The slap resonated through the room as Marietta shook with anger.

“You think he's as useless as you are?” She yelled, her voice booming with anger.

Isaiah's horrified expression morphed into one of satisfaction while Regan stood still, embarrassed and disgraced. Marietta turned to face Donna. “You can do better than….this.”

Donna nodded her head, embarrassed for her shameful husband.

“This wine is original, the best ever.” Marietta announced.

“It's fake.” Regan argued.

She scoffed, scowling at the wooden box he held in his hand. “And what you have there is better?”

“It's a longevity scroll, I had it made just for you.” Regan explained.

She snickered in derision and the rest of the family laughed at him. “Away with the trash!”

“I'm sorry.” Regan apologized, stomaching the insult.

“Fall to his feet and apologize!”

Regan inhaled deeply, his reputation was already ruined, doing this would ruin that of his wife, he could see from that corner of her eyes, how teary she was. Resolved, he fell on his knees before Isaiah.

“I'm sorry, I was wrong.” He apologized.

“It's alright brother-in-law, you don't know luxury even if it hit you in the face, no need to feel bad.” Isaiah gloated.

Regan got up to his feet and walked up to his wife. Donna, unable to bear the shame, slapped him. “You dishonor me!”

He watched as his wife stomped away. Isaiah smirked at him, Regan knew exactly what had happened, the old woman knew it was a fake but why would she have to embarrass her grandson for a very useless son-in-law instead?

The rest of the family found their way around while he was left there, humiliated like every other year for the past three years. A family dinner was scheduled for that night but before then, they all had to go their designated room and do whatever they pleased.

In a slightly dim room, Ling and June; Donna's parents sat at the table, ruminating on the events of the day.

“Don’t you think we ruined her life by getting her married to him?” June asked her husband, referring to Regan.

Ling exhaled slowly. “June, Dad wanted this.”

“I know, but he's dead now and she's suffering from such ridicule because of it, let's get her divorced. They don't have a child yet, she could marry some rich divorcee as well, she's attractive-”

“June! Don't objectify your daughter.”

“What? At least she's better off without that dummy of a husband who brings her nothing but shame.”

“You think I haven't had enough of it?” Donna interrupted, walking into the room.

Juna frowned a little while her daughter sat with them at the table. “You should divorce him, I was telling your father how-”

“I heard you Mom but I want you to know that grandpa's dying wish is that I remain married to him, whatever happens, he's my husband and I'll appreciate if you respect that.” Donna interjected.

“Are you going to spend the rest of your life with him? You'll never gain the respect of the rest of the family.” June revealed.

Donna guffawed. “Dad has been working hard all his life yet they disrespect him, I can manage.”

“Don't talk to-” June began to complain but Ling gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He agreed with his daughter.

A gentle knock on the door interrupted their discussion.

“May I come in?” Regan requested.

June flared her nostrils as Donna gave her consent. Regan walked in with his head hung low. “I'm done with the dishes, is there anything I can help you with?”

“There! All you've got is a house help for a husband, useless!” June snorted.

“Mom!” Donna chastised and rose to her feet. “Let's go.” She ordered Regan, he bowed his head once more in obeisance before leaving the room with his wife.

“What is wrong with you? All I ask for is for you not to embarrass me or my family, is that too much?” Donna asked, her voice breaking.

Regan could see her frustration and that she was at the edge of breaking, the past three years has been hell for the poor girl, she was tormented by her own family because of his financial status, because of him.

All he did was to cook, clean, do laundry and run errands while she assumed position of the husband, it was impossible to blame her for hating him, after all; he ruined her chances of having a good life.

“I'm sorry Donna.” He apologized.

She snorted. “That's all you've ever been, sorry. Can't you just be something better? Do you want to live the rest of your life like this?” She asked, desperation evident in her tone.

“Lover's quarrel?” Isaiah's mocking voice boomed.

Donna frowned, not hiding her displeasure at his abrupt presence.

“You know, he did put you in your place, don't even bother aiming for the top, live the rest of your life quietly, as a pauper's wife.” Isaiah jested.

“Go away Isaiah!” Donna fired at him.

“Why? Do you could have sometime alone with your wife? You know, when grandpa was still alive, he chose you over us, bragged openly about you to everyone and he didn't even try to hide how much he favored you, thinking all his fortune would go to you and I hated you for it but his worse mistake was getting you married to this bum, you finally get to be where you deserve; among lowlifes.” Isaiah confessed.

