CHAPTER1 :Glory Returns
Riverdale, Verdant City!
Airport!
Chasel Mills stepped off the private jet, wearing a pair of distinctive black
combat boots. He stood tall, his eyes
sparkling like stars, but his face
appeared a bit pale.
Waiting to greet Chasel was a young woman in a black uniform, exuding confidence and grace. Evern in her
standard attire, her curvy figure was
hard to miss, adding an unexpected
allure to her presence.
However, Chasel seemed oblivious to the
beauty before him, lost in thought.
"Suzaku, have you found any results from the investigation I asked you to do?"
Five years ago, at just twenty years old, he had founded the Beiqing Group, quickly becoming a dark horse in Verdant City's business scene. The
company's value had skyrocheted, but
just as he was about to go public, he was
betrayed by his partner.
Charlotte Walker, the company's vice president, had drugged him and falsely accused him of rape, even orchestrating
a media frenzy to catch him in the act!
At that moment, under the influence of the drug, he had lost his senses and, in a desperate escape, was saved by a mysterious woman. In his dazed state,
they had ended up together, which
ultimately saved his life.
But when he finally regained
consciousness, he found himself in prison,
with no memory of who she was.
A month into his incarceration, he was selected to join a mysterious unit,
marking the beginning of a five-year
military career.
For five years, he had been embroiled in
battles, unable to break free.Until today!
He had succeeded and was finally
returning homel
This was a knot in his heart.
Upon hearing this, Suzaku immediately saluted sharply. "Report, Aurelian. We have some leads. By tonight at the latest,
we will have results."
Her clear voice carried admiration,
respect, and a hint of fear!
"Good!"
At her words, Chasel trembled slightly. A
flicker of emotion crossed his usually But then he broke into a violent cough.
Suzaku quickly pulled out a white silk handkerchief and handed it to Chasel.
"Aurelian, are you alright?"
Her strikingly handsome face was filled with concern!
If it weren't for that battle a month ago, this man, who was almost god-like, wouldn't have been so severely injured!
Yet it was precisely that battle that had vanquished all enemies, allowing this
man to achieve legendary status.
Afterward, at the peak of his power, he
honorably retired and took charge of the most mysterious organization in China, "Aurelian!"
The name Aurelian was not just a title; it represented supreme glory and a belief!
Aurelian Mills was a living legend!
It was also because of this that after stepping down from his position as the "Commander of the Northern Region," Chasel no longer needed to oversee the
North. This was why he finally had the
time to return to Verdant City!
"Im fine!'"Chasel coughed a couple more times, pulling away the handkerchief that was now stained bright red, but he acted as if he hadn't noticed it at all.
"Filial piety comes first!'" Images of his family flashed in his mind. "Let me
change clothes first, then take me to the
Mills family!"
With that, he stepped forward and exited the airport, with Suzaku respectfully
following closely behind.
Verdant City, I'm back!
All the past grievances will finally come
to an end!
Outside an old residential complex,
Chasel paused.
The Mills family had shown him
immense kindness.
Especially his adoptive father, Gilberto Mills, who had taken him from the orphanage and treated him as his own.
Even after having a biological daughter, Nora Mills, his love for Chasel had never wavered!
Gilberto had often said that once he and
Nora grew up, they would get married.
Keeping it in the family!
Nora Mills had always been very close
to Chasel, like a little shadow.
He knew every little mole on her body and exactly where they were!
If he hadn't been framed and sent to prison back then, he might have been
married to Nora Mills by now.
Thinking of this, Chasel couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Time had passed, and he was no longer the promising young entrepreneur he
once was. To outsiders, he was just an
ex-convict, a rapist.
It seemed that many people and things had changed beyond recognition!
Quickly shaking off these thoughts, Chasel stepped into the neighborhood.
Even though it had been five years since he last returned, he still found his way to the Mills family home with ease.
His five years of tough experiences had made Chasel adopt a serious demeanor, exuding an air of authority without
needing to raise his voice.
Standing in front of the door, he paused for a moment, then suddenly put on a
warm smile. The commanding presence he usually carried slowly faded away,leaving him looking like an ordinary
neighbor.
However, his face had a pale hue,
making him appear somewhat unwell.
He knocked on the door.
Before long, the door swung open.
"Who is it?"
A middle-aged woman appeared before
Chasel, her face lit up with a bright
smile.
But soon, the smile on her face began to
freeze.
