Dominic’s eyes widened, seeing how Elijah disrespected him in front of everyone. “What did you just say?”
“I said, stay the f**k away from my wife, and don’t you dare show your face here again,” Elijah answered, his tone cold and authoritative. “If you don’t comply, I don’t know what I can do to you.”
“Hah. And who are you to threaten me like that?” Dominic asked, standing properly as he regained composure. “I’m Dominic Walter, the heir of the family, and the future owner of the Walter Empire. Do you get what I’m saying?”
Elijah raised an eyebrow. “And so?”
“What?” Dominic asked, not expecting Elijah’s reaction.
The boredom was evident in Elijah’s eyes, and to top it all, he even yawned—as if the information Dominic shared earlier was worthless.
“Would you still inherit something if I made your company bankrupt in just a snap?” Elijah asked, his tone dangerously low.
Hearing those words, Dominic couldn’t help but laugh, along with the Elsher family members.
“That was a f*****g ridiculous joke, Elijah!” Penny said, wiping her tears using her fingers due to excessive laughing. “If you can shut down the Walter Empire like that, then you shouldn’t have borrowed $500,000 from my husband!”
The other guests agreed with Penny, the disgust and criticism evident in their eyes.
Only Hermione and Athena had different expressions. Both of them were astounded while looking at Elijah.
‘I don’t know how Elijah would be able to do that, but knowing him… He doesn’t make jokes. Every word he says, he fulfills it,’ Hermione thought as shivers sent down her spine.
“I don’t know where you’re getting your massive confidence, but damn, man. You will have a hard time taking us down even in your second life,” Dominic said, smirking.
Elijah didn’t answer. Little did everyone know that he had the power to make or break everything in his hands in a snap, literally, as Harold would always obey all of his commands.
“Mr. and Mrs. Elsher, I’ll take my leave first,” Dominic said politely, yet his eyes were filled with frustration and anger. “I’ll see you again at the restaurant.”
“Sure! And I’m sorry for the commotion this bastard caused,” Penny said, giving Elijah a deadly glare. “I promise that this won’t happen again.”
“No problem at all, Mrs. Elsher. I’m willing to do and endure anything for Hermione,” Dominic replied, looking at Elijah, who had his brows furrowed. “I’ll go now.”
Dominic gave one last glance at Hermione before he walked away.
Dave, on the other hand, instructed one of their guards. “Accompany him to the gate.”
The guard obliged and followed Dominic outside.
Because of Elijah’s sudden appearance, the Elsher family didn’t continue their gatherings anymore.
Some of them go home, annoyed at how Elijah ruined their plans to take the Elsher Empire to a different level.
As Hermione left to take Athena to her room and calm her down, a young woman went to Elijah.
“Is this what you like, Elijah? To drag Hermione down with you?” Marianne asked, her hand placed on her waist.
Marianne Elsher is Hermione’s younger cousin. She lives with Hermione’s family at the mansion. Her parents died when she was five, so Penny and Dave adopted her.
“You know that wasn’t my intention, Marianne. I’m just protecting my wife,” Elijah defended. “And I love your cousin. You know that.”
“If you truly love her, then divorce her. It’s that simple!” Marianne replied, her tone harsh as she gave Elijah a deadly glare.
“I love her, and that’s why I’m not divorcing her,” Elijah answered, his tone firm. “I didn’t go to the military for five years just to divorce her when I came back. I’m ready to fight for Hermione.”
Marianne raised an eyebrow. “You’re still willing to fight, although it’s a losing one? Walter is a rich and influential man, while you’re just an ordinary military officer, Elijah.”
Hearing those words made Elijah smirk at the back of his mind. No one knew about his real position at Ecotopia, and he wanted it to continue that way.
“Tsk! Hermione is so stupid for even marrying you,” Marianne muttered harshly, before leaving Elijah alone.
Elijah looked up, staring at the door where Hermione and Athena went earlier.
But his thoughts were interrupted by Harold.
“Young master, you need to go to the Elixir Group now to review some major documents,” Harold muttered, preventing everyone from hearing them.
“Ah, right.” Elijah stared at the door for a few seconds before looking away. “Let’s go.”
Elijah and Harold leave the Elsher mansion, ignoring the intimidating glances he received from Penny and Dave.
FOR THE next few days, Elijah attended meetings and reviewed big proposals for the Elixir Group. After he finished reading the last document, he could call it a day.
Suddenly, Harold knocked and went inside his office.
“Young master, here are the documents you asked for about the Herm Group,” Harold said, sliding a folder on Elijah’s table. “Your hunch is right. Miss Hermione lost management rights because of Athena.”
Elijah clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. “They’re willing to go this far just to force Hermione to marry Dominic, huh?”
“Speaking of Dominic, Athena sent a message to your business email, young master.” Harold clicked something on his tablet before showing it to Elijah.
Hi, Daddy!
I saw your business email on the internet. I don’t know your phone number, so I hope you can read this. Mommy, grandfather, and grandmother were going to the Palm and Pine restaurant for a family meeting at six o’clock today.
I want you to be here and spend the day with us, Daddy. Can you come here?
“My little kid…” Elijah couldn’t help but smile upon reading Athena’s innocent and heartwarming message. “Of course, I wouldn’t refuse this request.”
Elijah looked at the wall clock and saw that it was almost six o’clock in the evening.
“File these documents and send this to the board of directors, Harold. I’m leaving,” Elijah instructed, taking the coat from his cloth rack.
Harold nodded and bowed at Elijah. “Alright, young master. Take care.”
Knowing that he would be the center of attention if he used his car, Elijah called a cab instead.
Approximately thirty minutes later, Elijah arrived at the Palm and Pine restaurant. As he expected, the interiors looked lavish and exquisite.
Elijah went inside and smiled as he saw Athena running toward him. “Daddy!”
“My baby,” Elijah muttered, welcoming his daughter with open arms. “This is my reply to your email.”
Athena giggled, her cheeks blushing. “Thank you for being here, Daddy!”
“Anything for you, my little one.” Elijah smiled.
Carrying Athena in his arms, Elijah went to the table where Penny and Dave were seated, along with Hermione, Marianne, and Dominic.
Hermione was shocked to see Elijah in front of her, while Elijah’s expression went sour upon seeing Dominic. The latter felt the same.
“Athena, who told you to invite your father here?” Dave asked harshly, and he looked at Elijah afterward. “And Elijah, how dare you come here without a proper invitation?”
“A proper invitation? I don’t need one.” Elijah placed Athena on her seat, and he sat beside her. “I’m still your son-in-law.”