“Don't speak to her in such manner!” Regan said, defensively.

“You know the wine is truly fake but grandma would rather die than embarrass me, that shows how useless you are so scram, how about you fall at my feet and kiss my shoe, I'll give you a thousand dollars for that.” Isaiah offered, arrogantly.

“Isaiah!” Donna cautioned him, her eyes filled with tears.

“What? You look like you need the money.”

Donna gave Regan a very painful look then walked away. Regan walked away as well, Isaiah's laughter trailing after them.

He caught up to Donna who wasn't satisfied with his insistence. “Do you really want me to be better?”

“Yes! I'm sick of this ridiculous lifestyle and misery, I'm trying to see the bright side of things but there seems to be none and I'm sorry Regan but I'm exhausted.” She spat out, her voice cracking.

“I'm sorry.” He apologized.

“Of course you are, don't follow me, you’ve embarrassed me enough.” She retorted, sarcastically then walked away.

Breathing deeply, Regan retraced his steps back to the staff quarters where he assisted with the chores, his mind strayed back to the conversation he had with Donna, though she gave him a hard time sometimes, she still treated him like human and with respect, most times.

Being the only one who accepted him the way he was, Regan decided it was time to repay her, he had gotten accustomed to her presence so it was impossible to leave.

In a safe corner, he brought out his phone and dialed a number. “Hello, let's meet at the DragonCrest Fall, bring along the transfer of ownership, I've considered your request.”

“When does this ever end?” Regan complained.

“Just a few more and you'll be done.” Luther; the lawyer in charge of the legal actions assured him.

Regan snickered and kept signing the papers, they were the legal proof that everything that belonged to the Linhares was now under his control, they'd gain more grounds and acquired more properties so it was a truckload of work for him.

“I'm done, finally.” Regan announced. “Would that be all?” He asked the lawyer who consented with a nod, he sprung to his feet almost immediately.

“Wait, where are you going to?” Felicia Linhares, Regan's mother asked.

She was there from the onset, watching over him satisfactorily.

“Home.” Regan replied, shortly.

“Home? Home is with us, where we stay.” Felicia argued.

Regan chuckled softly. “With you?”

“Of course, oh! You may chose to stay in any of the mansions you like and-”

“And why is that, mother?” Regan interjected.

“What do you mean why? You're currently that richest man in the country and in the continent, you surely have a reputation to keep if-”

“I'm heading to the same place you abandoned me at for three years, if anyone thinks it's embarrassing then they should keep the idea to themselves.” Regan interrupted, again.

“Regan, you've taken over, just assume your place already and everything-”

“Might I remind you that I didn't beg for any of it? I'm doing this on my own terms and if you don't like it then that's your business not mine.” Regan snapped then faced the lawyer one more time.

“Have the companies effect these changes, I'll be there on Monday to address them as the new CEO and no press or paparazzi is invited.” Regan announced, dismissively then began to walk away.

“Regan.” Felicia called out, he reluctantly paused to listen to her. “I'm glad you're back.”

“You should be.” Regan retorted sarcastically before finally walking out, leaving the two to carry on with the discussion.

“He's stubborn, just like his father but he'll make a good leader.” Felicia assured the lawyer.

“He had the resolution and potential but I'll advise that you do not try to coerce him into doing anything, it is now legalized, everything is under his control, let's just hope he finds favor with the NaNa.”

“Yes, let's hope.” Felicia muttered, knowing well her mother-in-law and Regan never go along well with each other.

By the time Regan arrived back at the De Croix Mansion on his rickety scooter, dinner had already begun. Looking average in his worn-out leather jacket and pants that he managed to buy on a 50% off sales at a store few months back, he looked like the scourge of the family.

As he walked to the dining room, scornful looks were cast in his way. Donna gestured for him to come seat beside her, having saved a seat for him.

“Look! The head of the family is here.” Isaiah mocked as Regan took his seat and everyone except Donna and her parents laughed.

Regan looked apologetically at Ling and the man smiled weakly at him while June scoffed as usual. “I'm sorry.” He whispered to Donna who focused her attention on eating.

“Am I so insignificant that you think you can arrive late you Regan?” Marietta asked, maliciously.

“Pardon?” Regan uttered, startled by her allegation.

Donna pinched him under the table and he sprung up to his feet and had his head hung low in shame. “I'm sorry Dowager, I had trouble with my scooter.” Regan lied.

Isaiah snorted in derision. “That scrap of junk? Wouldn't it be better for the environment if you pawned it off?”

