Theo’s face twisted with disdain. He let out a derisive snort. "You? The sky beyond the sky? Don’t make me laugh."

He stepped closer, his voice dripping with mockery. "Kid, just because you’re the Harper Family’s son-in-law, don’t think you can act like some big shot here."

Then he smirked, his next words sending a cold chill down my spine. "You probably don’t even know it yet, do you? Ms. Harper—she’s about to divorce you."

The moment Theo’s words left his mouth, the room filled with laughter and mocking sneers. The so-called business elites of Boston seemed to take great pleasure in my humiliation. Their faces, twisted with derision, only deepened my disappointment. So, this is the Boston business world?

I had only refused to drink because of my alcohol allergy, yet these men treated it as if it were some great crime. They called me names—son-in-law, gigolo—as if their words carried weight. I never cared about such trivialities, but what truly struck me was the realization that I couldn’t even control my own company’s people. Was this the result of my decision to keep a low profile?

For years, because of my unique status, I had remained in the background, staying out of the public eye. Even when I heard whispers and mockery behind my back, I chose to ignore them, thinking such things beneath me. But it seemed my indifference had emboldened others, turning my silence into their justification for disrespect.

Theo, mistaking my quiet for submission, pushed a tray of ten wine glasses toward me. “Rudy, drink these ten cups and you can leave. We’ll forget everything that happened tonight and you can go back to being the little white boy of the Harper Family.” His smirk widened. “But if you refuse, I’m afraid you won’t be walking out of this room.”

I clenched my fists beneath the table, reigning in my anger as I locked eyes with him. “Assistant Theo, you know very well I’m allergic to alcohol.”

Theo scoffed, rolling his eyes. “It’s just a few glasses. It won’t kill you.” His voice dripped with contempt. “Drink or don’t drink—it’s your choice.”

His arrogance almost made me laugh. Even Zayden, the head of the Harper Family, would not dare speak to me in this manner. Where did this mere assistant get such courage? Unless, of course, he had someone powerful backing him.

I leaned back, a cold smile playing at my lips. “Theo, there’s no point in talking to you any longer. Why don’t you call out the person hiding behind you? Or is he too much of a coward to face me himself?”

As if on cue, the door to the private room swung open.

A man, roughly my age, sauntered in, his presence commanding immediate attention. His tailored suit, his air of confidence—everything about him screamed power. The moment he stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted. Even Theo, who had been so brazen before, straightened up nervously.

“Mr. Rudy,”, the man said smoothly, “seems you’re not as clueless as the rumors suggest.”

Theo’s eyes widened and he nearly stumbled over himself to greet the newcomer. “Mr. Mark Roosevsalt? Why are you here?”

At Theo’s outburst, the other businessmen in the room shot to their feet in reverence.

Mark Roosevsalt, was a powerful heir from the capital. A man whose influence far outstripped that of anyone present in this room. I didn’t need an introduction. I had already figured out his identity the moment he walked in.

“Looking at the situation, you must be the one pulling Theo’s strings,” I said coolly.

Mark didn’t deny it. He strolled over and took a seat directly across from me, his posture relaxed, exuding the arrogance of someone used to having the world at his feet. “You guessed right. Theo works for me. And since the Harper Family wants to expand into the capital, they’ll need my support.”. He spoke as if he owned the Harpers, as if he controlled their fate.

I merely glanced at him, uninterested in his posturing. “I assume you’re here for my wife.”

Mark chuckled. “Sharp and to the point. I like that.” He flicked open a cigarette case, pulling one out and lighting it lazily. “Mr. Rudy, as I understand it, you and Miss Harper have been married for three years and yet, from what I hear, you haven’t even held her hand.”

The room filled with quiet laughter, mocking murmurs among the gathered businessmen. Mark exhaled a slow stream of smoke, smirking. “That’s a shame, truly. But don’t worry—after tonight, your wife will be my woman.”

His words were meant to provoke me, to get a reaction. But instead of rage, I simply smiled. “Oh? Is that how it is?” I said nonchalantly. “Well, if you’re so interested in my wife, you’re welcome to have her.”

Mark’s smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. He had expected fury, resistance—anything but my complete indifference.

Now, things were about to get interesting.

"Isn't Mr. Rudy angry at all?", he smiled.

I waved my hand dismissively, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Why should I be angry?"

I leaned back slightly, my tone casual yet laced with warning. "In fact, I should be thanking you, Mark. If not for your interference, I wouldn't have had such a convenient excuse to finally have a real conversation with the Harper Family."

I paused, letting my words sink in before adding, "That being said, you should remember one thing—whoever crosses me never meets a good end."

Mark's smirk faltered for just a second, his arrogance briefly shaken before he scoffed. He hadn't expected me to be even more unfazed than he was and it visibly irritated him. His face darkened with fury and he immediately snapped his fingers. "Theo! What are you waiting for? Do it!"

As soon as the order left his lips, Theo grabbed a bottle from the table and swung it viciously toward my head. The impact sent me crashing to the ground.

Before I could react, he was on me, raining down punches and kicks with a fervor that screamed desperation to impress his master. The blows came relentlessly, each one fueled by his pathetic need for validation.

Pain spread across my body like wildfire, but I clenched my jaw, refusing to let them hear a single cry of agony.

"That's enough. Don't kill him," Mark finally spoke, stepping forward.

He crouched beside me, his expression smug as he patted my cheek condescendingly. "Consider this a lesson, kid. Next time, don’t try to act tough in front of me. Or I might just decide to end you."

Gritting my teeth, I struggled to sit up, my gaze locking onto his without an ounce of fear. Despite the blood trickling down my face, my voice remained steady. "The Roosevsalt Family of New York… is that all you amount to? Pathetic."

Mark's smirk disappeared instantly, his face twisting with rage. Without hesitation, he grabbed a chair and lifted it high, ready to smash it down on me.

But then— A sharp gasp echoed through the room.

"Mr. Harper, what brings you here?!".