"You.. you are... Chasel Mills?" The
middle-aged woman's face displayeda
look of disbelief.
"Mom!" Chasel called out.
"Don't call me that! I don't have a son like you!" The woman's expression turned icy.
Having a criminal in the family who had Committed violence against womern had
brought them nothing but shame over theyears, and they had faced countless
judgmental stares.
"Monica, who's here? Welcome the guest in, let's have a meal!" At that moment, a man with graying hair and a cigarette in hand appeared before Chasel.
Seeing him made Chasel tremble slightly.
"Dad, you should smoke less. Take care of your health!" Chasel said, his voice carrying a barely noticeable tremor.
"Chasel?" Gilberto Mills paused
mid-drag, seemingly in disbelief. He
pinched his arm hard, as if to confirm he
wasn't dreaming. After feeling the pain,he looked Chasel up and down, his
excitement bubbling over. "Chasel, you're
finally back! Where have you been all
these years?"
While everyone else had said Chasel was sentenced for attempted crimes, only Gilberto had never believed it, no matter what.
Since Chasel was imprisoned, he had
completely disappeared from everyone's
radar! He couldn't even find a way to
visit him or anyone to talk to.
"Dad, it's complicated," Chasel said, his
expression a mix of emotions."It's okay, it's okay! You're back, that's what matters! We'll have plenty of time to talk, father and son!" Gilberto said, his eyes slightly red and filled with
excitement.
"What are you blocking the door for?
Hurry, let Chasel in!"
Then, Gilberto suddenly realized that Chasel was still standing outside.
"On such an important day, you're making a scene..." Monica Anderson whispered, then turned to Chasel.
"Chasel, since you're back, it's not like
you're going to miss a day. Why don't
you come back tomorrow?"Chasel was at a loss for words. He felt stuck, unsure whether to go in or stay out.
"What are you talking about?" Gilberto's
expression turned cold.
"Chasel, don't just stand there! Come
inside!"
With that, Gilberto reached out to pull
Chasel into the house.
Monica Anderson's expression wasn't
great, but she stepped aside to let Chasel
into the house.
Once inside, Chasel noticed that there
were quite a few people gathered. Most were familiar faces-relatives from theMills family!
In the center of the room stood a striking young man with an air of sophistication, clearly a wealthy heir, surrounded by a group of relatives who were treating him
like royalty.
"Samir, from now on, you'll have to take good care of our Noral" one aunt said
enthusiastically.
"Nora has been spoiled by her parents since she was little. If she acts a bit
spoiled, please bear with her!" another
chimed in.
"Of course, if she throws a tantrum, just let us know, and we'll handle it!" a few aunts added, all talķing over each other.
"Come on, aunts, what are you talking about? Im not spoiled or unreasonable at all..." Nora protested from beside the young man. She had her hair tied in a ponytail, her figure curvy and her outfit stylish, and she blinked playfully.
"Exactly, aunts! Nora is very sensible. I promise that once she marries me, Ill treat her like a princess. We'll have a housekeeper to handle everything at home, and all she'll need to do is shop and have fun. Ill spoil her rotten: she
won't need to worry about anything else,"
the young man said, flashing a gentlemanly smile at the relatives,
though there was a hint of impatience in
his eyes toward these "simple" aunts.
"Right, we were just being overly Concerned. Nora marrying Samir means she's marrying into wealth and will be living a life of luxury" one of the aunts quickly replied, her eyes betraying a hint
of envy.
At that moment, Gilberto Mills
approached with Chasel in tow. Chasel
noticed that there was someone else
behind Gilberto.
Nora Mills felt a wave of curiosity."Dad, is your friend here?" she asked.
But the moment she saw the visitor, the
smile in her eyes froze instantly.
A brief moment of panic surged within
her, and she instinctively moved away
from Samir.
"Nora, long time no see!" Chasel said with a grin.
However, the momentary panic faded
quickly, and Nora's expression turned icy. "When did you get out of prison?"
CHAPTER 2:
Things have changed, people have changed.
Nora's change in attitude instantly chilled the previously cheerful atmosphere. Chasel Mills' smile froze on his face.
He had thought that after five years, things might have changed, but he never expected people to be so cold-hearted. The girl who used to cling to him every day and declared she wanted to marry him had transformed so drastically.
"This is... Chasel, right? You're back..."
A few aunts exchanged awkward glances, their expressions shifting slightly. Years ago, Chasel had been a young entrepreneur who founded the Beiqing Group, becoming a well-known star businessman in Verdant City. These aunts had treated him like royalty, openly praising the Mills family for producing such talent and trying to curry favor with him.
