Chapter 587 Ethan's True Identity
"We'll see which company I hit up for donations," Ethan laughed, pulling Jasmine close. "So what if I lean on my wife? She's got my back financially. Got a problem with that?"
Timothy was floored. Ethan actually said that out loud? This guy used to be the big shot business genius in Silverlight City, and now he's bragging about mooching off his wife.
"Ethan, you really have no shame," Daniel spat, fists clenched in jealousy. "You've got nothing now, all you have thanks to Jasmine."
Daniel gritted his teeth, kicking himself for letting Jasmine go back then. If he'd stuck with her, their life would be golden now.
"I rely on my wife. Why does that bug you? Why should I be ashamed? We're married. Who are you to judge?" Ethan planted a kiss on Jasmine's forehead, right in front of Daniel.
Jasmine blushed. Ethan, now that no company wanted him, was starting to act crazy just to mess with people.
Daniel's face turned beet red. "Ethan!"
Ethan ignored him. Today, he'd let these people go wild. The bigger the scene, the more people would look forward to next week's charity donation banquet.
The more they strutted around today, the more embarrassed they'd be later.
"Jasmine." Seeing Ethan pulling Jasmine away, Daniel, summoning some unknown courage, nervously stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. "Jasmine, we..."
Jasmine turned to look at him, her eyes cold.
She yanked her wrist free and spoke slowly, "Daniel, I am your sister-in-law."
Pain flashed in Daniel's eyes, his face pale, as he watched Jasmine walk away.
His heart ached like hell.
Over the years, he often dreamed of Jasmine and their school days together—the more beautiful the memories, the more they hurt, like slow torture.
"Let him be cocky for a few more days," Claire said, trying to comfort Daniel. "When Ethan really loses everything, you'll see if Jasmine comes back to you."
Daniel stood there, numb, looking down. After a long time, he spoke, "Do you know what regret is?"
True regret was worse than death.
"Mom, stop. We can't go too far." Daniel looked at Claire. "Jasmine and I are a real example."
Claire frowned at him. "What nonsense are you talking about? Stop? Can you stop?"
Life was a gamble, and once the game started, there was no turning back. No one could stop.
"Daniel, you need to understand that without ability, status, money, or power, everything you want is just a fantasy." Claire snorted. "Come with me!"
Claire, with a grim face, forced Daniel to look towards Brandon.
The Raymond Group, as the rising star in Silverlight City, now overshadowing the Douglas Group, naturally attracted everyone's attention.
Wherever Brandon was, everyone gathered around, men and women, social celebrities and industry leaders.
Some said Brandon wasn't into women, but many women who thought they were charming still flocked to him, as did some young men who believed they were well-qualified. Wherever he was, he was the center of attention, surrounded by admirers.
"See that? Brandon, the big boss of the Raymond Group, that's what it means to be the center of attention. That's real success," Claire said, her voice low and serious.
Daniel rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Claire just didn't get what he really wanted.
"Do you see Howard?" Claire pointed, her teeth clenched. "See the guy next to him? That's Bradley! Technically, he's your half-brother, Howard's illegitimate son."
Daniel was stunned for a moment, then quickly looked over.
Bradley looked young, maybe twenty-two or twenty-three, about six feet tall, with a side profile that kinda resembled Ethan but way more immature.
Howard, standing with Bradley next to Brandon, was chatting away, looking all happy and content.
Howard was super pleased with Bradley, his affection practically oozing out.
Daniel felt numb and stiff, his eyes red, and then he let out a bitter laugh.
All his efforts and struggles over the years felt like a joke at that moment.
He'd been competing with Ethan for so long, trying to make Howard notice his achievements and efforts, but it was all for nothing.
Howard never valued him, never introduced him to anyone, never acknowledged his merits. It turned out he had other plans all along.
It was laughable, ironic, and downright pathetic.
"If you don't fight for it, all our efforts will be for nothing!" Claire snapped. "Your dad seems very satisfied with him."
Claire looked like she wanted to tear Bradley apart.
Daniel said nothing, just stood there, dazed.
"Come with me!" Claire, not willing to give up, decided that if Howard could bring his illegitimate son to Brandon, she could get Daniel in there too.
After all, the Raymond Group was a connection they had to secure.
Not far away, Ethan clung to Jasmine, leaning on her. "Babe, over there, check this out."
Jasmine rolled her eyes at Ethan. "Why are you so clingy?"
"I'm relying on my babe now," Ethan said, raising an eyebrow.
Jasmine looked carefully at Ethan's handsome face, her ears turning red. "Actually, you could make a living with your looks."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You only like my face?"
"I like everything," Jasmine quickly said.
"What else do you like?" Ethan teased. "Since I'm making a living with my looks, I have to be dedicated. Miss Cunningham, should I keep you company tonight?"
Jasmine looked around, her face turning red with embarrassment. "Ethan, stop talking."
Ethan held Jasmine's hand. "Let's enjoy the show."
It was quite a scene over there.
Claire with Daniel and Howard with Bradley, all vying for Brandon's attention. It was a spectacular and laughable sight. When they found out Brandon wasn't the real president, their flattery and scheming would be the ultimate joke.
"Jasmine, at next week's charity banquet, I'll show you a great show," Ethan said mysteriously, smiling.
Jasmine was surprised and worried, knowing Ethan's plans for next week.
He was probably going to reveal his true identity, which would infuriate Howard and Claire.