“At least he'd get a pair of decent clothes.” Mindy; one of Donna's numerous female cousin added and they all burst into laughter, mocking him.

“I'm sorry Dowager, it won't repeat itself.” Regan promised as he took one quick glance at his wife who didn't as much as flinch since she was dying from embarrassment.

“You should find something better doing than nonsense and lying against those who actually do some real work like real men.” Marietta insulted, hinting at the incidence that happened earlier that day.

Regan muttered a 'thank you' and sat down beside Donna. “Hey.” He greeted as quietly as he could but she returned his greetings with a polite nod.

“Donna, you haven't given me a gift, I assume you're not planning on giving me days later?” Marietta asked with a loud voice, rather lackadaisically.

Donna was flustered by this and almost choked on her food. “Are you okay?” Regan had asked her but she ignored her.

"Pauper." Isaiah coughed.

“Shut up Isaiah.” Donna retorted, weakly.

Marietta gently dabbed the corner of her lips with an handkerchief and tapped the cutlery on the plate. “I need a refill.”

The scoffers turned to look at Regan, after all; he for petty errands. This embarrassed Donna but Regan insisted that it was fine so he reaches for the plate and takes it.

“I'll bring it back in a jiffy!” Regan said, enthusiastically.

“Be careful, that dish costs an entire fortune you wouldn't be able to afford!” Isaiah warned, again.

Regan smiled widely and nodded, he headed for the kitchen, knowing fully well it was the last time they'd ever enjoy such luxury. He got into a corner and dialed a number, spoke in hushed tones and ended the call with a ‘You have ten minutes to get here.’ note of warning.

“Where have you been? Were you planning on keeping us waiting for forever?” Marietta yelled at Regan as he finally returned to the table.

“Be careful with that! Clumsy fool!” Isaiah insulted as Regan almost toppled a glass of wine. He laughed awkwardly, scratched the back of his head and returned back to his seat.

“I'm sorry.” He apologized to Donna and she ignores him.

“How's the proposal you presented to Riverina Industry?” Marietta asked Isaiah.

“We've been trying with no success to get them to sign a contract with us, they do not even pay us the slightest attention!” Isaiah complained bitterly.

“Maybe if you were skilled enough and polite, you'd get audience with them.” Donna muttered.

“What was that? You think you can do any better?” Isaiah snapped.

“she can.” Regan blurted.

Marietta flared her nostrils. “Get the deal before the week runs out or you'll find yourself on the streets.”

“Mom!” Luke exclaimed.

“Don't you dare! You've not been making sales for the past few months and your progress is declining, I can't have you feeding off my other children like a leech!” Marietta retorted. “You have three days!”

Luke was about to complain but was shocked seeing a messenger walk in with a medium-sized box in his hands, two other man trialing right behind him.

“How dare you-”

“The Linhares family sends a gift for the daughter of this house, apparently, this is his proposal to her.” The messenger announced, and walked up to Marietta urging her to open the box.

Her hands shook and she gasped in shock, dropping a piece of paper on the floor. Isaiah picked it up and his face turned white. “Tw-tw-two hundred million!?”

“Two hundred million?”

“Who the hell does the Linhares want?”

“That's a huge amount of money!”

“That could buy an entire fortune for three generations!”

Ahem! The messenger cleared his throat, calling for the attention of the fazed family. “The son of the Linhares family is interested in one of the daughters of this house, he sends this as a token of his love, along with what he calls a small price to pay for her move.”

He signalled to the other men and they delivered the other boxes they were carrying. The messenger bowed his head slightly and dropped a customized card before leaving.

“Which one of them is it?” Marietta called after him.

“You'll know soon enough ma.” He replied quickly.

Everyone was too immersed in admiring the lavish gifts that they didn't notice Ryan nodding subtly at the messenger and mumbling some words.

The boxes contained jewelry, jade hairpins, an expensive satin dress and some adornments.

“To the woman of my heart, for years I've watched you and grown to love you and now, I'll claim you as mine, for the world to see.” Isabella read out thr contents of the card that came with the gifts.

“Now, which one of my lovely granddaughters bagged the wealthiest bachelor in town?” Marietta asked, happily.

“It's me!”

“You don't even stand a chance, I'm more beautiful than you!”

“Have you seen you two? I'm obviously more exposed and befitting.”

“Please, I'm a supermodel, you think you three can compete with that?”