But now, not a single one of them stood up to greet him. After a dry acknowledgment, they fell silent.
However, Nora's aunt showed no restraint: "Chasel, what are you back for? Don't you think you've embarrassed the Mills family enough? Are you planning to come back and cause moretrouble, or did you just want to interrupt Nora and Samir's wedding?"
Seeing her aunt speak up, Monica Anderson's expression darkened. "Chasel, although Anguo jokingly promised you a future with Nora back then, times have changed. Nora has found her own happiness now. Don't take it the wrong way, but you can't give her happiness anymore. If you truly care for her, you should let go of this idea and not come back at this time!"
"Enough!" Just as Monica was about to say more, Gilberto suddenly erupted, "Chasel has finally come back, and you can't hold your tongues for a moment? Iswear, one word from me is worth a thousand..."
However, Gilberto's words were cut short.
Nora quickly interjected, "Dad!"
She knew her father's temper; he was about to say something about her marrying Chasel again. There was no way she could marry a rapist, even if he was the person she once claimed she would marry no matter what.
Seeing his daughter so anxious, Gilberto let out a heavy sigh but chose not to continue."Chasel, we need to talk!"
With that, Nora Mills turned and walked outside.
Chasel remained silent but followed her. Even though he tried to tone down his presence to appear like an ordinary young man next door, years of military discipline still showed in his steady gait. Each step he took was measured and consistent, almost as if he were marching.
While others didn't notice, Samir did. He glanced at the two of them, a flicker of hostility crossing his eyes."Chasel..." Once they reached the balcony, Nora looked up at him.
Before she could say anything else, Chasel forced a smile and said, "You never used to call me by my full name like that!"
At his words, Nora's gaze flickered slightly, but she retorted coldly, "You know that was in the past. Now, I don't even want to mention your name!"
God knows how heartbroken and desperate she felt when she found out that Chasel had been imprisoned for rape. It was like being betrayed by someone she had admired for years!After the pain came hatred. And after the hatred, she had completely erased Chasel from her heart.
"I was framed!" Chasel insisted.
"Maybe," Nora replied, her tone laced with skepticism.
It was clear that Nora Mills didn't believe him.
"I called you out here just to tell you that there's no possibility for us anymore. I'm in the South, you're in the North, and we will never cross paths again!"
Chasel maintained his smile, but it was tinged with bitterness.Years ago, Nora hadn't said anything like that.
"We're from different places—one in the South and one in the North. If we keep heading South, we'll eventually reach the North. If we keep going North, we'll end up in the South. We are forever inseparable!"
But he didn't care about that anymore.
After five years of a tough life, facing life and death, Chasel had long since moved on from his feelings for Nora. That affection had been buried deep within him and had gradually faded.What mattered more to him now was the bond of family he shared with Nora.
This time, he had only come back to see his adoptive parents and Nora.
However, aside from his adoptive father, everyone else had misunderstood him.
"I don't want you to ruin my current relationship, and I don't want my parents to argue because of you!"
"Over the years, they've faced enough gossip because of you! Even though you've been to prison, with your skills, finding a job shouldn't be too hard. Just work steadily and be a good person.Don't bring shame to Mom and Dad!"
A flicker of sympathy crossed Nora's heart, but she still spoke coldly.
Especially when she emphasized the words "be a good person."
"Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble for you, nor will I let my parents suffer because of me!"
Chasel wiped the smile off his face and took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He then turned and walked toward the living room.
Nora Mills felt a flash of disappointment cross her face. Five years in prison, five years disconnected from society—could he really adapt to the world now? Moreover, finding a job would be tough for someone with a criminal record, especially with Chasel's past crimes that made everyone look down on him. What right did he have to say anything? Even her own relatives despised him, let alone others.
What bothered her most was Chasel's comment about not coming back to bother her. It left a sour feeling in her heart.
Upon returning to the living room, Samir, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Nora, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Nora instinctively glanced at Chasel before walking over to Samir, linking her arm with his. "This is my boyfriend and fiancé, Samir, the vice president of Tianchen Pharmaceuticals!"
Samir smiled, "I'm just a figurehead fornow. The company is busy preparing for an IPO, and my dad is still in charge. I need to train for a few more years before he hands over the reins to me!" His tone was humble, but there was an undeniable pride in his eyes.
