Chapter 2: Beating up the Younger Brother-in-law

Inside the elevator, Oliver Hayes stared at the jade pendant on his chest, his eyes filled with melancholy. Even though he had anticipated this outcome, ending the marriage still didn't come easy to him.

He once thought happiness was simple—three square meals, a tranquil life, and contentment. Now he realized, ordinariness was a kind of sin. In this gentle haven for three years, it was time to wake up.

*Ring ring*... While lost in thought, the phone suddenly rang. Upon answering, a familiar voice reached him.

"Mr. Hayes, I'm Daniel Miller from the Rivertown Grove Business Association. I heard today marks your wedding anniversary with Madam Thompson, and I've prepared a gift. When would you have time?"

"Thank you, Mr. Miller, but there's no need for that anymore," Olly replied nonchalantly.

"Hmm?" Daniel Miller was slightly taken aback, sensing something unusual.

"Mr. Miller, is there anything else?" Olly changed the subject.

"Cough... Well, there's another matter I need to trouble you with." Daniel Miller awkwardly coughed. "I have a friend who's recently fallen ill with a peculiar disease. Many doctors have tried but couldn't cure it. I hope Mr. Hayes, you can lend a hand."

"Mr. Miller, you know my policy." 

"Of course! If there's no sincerity, I wouldn't dare to bother you. Frankly speaking, my friend's house happens to have a rare Dragonheart Herb that you need. As long as you help, this rare medicinal herb will be your reward," Dan M stated.

"Is that true?" Olly's expression became serious.

"Absolutely."

"Alright, if that's the case, I'll personally come over." Olly promptly agreed. He had no interest in wealth or jewels, but rare medicinal herbs were what he sought after. Because he needed them to save a life!

"Thank you, Mr. Hayes, I'll send someone to pick you up right away!" Dan M breathed a sigh of relief, his demeanor, despite being one of the three titans of Rivertown Grove's business association, was cautious in Olly's presence.

"Luck is on my side. Finding another rare medicinal herb means I'm just five short. Time should still be on my side," Olly muttered to himself, the gloom from before slightly easing.

*Ding dong!* The elevator doors opened. As Olly stepped out of the company gate, he was met by two familiar figures.

One was Lils T's mother, Sophie Evans. The other, her younger brother, Nathan Thompson.

"Mom, Nate T, what brings you here?" Olly greeted them first.

"You and Lils T have divorced?" Sophie Evans got straight to the point.

"Yes," Olly forced a smile. "It has nothing to do with Lils T; it's my problem. Please don't blame her."

His intention was an amicable parting, but after hearing this, Sophie Evans coldly snorted, "Of course, it's your problem! I know my daughter's character well. If it wasn't for something you did wrong, why would she divorce you?"

"Huh?" Olly was a little puzzled, not quite grasping the situation. Was this... blaming the victim?

"Mom, in these three years, what have I done? You should know clearly. I swear, I haven't wronged Lils T in any way," Olly stated.

"Humph! People hide things. Who knows what you've done? Anyway, my daughter divorcing you can't be wrong! Look at your character; do you even deserve my daughter?" Sophie Evans sneered.

"Mom, isn't that going too far?" Olly frowned slightly. Three years ago, if he hadn't helped, would the Thompson family be where they were today?

"Too far? So what? Am I not stating facts?" Sophie Evans crossed her arms.

"Alright, Mom! Stop with the nonsense!" At this moment, Nathan Thompson stepped forward. "Oliver Hayes! I don't care about your divorce with my sister, but that money, you must hand it over!"

"Money? What money?" Olly was puzzled.

"Don't act dumb! Don't think I don't know. My sister gave you eight million as a parting gift!" Nathan Thompson stated coldly.

"That's right! That's all my daughter's money. Why should you take it? Quickly hand it over!" Sophie Evans reached out, demanding.

"I never asked for that eight million," Olly denied.

"Nonsense! Who would leave eight million untouched? Do you think we're fools?" Nathan Thompson didn't believe him.

"Oliver Hayes, if you know what's good for you, you better hand over the money. Otherwise, don't blame me for getting angry!" Sophie Evans warned.

"If you don't believe me, you can call Lils T," Olly couldn't be bothered to explain.

"What? Are you trying to scare us? I'm telling you, no matter who pleads today, you have to leave empty-handed, not a penny taken!" Sophie Evans threatened.

"If that's what you want, let's search him ourselves!" Nathan Thompson got impatient, immediately reaching into Olly's pockets.

Sophie Evans followed suit.

"Mom, does it have to come to this?" Olly furrowed his brow. He hadn't expected that right after signing the divorce papers, the Thompson family would act so aggressively.

It was as if they were leaving him with no dignity.

"Ah! Who's your mom? Don't call me that! What's your status? Are you even worthy of us?" Sophie Evans showed disdain.

While speaking, she didn't stop searching. After a thorough check, they found nothing.

"This is weird. Could this guy really not have taken the money?" Nathan Thompson was unwilling to accept it.

At this moment, he caught sight of the jade pendant on Olly's chest and snatched it off.

"Isn't this the antique jade pendant my sister wore? How did it end up with you? Did you steal it?" Nathan Thompson questioned suspiciously.

"This is a family heirloom from the Hayes family. Give it back to me!" Olly's face darkened. He could forego money, but his mother's memento had to be retrieved!

"A family heirloom? So, it's valuable?" Nathan Thompson's eyes gleamed.

"You've been freeloading at my place for three years. Consider this pendant as interest. Let's go!" Sophie Evans signaled, ready to leave with her son.

"Hold on!" Olly grabbed Nathan Thompson's wrist firmly. "Give me back the pendant!"

"Ah! Ouch! Let go, damn it!" Nathan Thompson felt like his wrist was about to break.

"Give. It. Back. To. Me," Olly emphasized each word.

"Screw you! I won't give it even if I throw it away!" Unable to break free, Nathan Thompson aggressively hurled the pendant to the ground.

*Crash!* A crisp sound echoed as the pendant shattered into pieces instantly.

Seeing this scene, Olly was struck as if by lightning, his face turning pale. This was his mother's cherished item, and the sole remembrance of his entire life!

"Dare to lay a hand on me again? I'll make you regret it!" Nathan Thompson shook his wrist, cursing.

"Crack, crack, crack..." Olly's fists clenched, making the bones crackle audibly. His icy eyes were now red with anger.

"Beast!" Olly couldn't contain himself and slapped Nathan Thompson hard across the face.

*Slap!* Nathan Thompson spun twice in the air before crashing heavily onto the ground. He was too dizzy to even stand.

"You uncultured creature! Since your mom didn't teach you, I'll do it myself!" Olly seized Nathan Thompson by the hair, forcibly lifting him up.

Then, blow after blow landed on Nathan Thompson's face, echoing with a resounding smack.

*Slap, slap, slap, slap...* Each hit left Nathan Thompson bruised, blood streaming from his mouth, a pitiful sight to behold.

"Y-you dare hit my son? I'll take you on!" Sophie Evans yelled, about to intervene.

"Get lost!" Olly glared back. His demonic, crimson eyes left Sophie Evans frozen in place, unable to move.