Chapter 9 Do You Know Me?

Chris was at a loss for words. No one believed him, despite his sincerity. It was disheartening, but he had to endure the disbelief.

Just then, a couple entered the room, catching everyone's attention. The man stood tall and possessed handsome features, while the woman exuded an air of nobility. They were Loretta and Alfred, respectively.

"Loretta and Alfred have arrived!" exclaimed someone in the room.

Loretta Harker was Laurence's daughter and Esther's cousin, while Alfred Harker was Loretta's husband, belonging to the influential Harker family. The Harker family, like the Jeffersons, held a second-class status and wielded far greater power than the Collins family.

Everyone in the Collins family rose from their seats, including Michael Collins, who now wore a smile on his face—a stark contrast to his treatment of Chris.

Laurence greeted them with a smile, "Loretta! Alfred! Come over here."

He then pointed towards Chris and introduced him, "Allow me to introduce Chris Shelby, the renowned son-in-law of the Jefferson family. He claims to be a Master, even asserting that the Commander of the East Coast bows to him. You seem knowledgeable, Alfred. Can you enlighten us about this 'Master'?"

Loretta burst into laughter, "Dad, are you joking? The Commander is a prominent figure on the East Coast, and I've never even heard of this 'Master' before."

"Esther, my dear cousin," Loretta continued, "you've waited for your man for five years, but it seems he's nothing more than a madman now."

Esther felt a deep sense of shame, longing to escape the situation. However, Chris remained unfazed. He refused to let the derogatory remarks of these insignificant individuals bother him.

Alfred presented an exquisite gift box to Michael and said, "Grandpa, this is my gift for you. I hope you'll like it."

Opening the box, Michael's eyes widened in surprise. It contained a set of pure-gold prayer beads.

"This is..."

Michael was clearly taken aback by the gift.

Loretta beamed, "Grandpa, Alfred spent one million dollars on that gift for you."

The Collins family members gasped in astonishment.

One million dollars!

Michael laughed joyfully, "Alfred, I truly appreciate this gift."

Alfred smiled, saying, "I'm glad you like it."

Loretta turned her attention to Chris and quipped, "So, 'Master,' what gift did you prepare for grandpa? Show us!"

Loretta approached and opened Chris's gift box, revealing a set of jade beads.

"That must be fake! How dare you offer such trash to Grandpa?" she disdainfully exclaimed before carelessly tossing the box into the trashcan.

Esther grew increasingly infuriated at Loretta's actions. She and Chris had spent considerable time choosing the gift, only to have it discarded so callously.

Sadness washed over Esther, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Alfred paid no mind to their feelings and turned to Michael, changing the topic, "Grandpa, have you heard about the VIP arriving on the East Coast today? The airport has been on lockdown since morning, and there are reports of tens of warplanes and three thousand soldiers."

"What?" The revelation stunned everyone present.

Curiosity piqued, Michael inquired, "Who could it be?"

Alfred proudly declared, "He's the Primus of our country, Lord Death!"

He looked around, wearing a smug smile on his face. "You may find this surprising, but I've met him before, and I have his contact number!"

"Alfred, you're incredible! You actually know such an important person!" the Collins family members admired.

Susan and John also found themselves admiring Alfred. What an outstanding son-in-law!

Chris couldn't help but chuckle. When had he encountered such a nobody? He didn't even recall meeting Alfred.

Alfred was merely boasting; otherwise, he would have recognized Chris since they were in the same room.

Chris posed a question to Alfred, "Really? If you know that person, then do you know me?"

Alfred scrutinized Chris from head to toe and snorted, "Why should I know you? You're just a loser!"

Chris laughed in response, "You don't know me at all, so how could you claim to know that person?"

"What are you implying? Are you suggesting that you are the Primus?" Alfred frowned, seeking clarification.

Chris nodded confidently, "Indeed. I am the Primus!"

Laughter erupted throughout the room.

"What a lunatic!"

"The Primus? Do you even know who he is? He's the king of the north, commanding millions of soldiers and serving as the country's protector! And you? You're nothing but a loser!"

"My cousin is unfortunate. She married such a fool!"

"Esther, please take your husband away. He's disgracing all of us!"

Michael stared at Susan, feeling disgusted by her. "How could I have a daughter like you? You married a loser, and your son-in-law is a madman. You've brought shame upon our family!"

Susan and John lowered their heads, consumed by embarrassment.

In truth, Chris had embarrassed them the most.

Esther sat in a corner, maintaining her silence. Amidst the laughter and mocking, she couldn't help but sob quietly. She gazed at Chris, filled with disappointment. She had hoped that her life would improve with his return, but instead, she found herself married to a man who enjoyed boasting and humiliating her family.

Like a clown, he had brought shame upon them.

Alfred sneered at Chris, "So, you claim to be the Primus, huh? Great. Seven days from now, the wealthiest man on the East Coast, Mr. Mester, will host a banquet to welcome Lord Death. If you truly are who you claim to be, I'll see you at the banquet, won't I?"