"And this is... Chasel!" Nora looked back at Chasel, not elaborating further.
"Hello, I'm Nora's brother, Chasel!" Chasel extended his hand. In this day and age, the only people he treated with such courtesy were his comrades and a few respected elders; no one else, no matter how powerful, earned that privilege from him.But since Samir was Nora's fiancé, that made him Chasel's brother-in-law. Chasel extended his hand with a friendly gesture. However, a hint of awkwardness crossed Samir's face, as if he felt a bit apologetic. "Hello, but I'm sorry, I don't usually shake hands with others. Really sorry about that!"
Chasel's resolute gaze seemed to deepen at that moment, and he calmly withdrew his hand. Nora Mills showed a brief flash of embarrassment, but it quickly faded.
"Chasel Mills?" It was only then that surprise flickered in Samir's eyes, as if he had just pieced it together after some thought. "Wasn't there a strong... in Verdant City five years ago...?"
At this point, Samir suddenly seemed to realize he had misspoken and quickly corrected himself. "Sorry, it must just be a coincidence with the name."
Chasel's expression remained unchanged. The Mills family relatives, including Monica Anderson and Nora, felt a wave of embarrassment wash over them, their expressions turning sour as they glanced at Chasel. They thought it was a mistake to have adopted him in the first place.
Only Gilberto shot a dissatisfied look at Samir, feeling that this prospective son-in-law was a bit hypocritical. He quickly tried to change the subject. "Isn't it almost mealtime? Is dinner ready?"
Upon hearing this, Monica Anderson immediately caught on.
"Just a moment, just a moment!"
"Today is Samir's first time at our home; we have to make sure he enjoys Auntie's cooking!"
Monica Anderson looked at Samir with satisfaction, like a mother-in-law admiring her son-in-law. He was handsome, came from a family that owned a business, was wealthy, and polite.
With that, she headed toward the kitchen, seemingly ignoring Chasel.
"Come on, let's have a drink, just the two of us!"
Gilberto Mills was quite attentive to Chasel.
"Sure, I'll join you!" Chasel replied with a smile.
Even though he was still recovering from a serious injury and shouldn't be drinking, he pushed those thoughts aside.
Soon, the food was served, and everyone gathered around the table.
However, before anyone could pick up their chopsticks, Samir received a phone call and stepped outside for a moment. When he returned, he was holding two beautifully wrapped boxes.
"Uncle, I heard from Nora that you enjoy smoking. I had someone specially go to the Dunhill headquarters in the UK to get this pipe for you. It's a limited edition, only five hundred made worldwide. And this is some handmade tobacco I brought back from Italy. I hope you like it!"
Once back at the table, Samir handed the gift box containing the pipe and tobacco to Gilberto.
"Yeah, Dad, Samir put in a lot of effort to get these!"
Nora beamed with joy.
"There are only five hundred of these in the world! They must be so expensive, probably over ten thousand!"
Her aunt gasped, her face a mix of astonishment and envy.
"The original price isn't that high, just fifty thousand," Samir replied with a smile. "It's just that because it's a limited edition, it's hard for ordinary people to get their hands on!" "Fifty thousand?"
The Mills family was completely taken aback.
Once they got home, they would definitely look up the value of the gifts Samir had given them. He had brought gifts for each of them, and they seemed quite valuable.
Samir noticed that they were only focused on the price and missed the part about how ordinary people couldn't buy them.
This wasn't just about money; it was about status!
Unfortunately, they didn't understand this, and he couldn't help but feel a bit disdainful. The Mills family relatives were ultimately not up to par.
After the wedding, he would have to make sure Nora Mills Cut ties with them. The daughter-in-law of the Lee familyneeded to be noble and elegant!
"This needs to be taken care of; we can't let it get damaged!"
Monica Anderson noticed that Gilberto Mills didn't seem too thrilled, so she quickly took it from him, her heart filled with joy. She was so pleased with her daughter's choice of a son-in-law who was so generous.
At that moment, Berloff's aunt turned to Chasel and said with a hint of jealousy, "Samir really cares about his father-in-law. I just wonder if someone has prepared any gifts now that he's back?"Samir couldn't help but smile inwardly.
Finally, his aunt was getting to the point.
Everyone's eyes turned to Chasel in unison.
CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCING THE JOB.
Seeing this, Gilberto's expression darkened immediately.
"Have you all lost your minds over money?"
"Chasel coming back healthy is the best gift!"
