Chapter 3

Two weeks later, Logan's wedding was held at the most luxurious hotel in our hometown.

It was extravagant. The wedding convoy alone was filled with Mercedes and BMWs, and the lead car was a red Ferrari.

The photos and videos flooded every family group chat.

Although I had already left those groups, there were always a couple of 'kind-hearted' distant cousins who sent me screenshots privately.

[Evan, look how impressive Logan is! Your parents really outdid themselves. They must be so proud!]

[Evan, why didn't you come back for the wedding? This was a big deal!]

I looked at the photos. At the main table, my parents were glowing with pride. They smiled brighter than the groom's own parents.

They were the center of attention. People kept coming over to toast them. Everyone praised them for being generous. They were like role models in the family.

I deleted every message with a blank expression.

The day after the wedding, I got a call from my grandfather, Gerald Clark.

He was the only one in the family I felt was reasonable.

"Evan, are you still mad at your parents?"

"Grandpa." My voice softened.

"You didn't come back for the wedding yesterday. Your parents were embarrassed." He sighed. "Relatives kept asking. They had to say you were busy with a project in Seahaven."

"I am busy."

"I know." He paused. "I heard from Edith that Ruby broke up with you. Is that true?"

"Yeah."

"What a shame. She was a good girl."

He sighed again. "Evan, I know you're angry. What your parents did was wrong. They ignored their own son just to play the big shot for others."

My eyes welled up with tears when I heard the word 'wrong.' For the first time since everything happened, someone in the family was on my side.

"Grandpa, I'm fine."

"I know you're stubborn," he said. "I know your dad very well. He cares too much about appearances. He thinks since your uncle died early, it's his responsibility as the older brother. Now that your cousin got married, making it grand was his way of honoring your uncle and gaining recognition from other relatives."

"So for his pride, my happiness is expendable?"

"He didn't think that far," Grandpa said. "He's stubborn. Honestly, I think your mom and your aunt influenced him behind the scenes."

"It doesn't matter," I said. "What's done is done."

"Yesterday, your parents got drunk at the banquet. They even bragged to me. They said everyone respects them now, and that they're the pillar of the Clark family."

Grandpa's tone carried a hint of disdain. "I scolded him. I told him he was putting out fires for others while his own house burned down."

I said nothing and just listened.

"Your dad's expression turned dark. He said I didn't understand him." Grandpa paused. "Evan, don't stay angry forever. Money can be earned again. But family? Once it's gone, it's gone."

"Grandpa, I'm not angry. I've just figured things out."

"What did you figure out?"

"That relying on myself is better than relying on anyone else. I'll buy my own house. I'll get married with my own funds. As for them, they've got their precious nephew to take care of them."

"You–"

"Grandpa, don't worry. I'm doing fine. Once I buy a place, I'll bring you to Seahaven."

"Alright, alright." His voice softened with relief.

After hanging up, I stared out the window.

Seahaven's night was still bustling with activity. I knew from now on, I'd have to walk this road alone.

I switched on my laptop and sent a proposal I had just finished to my supervisor. At the end of the email, I added a few more sentences.

[Mr. Warren, if there are overseas assignments in Faricia or Zionia, please consider me first. I'm not concerned about hardship as long as the allowance is high.]

He replied quickly.

[Evan, are you crazy?]

[I'm not crazy. I'm just trying to make some money.]