“Silence!” Isaiah snapped as the single ladies began arguing among themselves. “Whoever it is, we all are going to be filthy rich because of her, being an in-law to the Linhares is all that matters.” He added, ambitiously.

“Of course.” June inputted and all eyes were on her.

“Your daughter is married, don't even think about it unless she's willing to divorce him and I'm sure that Linhares doesn't want a divorcee.* Marietta spat bitterly.

Donna's frowned slightly, mourning her misfortune. If only she wasn't stuck with Regan, she would have a chance of being a Linhares.

“Donna is married, that's one less competition, isn't it?” One of the girls asked and the rest laughed.

“I hope he knows none of you can survive a day without your parents, neither do you have anything going on for you, all he can do with you is make babies and take you to parties.” Donna muttered, defensively.

Marietta's face turned red and she slammed her hand on the table.

“Since you're so good at business how about you get the Email Company to sign that deal and you've got three days! Else I'll throw you and your family out!” Marietta yelled.

“Three days and I'll prove to you how useless your other grandchildren are! Even Regan is more useful than them, you can then drink that fake wine your precious Isaiah bought you!” Donna retorted then stood up and began to walk away.

“I'll make you regret embarrassing my husband Isaiah!” She added before finally leaving.

Regan was shocked by her outburst and deeply touched by her defending her. His heart swell with pride and he smiled knowing that he made the right choice.

Later that night, Donna paced her room restlessly. Her parents were also agitated, afraid of the results of her actions.

“You should go fall at Marietta's feet and beg her, maybe she'll let it go and forgive you. There's no way you'll be able to get this contract, it's obvious they're trying to kick us out of this house?” June protested.

“I know Mom, but I won't beg her. Did you see how she insulted you and Regan? Isaiah is just too proud, I won't let him get away with this.” Donna insisted.

June was worried but Ling intervened, asking her to be calm. “Why should we suffer like this? She's right, your husband is useless!” June uttered.

“Mom!” Donna scolded.

Regan walked in on this conversation and had his head hung low, June scoffed and stood up to take her leave, accompanied by her husband.

“I hope for the sake of us all, you know what you're doing.” Ling whispered to his daughter before leaving.

The entire night, Donna didn't say a word to Regna but instead began making research and preparing her proposal. The following day, she refused to leave that room and only ate a little though Regan brought her food.

He watched her work hard all day and night and tried helping her.

“Don't do anything just leave me alone, you'll only do more harm than help!” She had screamed at him when he offered to help.

Regan left the house and went shopping for groceries on his worn-out electric scooter, he got some supplies for her and felt sorry she was going through pain.

His phone rang and he picked the call.

“Boss, you have to meet the executives tomorrow morning, everything is set.”

“Okay.”

He hung up and headed back home, Donna looked exhausted and scared as she got the final proposal ready.

“I know someone who works there, he owes me a favor, you'll definitely get the deal.” Regan assured her before going to bed.

It was nothing but it gave her hope and she clung to it. The next morning, Regan offered to drive her there on his old scooter and she agreed, what was there to lose?

“Are you sure you can get this deal? We can-”

“Mom, Regan said he knows someone.”

June scoffed, “Who does he know?”

Donna politely shut her up saying she was late already for the meeting. Regan gave her a lift and pretended his scooter had fault just three blocks away to the company. Donna was pissed but managed to remain calm as she hailed a cab.

She was kept waiting at the lobby for two hours, saying the Director was in a meeting and her heart pulsated with fear.

Meanwhile, Regan officially took off the entire company and laid down some new rules during this period of time.

The HR walked up to Donna and she hastened to meet him. She was shown to an office where she presented her proposal.

“Congratulations, you've been awarded the contract.”

Donna couldn't believe it until everything was approved and sealed. She couldn't wait to share the good news with her parents. As she rushed out, she bumped into someone who looked exactly like Regan but he disappeared before she could realize it.

She tried Regan's phone but it was switched off so she went straight home to share the news. When she arrived there, the entire family was already outside, awaiting her. She also noticed some strangers standing with them.

“Welcome Donna, you're just in time to see your family been kicked out and the revealing of the next Mrs Linhares.” Isaiah uttered, mockingly.

She could see the sadness on her parent's face and smiled instead. She threw the signed contract at Isaiah and smirked as his expression turned sour.

“What? You got the contract?” Isaiah exclaimed.

Ahem! The messenger cleared his throat. “Mr Linhares has decided that his desired bride is no other person than Miss Donna.”

The entire family froze with shock and bewilderment, Isaiah's facial expression, priceless.