Arrogance Unleashed

Inside the royal palace, Emperor Montrey and Prince Derek were engaged in a secretive discussion.

Derek's face was glowing with pride, his eyes gleaming with self-satisfaction as he reported to Montrey:

"Father, I've successfully seized the majority of Evelyn's family's business. As planned, I will go to propose in three days."

Montrey nodded slightly, a glimmer of approval flashing in his eyes. "You've done well. But remember, when you go to propose, make sure to demand as much wealth as possible as her dowry. Don't show any mercy."

Derek eagerly responded, "Of course, Father. But I do have one question: Why are we doing this? If I marry Evelyn, her family should support us. Wouldn't that be an extra strength for us?"

Montrey shook his head lightly, a deep, knowing smile creeping onto his face as he patiently explained:

"You're still too naive to understand certain things. In the face of overwhelming power, so-called support is nothing but a mirage. Evelyn's family business can only be truly secure when it's in our hands. After all, others can never be fully trusted. True power lies in our own strength."

Derek pondered this for a moment before pressing further. "Father, I feel like you're planning something major. Can you tell me more?"

Montrey's expression darkened slightly as his tone grew serious. "This is not something you need to worry about right now. Your priority is to take full control of Evelyn's family's business. As for Evelyn herself, once you marry her, enjoy her for a while, and then deal with her properly. We can't leave any potential threats behind."

Derek's eyes flashed with cold determination as he pounded his chest, making a firm promise, "Don't worry, Father. Once I'm done with her, I'll handle her without fail."

Montrey gave a satisfied nod and added, "When you go for the betrothal gifts, bring plenty of men with you. Make sure to intimidate them into submission. We don't want any resistance."

Derek responded obediently, "Understood, Father."

Three days later, the atmosphere in Evelyn's home was thick with tension.

Derek arrived, leading a large group of men, all of whom looked imposing and fierce. They unloaded box after box of betrothal gifts, each one thudding heavily into the yard.

Evelyn's family members watched in silent dread. Fear filled their hearts as they whispered among themselves.

"If we don't accept Prince Derek's proposal today, will he wipe out our family?"

One of them trembled, the uncertainty and fear evident in their voice.

"Surely he wouldn't go that far?" another whispered, but their weak hope seemed insignificant in the face of such a grim situation. Their eyes betrayed their unease.

"Hmph. You all know Derek's notorious reputation. What's left that he wouldn't do?" an elder added gravely, his worries about the family's future growing.

Inside the main hall, everyone took their seats with heavy hearts. The family elders wore grim expressions, and the family head, Leona, could barely contain his fury. His inner turmoil was overwhelming, torn between the pain of his daughter's fate and the helplessness of their current predicament.

Derek arrogantly settled into his seat and spoke with a tone of superiority.

"I've come for the betrothal gifts. Have you gathered the wealth as agreed? I've come with full sincerity."

He was certain that this family would bow to him under the pressure, his face showing a smug sense of triumph.

At this moment, the Third Elder nervously spoke up. "Your Highness, half of the family's wealth is quite a substantial amount. This could leave us unable to survive in the future. Would it be possible to reduce the dowry to a quarter?"

His words completely ignored Evelyn's happiness, focusing only on the family's money. He was hoping to preserve as much of their fortune as possible, even if it meant only saving a little.

The Second and First Elders exchanged uneasy glances, both hoping Derek would relent, yet terrified of angering the prince and making the situation worse.

But Derek was ruthless. He slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "Not a single coin less! You all know the costs that come with marrying Evelyn. How can it be enough with less?"

The Third Elder cursed inwardly, thinking, This greedy bastard! These funds would be more than enough even if you married ten more wives!

His heart boiled with anger, but he dared not speak out.

Leona, unable to contain his fury any longer, snapped, "This is all we can offer. If you won't accept it, then this marriage is off."

Derek's face twisted in rage as he banged his fist against the table. "This marriage must happen! The money cannot be reduced! I don't want to see blood spilled on this joyous occasion."

Leona's face turned ashen with fury, his dignity shattered.

The Second Elder quickly stood to mediate, "Let's keep calm, Your Highness. The family head is simply reluctant to part with his beloved daughter. Please, have some understanding for your future father-in-law."

As he spoke, he silently cursed Leona for his rashness, fearful that one wrong word would ruin the family.

Derek pressed on, "I came here with genuine intentions. You'd better make a decision quickly."

His impatience was clear. The longer this dragged on, the more dangerous the situation became.

The First Elder sighed heavily, finally conceding, "Then we shall do as the prince says."

He knew there were no other options, hoping that Derek would show some restraint in the future, though he was filled with helplessness.

Meanwhile, in the back room, Evelyn was pacing anxiously, cursing under her breath, "Why is that damned pope so unreliable? He hasn't arrived yet."

She hadn't told anyone, including her father, about her secret plans.

In a panic, she stormed out, shouting loudly, "I refuse! I absolutely will not marry Derek!"

The First Elder's eyes widened in shock, and he snapped, "What are you doing? This is no time for rebellion. Get back inside!"

He was more concerned with keeping the family out of trouble than caring for Evelyn's feelings.

But Evelyn wasn't afraid. She stood firm, her voice unwavering, "This is my marriage! Why can't I speak my mind? I'll say it again—I will not marry Derek. Whoever wants to marry him can go ahead!"