Chapter 12 Refuse the Money

• Two collective walnuts caused the ailment that had plagued John for years—something no one had anticipated.
• But how did Nelson discover this? Everyone present looked at him with astonishment.
• "Roger, apologize to Nelson for your previous rudeness!"
• The walnuts were a gift from an old friend, and whether or not they harbored ill intent, John had his own conclusions.
• Nelson found the source of his illness and underwent a thorough cure. This act alone proved his worth. Now, John had to ensure Roger apologized to Nelson to smooth over any resentment.
• Roger's face turned ashen. Despite Nelson curing his father and somewhat altering his view, Roger still saw him as a mere charlatan. He believed luck played a major role in Nelson's success, and he continued to look down on him.
• Moreover, Nelson had ambitions of marrying his daughter. As the richest man in Cloudhaven, how could Roger possibly bow down and apologize to a mere charlatan who sought to become his son-in-law?
• "Apologize? No need. But let me remind you, there are many things in this world that science can't explain. Just because you don't understand them doesn't mean they don't exist!"
• "Also, I owe nothing to your family, so stop pulling your long face at me!"
• Nelson shot a cold glance at Roger, whose expression was now pale with anger. He then turned to John and made a hand gesture at him. Nelson said, "Mr. John, your illness has cured, and I should leave now. Goodbye."
• With that, Nelson leaves the manor right away.
• Roger's anger boiled over when he heard the remark.
• Nelson's words felt like a direct insult, and he couldn't believe someone would dare speak to him that way. To think this man wanted to become part of his family—absurd!
• "Nelson, at least stay for lunch! You and Audrey can also use the opportunity to talk."
• John hurriedly requested Nelson to stay.
• "No, thank you. I have other matters to attend to, and some people here clearly don't welcome me. There's no need for me to stick around," Nelson replied coolly.
• Nelson waved his hand nonchalantly, appearing calm and composed.
• "Hey! You can't leave just like that. Take this money as your consultation fee. My family doesn't go back on our word!"
• He felt his pride on the line and shouted coldly at Nelson.
• "No need. Ms. Morales had helped me yesterday. At the time, I told her that I would repay her with this visit. We're even now."
• Nelson said it coldly.
• He had cured John's illness, but he ended up with anger boiling over. He couldn't bear to stay another moment in the Morales household.
• "What's the matter? Is 150 thousand dollars not enough for you? Do you want all of my assets? Would that satisfy you?"
• Roger's anger flared up. This young man was beyond ungrateful. He assumed Nelson was trying to leverage a minor favor into a huge debt, hoping to bind his family with a favor and then secure a marriage to cling to their wealth.
• There was no denying that Nelson had played his cards well. After all, 1.5 million was a small amount compared to the vast Morales fortune.
• Nelson let out a derisive laugh and walked away without a second glance. He had no interest in the money or the Morales affairs.
• Audrey watched Nelson walk away and secretly felt anxious. He hadn't even asked John to break off the engagement.
• Meanwhile, Ulric, who had hoped to earn some reward from the Morales, left quietly when he saw Nelson refuse the money.
• "Smack!"
• After Nelson and Ulric left, John could no longer hold back. He slapped Roger hard across the face.
• "You think I don't know what you're up to. I told you not to underestimate Nelson. You'll never achieve great things with such a narrow mind.
• "Roger, you've truly disappointed me this time. Get out of my sight, and don't come back until you've earned Nelson's forgiveness!"
• John pointed at Roger, his voice filled with sorrow and disappointment.
• Roger covered his reddened cheek and silently walked out. It was the first time his father had hit him for being an outsider. He couldn't understand what his father saw in Nelson, that charlatan, to deem him worthy of his daughter.
• "Grandpa, don't be angry. Your health is more important. Dad was only thinking of me."
• Audrey supported John and expressed concern in her voice.
• John patted her arm and gave her honest advice.
• "Audrey, I arranged this engagement for your sake. Don't be like your father. You should never underestimate Nelson.
• "Now, take the money to Nelson. No matter what you do, make sure he accepts it. He deserves it. Use this opportunity to make amends and show him our good will."
• Audrey nodded. She also wanted to find Nelson, hoping that he would initiate the breakup.
• This made her start to doubt whether Nelson ever intended to break off the engagement. Her father's harsh attitude toward Nelson suddenly seemed more justified.
• "Alright, I'll take the money to him now," Audrey agreed, determined.
• At that moment, Nelson stepped out of the manor and flagged down a taxi on the street. He was ready to head home. Ulric, who was not far behind, quickly caught up and taunted him with a sneer.
• "Nelson, you're such an idiot. You turned down a fortune and cost me my hard-earned commission!
• "Don't think your little tricks make you special. You only managed to cure Mr. John's illness by sheer luck!
• "Oh, by the way, we're having a college reunion in the violet room at the Maple Hotel next week at 8 PM. Sadie and Warren will be there. Why don't you come and mooch a meal?"
• The college reunion was also referred to as the show-off reunion. It was the last place Nelson wanted to be. Currently broke and wearing a cuckold, attending the reunion would only bring him embarrassment and shame.
• Nelson's actions cost Ulric his commission. He eagerly hoped Nelson would show up so he could humiliate him in front of everyone.
• "Not interested!"
• Nelson's expression was cold as he got into the taxi and was ready to leave.
• "Come on! Even our college advisor, Ms. Wood, will be there. She always looked out for you. You wouldn't want to disappoint her, would you?"
• Ulric sneered.
• Hearing Juliet Wood's name made Nelson pause. During his college years, the young advisor had indeed taken great care of him, and she was like a gentle older sister to him.
• Five years had passed, and Nelson did want to see her and catch up. He changed his mind and replied, "I'll be there."
• With that, he signaled the driver to start the car and left.
• When Audrey arrived with the check, Nelson had already left. Audrey had no choice but to have someone investigate Nelson's address. Finding this information was simple with her family's resources.
• Soon, knowing his address, Audrey instructed Alfred to drive her to Nelson's apartment. She intended to clarify things once and for all and dispel any illusions Nelson had about their engagement.
• As the taxi pulled up to Nelson's apartment, he noticed a red Ferrari and an Alphard van parked outside.
• There was a gathering of people. A slender young man in designer clothes stood in front. Holding a megaphone, he shouted obscene remarks towards the upper floors, specifically aimed at Nelson's sister, Thea Keller.
• In the crowd, Nelson spotted Jabez, the man he had chased away yesterday. A murderous glint appeared in his eyes, knowing they were here to cause trouble again.
• Rolling up his sleeves, Nelson walked straight towards the group. He realized he had been too lenient yesterday. They had now returned to harass his family once more.
• "Thea! Get your ass down here! The debt must be repaid! Your brother had the nerve to fight with the Tiger Clan's men yesterday. I'm telling you. Unless you pay up or spend a day with me, this won't end!"
• "If you don't, I'll tear this place down and make your family live under a bridge!" he added.
• The slender young man bellowed through the megaphone. His face was twisted in malice.
• This man was Keiran Ingram, the heir of the powerful Ingrams in Cloudhaven. For some reason, his family had bankrupted the Kellers. Since then, Keiran had set his sights on Thea.
• The Tiger Clan was under Keiran's orders. They frequently harassed the Kellers under the guise of debt collection. Their true intent was to abduct Thea and have her serve as collateral, with Keiran aiming to forcefully possess her.
• Yesterday, Nelson thwarted Keiran's plans. Keiran couldn't contain his impatience and lust once he learned of this. Today, he brought the Tiger Clan directly to the Kellers' apartment. He was determined to take Thea by force and make her his woman.