Chapter 5

"Really? You got kicked out of the room again? Even if a rat wears a crown, it's still a rat. Don't even think about taking our money. When the divorce comes, you won't get a single cent!" Susan sneered.

"I don't care what you think. This is between me and Chloe. Stay out of it!" Leo uttered before directly walking to the guest room.

Susan was stunned for a moment. It was the first time Leo had talked back to her. "How could he say that? Looks like I'll have to teach him a proper lesson."

"Just drop it. It's normal to get into a bad mood after an argument." Harry detected a subtle undertone in Leo's words.

In the guest room, Leo stared at the black card. His heart was racing.

Five years, and this card was finally back in his hands.

He grabbed his phone and immediately checked the balance. He had even forgotten how much money he had, but having enough to rank among the world's top 500 should be within reach.

"What the hell? Where's my money?" He was stunned when the balance popped up in a text.

There were only twenty bucks left in the card.

Good thing Chloe hadn't accepted this card. Otherwise, he would've embarrassed himself.

Soon, it became clear. It had to be his grandfather.

He pulled out the old phone he had just received today and dialed the number labeled 'Vampire'.

The call connected quickly. On the other end came a raspy but warm voice.

"Leo, how's married life? The wife I picked for you isn't too bad, right?"

"Cut the crap!" Leo cursed. "Vampire, where's my money?"

Leo's grandfather, Jerry Kennedy, cleared his throat. "Ahem. I'm your grandfather, don't call me that. It's just us two relying on each other. Your money is mine. Spending a bit isn't a problem, isn't it? Besides, I left you some!"

"Some? You left me twenty bucks! Twenty! What can I do with that?" Leo exclaimed in frustration.

"Only twenty left? Maybe I recently bought a small island in the Tranquil Oceans and spent it all. I'm old and need somewhere to retire. Surely you can earn it back soon with your skills!" Jerry laughed.

"So that's it. You tricked me into going abroad as a mercenary, then made me adjust to ordinary life to secretly take my money!" Leo regretted everything.

"Impossible. I did it for your own good. Young people with too much money easily get too cocky. Anyway, I'm off. Jessica wants me to check out her new nightgown today!" Jerry exclaimed and hung up.

Leo was so angry that he nearly tossed the phone away. He had earned so much money, but it was all wasted by Jerry. He even still messed around with young women despite his age.

But Leo's ability to earn so much was also due to Jerry's training.

He hadn't followed a conventional school path. As a child, he traveled the world with Jerry, learning all sorts of skills, including ancient martial arts, close combat, and medicine.

He had made his fortune during that time, using countless legal avenues.

Once he'd earned enough, Jerry sent him abroad as a mercenary to carry out special and secretive work.

Jerry's plan wasn't meaningless. Those years of being a mercenary helped Leo mature greatly. His youthful arrogance vanished. With his skills, he thrived in the field.

But constant exposure to life-or-death situations had left him with intense aggression. So when he returned, Jerry had him marry and settle into a normal life to cleanse that aggression.

Leo actually enjoyed this peaceful routine. Doing laundry, cooking, and shopping were things unimaginable during his mercenary days. As a live-in son-in-law, he didn't mind at all.

Perhaps only someone who'd faced near-death experiences would truly appreciate the value of a normal life.

At present, Leo had clearly succeeded in cleansing his aggression. Otherwise, someone like Martin would have been killed immediately.

"Ah, whatever. Since Grandpa says the timing is right, I'll earn the money back soon enough!" Leo sighed and sat cross-legged on the bed.

This was the ancient martial arts technique Jerry taught him as a child. So far, he hadn't discovered any supernatural powers like controlling flying objects or scaling walls.

But during practice, he could feel a special warmth flowing inside, which strengthened his body.

Training like this had become a habit. He'd feel restless if he skipped a day.

Of course, as of now, he was just an ordinary live-in son-in-law. Few knew about his skills.

The next morning, Leo got up early as usual to prepare breakfast for the whole family and carry out household chores.

Outsiders might find this humiliating, but Leo genuinely enjoyed it. During missions, he never had such opportunities. He was always worried if he'd survive another day.

Susan also got up early. It wasn't out of diligence, but to monitor Leo. He clearly came for their money and could not be given any chance.

In this regard, Leo was practically less useful than a housekeeper. Susan even used trivial matters to mock him constantly.

She followed him around, occasionally touching certain spots. Any speck of dust on her finger meant trouble for Leo.

But Leo, rigorously trained, did everything meticulously and gave Susan no opening.

"Leo, you stoop so low just for money. You're doing even better than a professional cleaner!" Susan uttered.

Still, that didn't stop her from making his life miserable. She wanted Leo to leave. Her son-in-law had to do better than this loser.

"Mom, you've been watching me for almost two years. Aren't you tired? I am!" Leo said.

"Leo! What's with the attitude? Hurry and bring breakfast here, or I'll kick you out of my house!" Susan barked. Her tone was far harsher than necessary for a son-in-law. Even maids wouldn't be scolded like this.

Leo lazily carried breakfast from the kitchen. He was used to it.

"What, still not daring to challenge me? If you're upset, speak up. There's no need to bury it all in!" Susan exclaimed smugly.

"Mom, could you say a bit less? He's only had minor slip-ups in the past two years," Chloe said while stepping out.

Light makeup couldn't hide the faint dark circles. She clearly had a sleepless night.

"Chloe, are you out of your mind, marrying this loser? If it weren't for your money, he'd never obey you!" Susan continued.

"Mom, I chose him. Insulting him means you're insulting me too," Chloe said. She knew Susan's sharp tongue and wondered how Leo endured it.

"Fine, fine. I won't say more. I still advise divorce, so you don't waste your life!"

"What kind of mother advises her daughter to get a divorce? I think Leo's fine. He's honest and decent. You'd rather see Chloe with some playboy and always suffer? Would that make you happy?" Harry asked unhappily before sitting down at the table.

"Hmph. You're just as useless as him. If I had been less clueless, I'd never have married you!" Susan sneered.

"Mom!" Chloe frowned.

"Alright, alright. You two are working together now. I won't say more!" Susan snorted.

After breakfast, Chloe and Leo left the house.

Chloe went to work, while Leo simply went out to waste time.