Chapter 10%
When I saw them, I felt no warmth–only a deep sense of humiliation.
I pretended not to notice and walked away.
My father quickly ordered a bodyguard to stop me.&
I glared at the bodyguard, who immediately lowered his head.
“Master, I’m sorry. The boss gave strict orders.”
I recognized him–one of those who beat me the hardest outside the hotel.
Suddenly, I laughed bitterly.
“I remember you–at the entrance of Crimson Hotel. Do you recall beating a little beggar? The little beggar held a bowl of instant noodles and an egg in his hands.”
At my words, the bodyguard froze, and my parents stared, stunned.
“That day… that little beggar… was it you, Master?”
The bodyguard’s face drained of color; his voice trembled as he stood.
Dad hurried over with disbelief on his face.
“Son, that day… was it really you? Did you see us celebrating Charles’s birthday?“}
I sneered.
“Yes, Mr. Pierce. That day you held Charles and called me a little beggar–a poor, pathetic dog.“}
Dad looked struck by lightning.
“I… I didn’t know it was you then. Otherwise, I never would have said that about my son.”>
Mom rushed to soothe the situation.
“Your father didn’t mean it; it was dark then, and you… you looked so…”
I cut her off coldly.
“Yes, I’ve been poor for over twenty years. How could I be your son? Not to mention the scars on my face.”>
My parents fell silent, kept apologizing and explaining, but I didn’t listen. I took a taxi and left.
In the rearview mirror, I saw Father furious, taking it out on the bodyguard.§
“Asshole! Dig out those dog eyes! You dare hit the young master? And you dare insult him!“}
The bodyguard was beaten and begged for mercy.§
For days afterward, my parents showed up every day. To see me, they even offered to sponsor my research institute.
But when the institute learned about my family, they refused.§
“Mr. Pierce, we know you have money, but William is our most promising researcher. We won’t let money decide his future.“> Dad wanted to fight for me, but was coldly turned away.”
Annoyed, I stayed at the institute.}
After a month, my parents realized I was determined and left in disgrace.
Knowing I wouldn’t forgive them, they tried to use Emily as a way in.
But Emily almost lost her innocence because of her mother’s schemes and refused to help them at all.
Then, one year later, the housekeeper called and told me my father was terminally ill, with little time left.S When Emily heard this, she urged me to return to America to visit him.
I agreed to go back–not for them, but to celebrate Emily’s birthday.”
As soon as I landed, Emily picked me up.
At the restaurant where we celebrated, I noticed it was empty.
Emily asked the manager and learned the Pierce family had booked the whole place.
She looked at me guiltily.
“William, I didn’t tell anyone you were back. I don’t know how your parents found out we were here.”
I smiled and squeezed her hand.
“I believe you. With their money, they could find me anywhere.“@
Just then, my mother walked in.
“Sonr*%
Her cry tightened my heart, and tears welled up.
But when I remembered how they treated me, the faint hope in my heart died again.#