Gilberto's displeasure was evident.
The others fell silent, sensing the tension in the air, especially his sister-in-law, who realized Gilberto's words were aimed directly at her. Her face turned sour.Her gaze toward Chasel became increasingly hostile.
A disaster!
How could someone like him not rot in prison?
What was he back for? To bring everyone trouble!
Chasel seemed oblivious to his aunt's glare.
He reached into the pocket of his trench coat.
"Dad, I know you enjoy a few puffs every day. I didn't bring any fancy gifts this time; like my brother-in-law, I brought you a smoking pipe and some tobacco leaves!"
"I was planning to give them to you after dinner!"
As he spoke, Chasel pulled out a smoking pipe and a regular plastic bag filled with sun-dried tobacco leaves, still in whole sheets and not yet shredded!
Samir, who had been staring at Chasel, let out a sigh of relief. He had feared that Chasel would pull out something more valuable than his own gift to one-up him.Who would have thought it was just some cheap stuff made in the countryside! It was downright embarrassing!
Aunt and the other relatives exchanged disdainful glances at the sight.
Of all the things to bring, you chose to show up with a cheap smoking pipe and tobacco leaves. Even if it was low-quality, that would be fine. But after Samir gifted a global limited edition luxury pipe and premium tobacco, your low-end pipe made of ordinary bamboo and uncut leaves was just too much. The stark contrast was painfully obvious, making it a self-inflicted humiliation! "If it were me, I'd rather say I didn't bring a gift at all than show up with that!" Aunt couldn't hold back her sarcastic remark.
The other relatives and Samir looked on, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Only Monica and Nora exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to something more complex.
Sure enough, when Gilberto saw the smoking pipe and tobacco leaves in Mitchell's hands, his face lit up with joy as if he had stumbled upon a priceless treasure. He took them eagerly and exclaimed, "Is this made by our hometown's Harris family?"
"Yep! Uncle Harris made the pipe himself, and he dried the tobacco leaves too. I specifically asked him to save some whole leaves for me!" Chasel good too.
"Good kid! No wonder you're my son. You know I only like to smoke pipes from the Harris family and prefer to cut the leaves to my liking!"
"Nothing beats our local products! Those foreign trinkets just don't appeal to me!" Gilberto laughed heartily, playfully slapping Chasel on the shoulder.
Just as Gilberto's hand was about to land on his shoulder, Chasel instinctively tensed up, almost ready to retaliate. But then he realized they were no longer on the battlefield, so he let Gilberto's hand rest on his shoulder.At that moment, Samir's expression darkened. He sensed that Gilberto didn't genuinely appreciate those cheap goods; it felt more like he was trying to save face for Chasel.
This old man really doesn't care about my feelings. Once I marry Nora, I'll make sure to kick this father-in-law to the curb. He can go live with his useless adopted son!
However, Samir kept his composure, knowing he needed to maintain a good relationship with his future father-in-law before the wedding. He quickly gathered his thoughts and smiled, "Since you prefer local products, Uncle, I'll be sure to pay more attention in the future. I'll ask for your preferences first instead of blindly trying to please you!"
His performance was gracious and appropriate, making the relatives sigh in admiration. This was what a young talent should be like, unlike Chasel, who was nothing but a disgrace!
Samir's demeanor instantly cleared the awkward atmosphere from earlier. Monica Anderson quickly chimed in, "We all see Samir's filial piety!"
"Come on, let's eat some vegetables first!"Nora Mills shot a deep glance at Chasel. She thought to herself, you only know what Dad likes and took advantage of that.
Soon, everyone began to pick up their chopsticks.
Glasses clinked!
"Cheers, Dad!"
Chasel poured wine for Gilberto, then filled his own glass. After toasting, he downed it in one go, showcasing the boldness typical of a military man!
"How crude!" Samir, who considered his aunt and other relatives beneath him, watched as Chasel behaved nothing like Samir himself. While Samir ate and drank with a casual air, Chasel moved with grace and elegance, like a true gentleman. This only fueled their disdain.
After several rounds of drinks and a variety of dishes, Samir suddenly turned to Chasel and asked, "Now that you're back, do you have a job lined up?"
Before Chasel could respond, his aunt sneered, "A guy who just got back from... where would he find a job? I bet he came back because no one wanted him out there, just to mooch off his parents..."With a criminal record, what kind of job could he possibly get?
"I tell you, brother, sister-in-law, you can't spoil someone like this. If you hadn't pampered him since he was little, he wouldn't have ended up like this."
