The Man in Power After Being Married into Her Family

Many guests gave Douglas their gifts. With the painting in tow, Charlie walked towards Douglas and said, "Congratulations, buddy. This is a little gift from u s to celebrate your opening ceremony.”

Claire said with a smile, "Douglas, congratulations and best wishes on your grand opening. May your business be prosperous with many years to come!” 1

"Thank you, thank you!” Douglas said hurriedly. Then, he leaned to Charlie's ear and whispered with a mischievous smirk, "Hey, I see that you and our belle have a pretty close relationship, unlike what the rumors say! When do you plan to have a baby?” 2

Claire blushed timidly when she heard the whisper. Charlie answered, "Stop it. If we are pregnant, you'll be the first to know and I expect a gift from you!”

"Of course!" Douglas laughed and nodded. "I'll give the kid a big present!"

At this moment, an average-looking woman with heavy makeup came up to Douglas and asked, " Douglas, who are they?" 1

"This is my college buddy, Charlie! This is Claire, our class belle and also Charlie's wife."

After introducing them, Douglas introduced the woman next to him, "This is my fiancee, Lily Lewis."

"Oh? He is the deadbea..." 2

Lily blurted, but soon realized that she had misspoken. Hence, she cleared her throat and said with a smile, "Douglas talks about you all the time, both of you really are a match made in heaven!" 1

Charlie ignored her remark and handed the painting t 0 Lily. "This is our little token of affection." 2

Lily smiled. "Oh, you didn't have to!"

Despite what she said, she hurriedly accepted the large gift box. 1

Charlie replied, "Go along with your business, we'll entertain ourselves."

"Okay,” Douglas said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Charlie, I have to greet the other friends too."

As soon as Charlie and Claire left, Lily quickly opened the gift box and found that there was a scroll in it. She frowned in dismay and asked, "What is this? What did your friend give us?”

Douglas answered, "Can’t you see it? It’s a painting!"

"Duh!" Lily clicked her tongue in disdain. She opened the scroll and sneered as she looked at it, "What the h*l 1 is this! Some old and rotten painting, I bet it's only worth one or two hundred dollars." 2

Douglas said in a stern voice, "You can’t put a price on everything! It’s their sincerity and goodwill that is most important." 1 Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Argh, enough with your holy speech! I warn you, don't keep in touch with these kinds of friends! They have the nerve to give us such a sh*tty little drawing that's not even enough to cover their bills!" 1

Douglas's face darkened in irritation. "Lily, are you really that much of a snob?" 1

Lily growled indignantly, "Douglas Adams, how could you say that? I'm a snob? If I really am a snob, why would I be with you, pauper! Don't you forget that my dad invested most of the money in this restaurant!" 2

Douglas blinked awkwardly, somewhat speechless and embarrassed.

Clinton walked towards them at this moment. He seemed to be feeling much better after the car burning incident, his pompous and cocky expression reappearing on his face again. 1

He handed over a thick envelope and said flatly," Doug, I don't know what to give you for the grand opening, so here you are, some 'financial assistance.'" 1

Lily thanked him profusely while accepting the envelope. She squeezed the envelope and estimated that it was at least eight or ten thousand dollars in cash, so she put on a coy smile and said, "Thank you s 0 much!"

Clinton waved his hand indifferently and asked, "I see that Charlie gave you something just now, what is it?" 1

Lily snorted contemptuously. "Uh, a painting, it must b e from one of the junkyard sales or flea markets, some one or two hundred dollar rubbish!" 6

Clinton smirked. "Once a loser, always a loser!"