Chapter 3

My team all said they supported me, too. What Ryan didn’t understand was that the Bennetts’ standing in this city had nothing to do with their proud old family name.

It was all because of me, Evan Bennett.

Still, I intended to attend his welcome-home party.

The Bennetts spared no expense. They held it at Stonebrook Manor.

Everyone who mattered was there. So was I.

When I arrived, several wealthy young men who used to be friendly with me greeted me with sneers.

“Evan? You actually had the nerve to show up? They kicked you out, and you’re still putting on airs. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Seriously. Just look at this party. That’s how they treat their real son. You spent all those years building something for someone else, and now you have nothing!”

“Why don’t you beg me for a job? We happen to need a security guard. You’re decent-looking. You could stand by the door. How does eight grand a month sound?”

I looked them over with disdain. “No wonder your families would rather support their illegitimate children than let you take over their companies.”

Their faces twisted with anger. They were about to come after me when Ryan appeared.

They had no choice but to back down.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our son’s welcome-home celebration. We have finally found Ryan, the son we lost so many years ago. From now on, we will do everything in our power to make up for what he has suffered!”

Ryan walked slowly onto the stage in a suit. In just a few days, he had visibly acquired the trappings of wealth.

But he was trying so hard to look distinguished that the whole effect felt awkward.

When his gaze met mine, he lifted his chin and puffed out his chest.

“Although Evan isn’t my parents’ biological son, he’s worked at the company for many years. I’m willing to let him continue working there.”

“Evan, please stop being angry with Mom and Dad!”

At his words, everyone turned to me, their eyes full of mockery and contempt.

I curved my lips. “No need. I don’t need the money.”

“Of course you don’t. Unlike me, you never had to struggle out there. But even when my life was miserable, I never stopped trying to learn.”

“If possible, Evan, I’d like you to stay. You can work for me!”

My parents came over to me as well.

“Evan, I won’t hold it against you that you moved out, but Ryan’s right. We raised you all these years. It’s time you gave something back.”

I raised an eyebrow. “In ten years, I took the Bennetts from a third-rate family to the top. You don’t think I’ve given enough back?”

“Work for him? I work for myself. If a boss can’t command my respect, he shouldn’t expect me to give him my all. You taught me that yourself, Mr. Bennett.”

Dad’s face turned livid.

The relatives immediately piled on.

“Look at that arrogance. He still thinks he’s the Bennett heir!”

“Without this family, what would he be? And he has the nerve to talk like that!”

“Richard, you’re too softhearted. Throw him out already! He took Ryan’s place for all those years, and he’s still not grateful!”

Ryan looked down at me, his eyes brimming with triumph. I smiled. Did this idiot actually think these people cared about him?

I gave a derisive laugh. “You don’t have to throw me out. I’ll leave. But remember this: once I walk out that door tonight, I will have nothing more to do with the Bennetts.”

“Evan!” Dad snapped, then sighed.

“Don’t blame us for being harsh. That temper of yours needs reining in.”

“Fine. Then make the announcement. Tell everyone Ryan is in charge of the Bennett company now!”

“I quit!”

I turned and left, sending out a prepared announcement with a single tap. It stated that I was no longer affiliated with Bennett Group.

Seeing me walk away, Ryan grew angry. “Dad, isn’t Evan being a little petty? He—”

Before he could finish, Richard Bennett’s phone rang.

He wasn’t the only one. Phones were ringing all around the Bennett family.

“What? MC will only work with Evan? The contract’s canceled?”