Gilberto's face darkened completely. "Can't you keep your mouth shut even during dinner?"
"Fine, if you won't say anything, then I won't either!" Chasel's aunt pouted. Now that Gilberto had a golden son-in-law, they would need to rely on his family more in the future, so she didn't dare to truly offend him."I was thinking, my family's company is currently preparing for an IPO and really needs talent. If Chasel is looking for work, he could consider joining us. After all, we're family, and I can look out for him," Samir quickly chimed in.
His flattering words left everyone feeling quite pleased. The relatives, especially those with children about to enter the workforce, had their eyes light up. If Samir was willing to help, their kids could land jobs at his company, which would soon be a publicly listed one.
Instantly, the way these relatives looked at Samir became even more fervent, and their satisfaction grew. Even Gilberto's expression softened significantly, and he finally nodded in approval at Samir.
Then he turned to Chasel and asked, "Chasel, do you have a job right now?"
Chasel, not daring to hide anything from his adoptive father, replied, "Not at the moment."
"Well then, why not consider Samir's company?" Gilberto Mills suggested. He knew that after spending five years in prison, it would be tough for Chasel to find a decent job. Joining Samir's company could be a great opportunity. With Chasel's abilities, he could certainly make a name for himself and build a better resume. Even if he decided to leave later, he wouldn't be stuck doing manual labor.
Chasel understood Gilberto Mills's good intentions but he also knows that samir has ulterior motives. Sure enough, before Chasel could respond, Samir spoke up again, looking at Mitchell Anderson and asking, "Chasel, do you have a master's degree or just a bachelor's?"
"Don't get me wrong; each position has its own requirements regarding education. I'm just trying to understand the situation to see what kind of job can be arranged," Samir said.
As soon as he spoke, the expressions on several relatives' faces changed dramatically, turning into a mix of glee and schadenfreude.
"He attended a prestigious university butdropped out voluntarily!" Nora Mills chimed in, noticing that Chasel was ignoring Samir. She assumed it was because Chasel was too proud to respond, so she decided to speak on his behalf.
Even though she despised Chasel at the moment, she still hoped he could find a job and adapt to society in five years, so his parents wouldn't have to worry. Of course, she wasn't being entirely truthful; Chasel didn't drop out voluntarily—he was expelled after going to prison due to his poor reputation.
"I see," Samir pondered for a moment before continuing, "With just a high school diploma, you can only work as a security guard or a warehouse manager. It pays about three thousand a month, with food and lodging included. While the salary isn't high, the work is easy. If you do well, I can promote you and give you a raise in a few months. That way, no one will have anything to say!"
Promotion and a raise!
Upon hearing this, Chasel's aunt and the other relatives widened their eyes in surprise. Initially, they had relished the idea of Chasel becoming a security guard or warehouse manager, but now they felt a twinge of envy at the prospect of a promotion and raise."You should thank Samir properly!" one of them urged.
"Yeah, if it were anyone else, they wouldn't even offer you a job, let alone guarantee a promotion and raise!" another added.
Gilberto Mills decided to keep quiet this time. Since Samir had promised a promotion and a raise, being a warehouse manager was better than being a security guard. It was a step up, after all.
However, just as Samir was arranging everything clearly, Chasel raised an eyebrow and looked around at Samir and the relatives. "Did I ever say I wanted to work at your company?"
In that moment, Chasel's expression turned icy. His gaze was sharp and piercing!
CHAPTER 4 :MOTHER-DAUGHTER NEWS
All the relatives, along with Samir, were intimidated by Chasel Mills' domineering gaze. They froze for a moment!
But soon, Chasel's aunt reacted, "What's wrong? Samir is just trying to help you find a job, and you're biting the hand that feeds you? You should take a good look at yourself!"
Chasel stood up, his eyes lowering as he wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin while staring at his aunt.
Instantly, his aunt felt a chill run down her spine. Under Chasel's terrifying gaze,she swallowed the rest of her words.
"Chasel, you're really disappointing!"
At that moment, Nora spoke softly, her eyes filled with disappointment as she looked at Chasel.
He had a chance and didn't know how to seize it. Ignoring her good intentions, she regretted covering for him by saying he had voluntarily dropped out. If Samir found out, he would surely think too much about it.
She risked being misunderstood by her boyfriend, yet Chasel was so ungrateful. She really didn't understand what shesaw in him back then.
