second those words left my mouth, I became the number one target of everyone's anger. Even the event host couldn't take it anymore. "Sir, this is a professional business gathering. We don't welcome people like you here."

I slowly raised my head and looked towards the stage. "Oh? And what kind of person am I exactly? Go on, enlighten me."

Before the host could speak, Jacob rushed onto the stage and snatched the microphone. "Frederick Larkin, you're nothing but a worthless freeloader!"

The words echoed through the hall, blasting through the speakers. The business moguls at my table immediately burst into applause, enjoying the show. Even Willa, who had been quiet all evening, clapped along with them.

Seeing this scene unfold before my eyes, I finally understood Willa's true motive for inviting me. Unfortunately for her, her scheme of using others to do her dirty work was completely ineffective against me. Even if you searched the entire city of Stormford, no one would dare look down on me.

Seeing that I remained silent, Jacob thought I was intimidated and raised the microphone again. "Hey, Frederick, now do you understand why Mrs. Baker didn't want you at her table?"

He paused, then grinned. "Because ... you're simply not worthy."

I stared at him coldly, my voice devoid of any emotion. "Alright. I've played along with your little show long enough. Now tell me, what's the real reason you dragged me here tonight?"

Jacob smirked, his eyes filled with contempt. "Since you already figured it out, I won't bother pretending anymore. To put it simply, Mrs. Baker brought you here so you could finally understand your place and stop shamelessly clinging to the Bakers."

I casually slipped my hands into my pockets and smiled. "And then?"

Jacob gave me a once-over, his expression full of disdain. "Mrs. Baker is divorcing you."

I froze for a moment, then turned to look at Willa. "Is that true? You really want a divorce?"

Willa raised an eyebrow, looking at me with disdain. "Jacob is right. I've wanted a divorce for a long time, but I've only been delaying it because of my father's pressure. Since all the business leaders are here today, they can witness this. I, Willa, want a divorce from you, you good-for-nothing who only knows how to freeload!"

After hearing her words, everything suddenly became clear. Julian Baker, the founder of Baker Group, knocked on my door three years ago when the Bakers' business was still modest. He declared his desire to wed me to his daughter. Before I could even refuse, he pulled out of the marriage contract. I took one look at it and immediately recognized my father's handwriting. I was young at the time and had little understanding of love. Still, I unwillingly consented to fulfill my father's final wish.

However, Willa abruptly changed her mind on the day we were meant to receive our marriage certificates, stating that she would only consent to the marriage being registered and not to have a wedding. After giving it some thought, I granted her request because relationships take time to grow. Still, I never expected that not only did our relationship fail to grow over three years, but now she was trying to force me into a divorce. The more I thought about it, the more my anger surged.