Chapter 9 Losing Hope

• As soon as those words were spoken, a wave of discomfort swept through the Williams family.
• Before anyone could react, Zachary entered briskly.
• "Did I come at a bad time?"
• Zachary looked at the scattered papers on the floor, sensing the tension in the room. He chuckled, "Mr. Williams, what's going on here?"
• Observing the torn papers with the words "divorce agreement," Zachary inferred that it was Douglas' doing.
• As the current head of the Williams family, Douglas wielded absolute authority, and no one dared to challenge him.
• After exchanging pleasantries with the Williams family, Zachary completely ignored Wallace.
• Douglas' expression was mixed. After a brief pause, he requested, "Mr. Sandler, can we speak privately?"
• Zachary looked momentarily puzzled, then retrieved a beautifully wrapped box from his pocket. Opening it, he revealed a pair of limited-edition diamond earrings.
• "For Miss Sandra's birthday, I've prepared these newly released limited-edition earrings for you." He presented them to Sandra with a smile. "Happy birthday."
• Sandra frowned.
• Wallace was right there in front of her, and they were still married.
• Yet, Zachary acted as if Wallace were invisible.
• Sandra refused, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. I can't accept such an expensive gift."
• Zachary chuckled. "It's just a pair of earrings, not worth much. Please accept them."
• Though his tone was light, there was a hint of insistence.
• Douglas subtly signaled to Sandra to accept the gift.
• "Thank you, Mr. Sandler."
• Before Sandra could respond, Wallace eagerly took the box containing the earrings.
• A flash of irritation crossed Zachary's face, but he swiftly composed himself.
• Ignoring Wallace, he turned to Douglas with a smile. "Mr. Williams, do you have something to discuss with me?"
• Zachary couldn't help but sense that something was awry.
• Today might not unfold as smoothly as he had anticipated.
• Douglas dismissed everyone else, leaving only himself and Zachary in the room.
• As soon as everyone exited, they all shot accusing glances at Wallace.
• "Wallace, don't think Dad giving you one day means you can do whatever you want," Sharon warned. "You've offended Mr. Sandler, don't expect things to go well for you. I'm warning you, we don't care what happens to you, but don't drag us down with you."
• "Mr. Sandler gave Sandra a birthday gift. Who are you to take it?" James' face darkened. "I hope Dad can smooth things over with him."
• "We should have made this idiot sign the divorce papers when Mr. Swift came earlier. If he had signed, even if he offended Mr. Sandler, it would have been his own problem." Austin glared at Wallace, his face contorted with anger, as if he wanted to beat him to death.
• Clang!
• Ignoring their reactions, Wallace casually tossed the box with the earrings into the hallway trash can.
• He clapped his hands and said nonchalantly, "Mr. Sandler said these earrings aren't worth much. Why are you all making such a fuss?"
• The moment the earrings landed in the trash can, everyone's hearts skipped a beat.
• Is this idiot really splitting hairs over words?
• "Anyway, I won't acknowledge him as my brother-in-law. Our family can't afford to be embarrassed like this." Austin sneered.
• Yvonne's eyes narrowed. She couldn't pinpoint why, but Wallace's unusual behavior today left her deeply unsettled.
• She was deeply worried that the Williams family might fall into dire straits because of him.
• Click—
• At that moment, the door to the small banquet hall opened.
• Zachary stepped out.
• Instantly, the hallway fell silent.
• Everyone turned to look at Zachary, their hearts pounding.
• Even Sandra's face grew tense.
• Under the weight of everyone's gaze, Zachary strode slowly toward Wallace.
• An invisible pressure seemed to fill the air.
• "I never imagined you weren't as foolish as I thought, that you'd actually tear up the divorce agreement," Zachary said slowly.
• He fixed his gaze on Wallace, enunciating each word deliberately. "You know very well that you're just a freeloading loser in the Williams family. Without their support, you'd be out on the streets."
• "In that regard, I understand your actions."
• "But do you think you can secure a deal with the Swift family in just one day?"
• Zachary scoffed. "Let me make it clear: the Williams family may be powerful and seeking a partner for a significant project. However, their partner isn't the Williams family; it's mine... the Sandler family."
• Turning to the members of the Williams family, he smiled warmly. "I've heard that Old Mr. Williams has a fondness for antiques and possesses a collection of rare items. I'll pay him a visit tomorrow at noon."
• Yvonne forced a smile and nodded repeatedly. "Indeed, Old Mr. Williams has a passion for antiques. If he knows you're coming tomorrow, he'll be delighted."
• With a nod and a smile, Zachary departed.
• Once Zachary was out of earshot, Sharon couldn't contain herself and snapped, "Wallace, did you hear that? You're nothing but a freeloading loser."
• "Sharon, isn't that too harsh?" Sandra retorted, her tone filled with anger.
• "Sandra, didn't you hear what Mr. Sandler just said?" Sharon shot back. "The Swift family does have a big project, but they're partnering with the Sandler family, not us."
• "How dare this idiot Wallace claim he can secure a deal with the Swift family for us?"
• Everyone looked visibly upset.
• Yvonne frowned and instructed, "Wallace, pick up the earrings."
• Wallace remained still.
• James sneered. "You were just putting on a brave front moments ago. Why is it that in the presence of Mr. Sandler, you suddenly lose your voice?"
• Wallace met James' gaze calmly and replied, "Would you argue with a dog?"
• The expressions of everyone present changed.
• "Wallace, shut up," James yelled, casting a nervous glance in the direction Zachary had left. "Do you have a death wish? If you're seeking trouble, don't involve the Williams family in your antics."
• At that instant, Douglas emerged from the small banquet hall.
• "That's enough. Most of the guests have arrived. Let's join them," he stated.
• Then, he turned to Frankie and instructed, "Take Wallace back home for now."
• Learning that the Swift family was partnering with the Sandler family, Douglas had already lost hope in Wallace.
• If the divorce papers hadn't been shredded, he would have compelled Wallace to sign and depart immediately.
• Since they couldn't announce Sandra's single status at the banquet, Wallace couldn't be allowed to attend.
• James was pleased to hear this and jeered, "Wallace, savor your final moments with our family. We'll give you a fitting farewell tomorrow."