Chasel didn't argue with Nora's words. Just then, the door of the Mills family home rang again.
"Who is it?"
Monica Anderson asked in confusion, wondering why there were so many unexpected guests today.
When the door swung open, Monica Anderson was greeted by a young, beautiful woman with a confident demeanor standing outside.
The key detail? She was dressed in a uniform."Um... who are you looking for?" Monica asked, feeling a bit anxious.
Could she be looking for Chasel?
"Hello, ma'am. I'm Suzaku, here to see Chasel!" Suzaku replied, her voice clear and assertive.
At the mention of Chasel's name, Monica'sexpression darkened.
Could it be that Chasel had escaped from prison? A fugitive?
Not daring to stop her, Monica reluctantly let Suzaku inside.
Her gaze toward Chasel was filled with disdain.
What a disgrace! This was beyond embarrassing.
As soon as Suzaku stepped in, everyone noticed her, especially the eye-catching uniform she wore.
"She's not here to arrest Chasel, is she?"Monica's sister-in-law said with a hint of schadenfreude.
The other relatives also wore grim expressions.
In that moment, everyone shared Monica's suspicion.
Was Chasel really a fugitive?
If they got caught at home, it would definitely spread throughout the neighborhood. The Mills family's reputation would be completely ruined.
Nora cast a disdainful glance at Chasel before shifting her gaze elsewhere, no longer wanting to look at him.Samir's eyes lit up when he saw Suzaku's figure and beauty, but when he glanced back at Chasel, his expression turned to one of schadenfreude.
Only Gilberto quickly stood up and approached Suzaku, his voice trembling slightly. "Comrade, there... there must be some mistake!"
He had heard Suzaku say she was looking for Chasel.
"Hello, Uncle. There's no mistake. I'm here to report to Chasel about work!" Suzaku quickly explained as she noticed everyone's tension rising. "Oh, I see. That's good, that's good." Gilberto let out a sigh of relief.
As he looked at Suzaku's outfit, he began to realize her identity. However, in an instant, Gilberto's eyes widened, and his tone became excited. "Young lady, you... you said you're here to report to Chasel. Does that mean... he is... also...?"
At that moment, Gilberto Mills was so thrilled that he stumbled over his words.
"That's right, I'm his subordinate!" Suzaku stood tall and confident, feeling genuine respect for Chasel' adoptive father.
With that confirmation, Gilberto felt arush of excitement.
Gilberto suddenly burst into tears of joy. His weathered face was lit up with a broad smile, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Good kid, I knew it! I knew you weren't that kind of person. All these years, I couldn't find you because you were off serving in the military and making a name for yourself. You've really brought honor to the Mills family!"
Gilberto slapped Chasel on the shoulder, overwhelmed with excitement and pride.
Meanwhile, Monica, Nora, and all the relatives stood there, dumbfounded.
Chasel had just gotten out of prison, right?
But now, he had gone into the military?
And it seemed he had even made a bit of a name for himself!
The shock was too much for them to handle.
In an instant, the face of Chasel's aunt turned a deep shade of purple.
Those who had previously mocked Chasel exchanged glances, their heads hung low.Nora trembled slightly, looking at Chasel with a complex mix of emotions.
"Dad, I've already retired!" Chasel said with a smile, not hiding anything.
"I don't care! Retired or not, you're still the pride of the Mills family!" Gilberto exclaimed, his face still flushed with excitement.
Chasel chose not to say more.
As long as his adoptive father was happy, that was all that mattered!
"Report, Aurelian, I've cleared up everything you asked me to investigate!" Suzaku said, stepping in front of Chasel his smile fading as he spoke seriously.
"Good!" Chasel nodded.
He then turned to Gilberto Mills and Monica Anderson.Dad, Mom, I have some things to take care of, so I won't be able to stay with you for now. I'll come back to see you once I'm done!"
Chasel spoke with deep respect.
"Chasel, your matters are important. Don't let anything hold you back; go quickly," Gilberto urged. "And remember, if you have time, come home often! This will always be your home!"
"Don't worry, Dad. This will always bemy home!" Chasel replied with a smile.
He then looked at Nora. "Nora, I wish you happiness!"
"Samir, Nora is a good girl. Don't let herDon't let her down!" Chasel added, turning his sharp gaze toward Samir.
The atmosphere was chilling! Samir felt a tightness in his chest; he could clearly sense the threat in Chasel' words. An uneasy feeling washed over him, but he didn't dare to argue back.
Chasel paid no mind to their reactions. After speaking, he turned and walked toward the door with Suzaku by his side.
His steps were steady!
That figure, not particularly muscular, suddenly appeared so dignified and imposing at that moment!
Moments later, Chasel and Suzaku vanished from everyone's sight.
It took a while for everyone to snap backto reality.
The once lively restaurant was now silent, with no one daring to pick up their chopsticks.
Especially Nora, who bit her red lip tightly, her delicate fists clenched.
Was he not that despicable criminal?
Had she misunderstood him?
No way!
Five years ago, he had indeed been arrested and sentenced to prison. That was an undeniable fact.Yet today, the situation was laid out so clearly before her.
Regardless of the truth, in that moment, Nora felt as if she had lost something deep within her heart.
Something she could never retrieve!
Noticing Nora's dazed expression, Samir recalled how she had been keeping a slight distance from him ever since Chasel appeared. A flicker of malice crossed Samir's eyes.
But the moment of laughter was fleeting.
"I don't want to jump to conclusions about others," Nora said with a smile, "but I justwant to remind everyone that the Suzaku we just saw doesn't have any shoulder insignia!"
Huh?
At her words, Nora paused.
Not just her, but her aunt and the others also began to realize.
"That's right, I remember! No shoulder insignia!" her aunt exclaimed. "Could it be that her uniform is fake?"
"I think it's possible. It's been five years; who doesn't know that? How could he suddenly become a soldier?" "And even if we assume he did join, it's only been a few years. How could he possibly have subordinates? The most experienced person in the squad? He doesn't have the qualifications!"
"Now that you mention it, he does look a bit off. Just look at his skinny frame and pale face; he looks sickly, like a ghost. How could he be a soldier? I think he just wanted to save face and hired someone to play the part!"
"Absolutely! And claiming he's retired? Clearly, he's just afraid of being exposed and made up an excuse for himself."At that moment, all the relatives had turned into little detectives, picking up on the details and speculating.
One would chime in, and another would follow.
In any case, they reached a conclusion.
Chasel was pretending.
Suzaku was someone Chasel hired to act.
Gilberto had initially wanted to scold these relatives and refute their claims.
But in the end, he still didn't speak up.
These relatives, while harsh in their words, weren't entirely wrong.
Chasel, could it be that he really did invite someone to deceive them?
Even Gilberto Mills, who had always trusted Chasel, felt a twinge of doubt in his heart at that moment.
"Five years in prison didn't teach you to recognize your mistakes, nor did it help you grow. Instead, you come out and play these petty tricks."
"For the sake of your pride, you deceive your parents and refuse a hard-earned job. Chasel, you really are a lost cause!"
Nora Mills listened to her relatives criticize Chasel, feeling utterly disappointed.
Meanwhile, Chasel had already left the community with Suzaku.
Outside the community, a green jeep was parked!
Once inside, Suzaku handed Chasel a photograph.
The photo featured a beautiful woman, mature and graceful, with an air of intelligence.
"Report to Aurelian, her name is Michelle Allen. She is the daughter of the Riverborough Allen family, and five years ago, she was the one who saved you by chance!"
"Michelle Allen is still unmarried, and not only that, she has a daughter—your daughter!""Because of the child, Michelle has severed ties with the Riverborough Allen family and started a small company inVerdant City, raising her daughter on her own."
"Yesterday, she posted a job listing for a personal assistant. From my investigation, it turns out the only duty of this assistant is to pretend to be the child's father, occasionally playing with the child to keep them happy!"
At these words, Chasel felt a jolt run through him! His eyes sparkled with intensity, sharp and commanding, as he spoke in a chilling tone, "Tell all the applicants to get lost. My daughter can only have one father—me. No one else is qualified!''
Suzaku paused for a moment before responding, "Michelle Allen seems to harbor a deep resentment towards the child's biological father, which is you."
Chasel was taken aback, and a look of guilt washed over his face. Years ago, while Michelle had saved him, it was to take him to the hospital, not to become a remedy herself. At that time, Chasel had been out of his mind, and meeting Michelle felt like grasping a lifeline in a vast ocean—he acted purely on instinct.
That night had left Michelle with memories that haunted her like a nightmare.Finally, Chasel sighed, "In that case, I can't reveal my identity. Help me submit a resume; I'll go for the interview tomorrow!"
Michelle Allen, I'm back! I will do everything I can to make up for the pain I've caused you!.