Chapter 3 Nuts

In Zlexvale, Bruce, the wealthiest man, led a remarkable life filled with both highs and lows.

Dominik had stood by Bruce during his challenging two-year stint in Phantom Prison, and played a crucial role in reversing Bruce's legal fate.

Despite being relatively young, Dominik received great respect from Bruce.

"Mr. Higgins, thanks for picking me up from the airport." Dominik expressed with a warm smile gracing his face.

"You are welcome, Mr. Gilbert. It's my duty!" Bruce responded with laughter. "This is a gift I prepared for you, two bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild."

Dominik, taken aback, questioned, "Why the gift?"

Bruce playfully replied, "Well, if you're going to propose, shouldn't you bring some good liquor? I've cherished these two bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild 1985 for years, and now I gift them to you!"

Dominik agreed, understanding the importance of not going empty-handed to the Harper family's house.

Aydan Harper was his elder. Cormac played a pivotal role in launching Aydan's business. Following Dominik and his father's expulsion from the Gilbert family, the Harper family provided them support during a challenging period.

Cormac's desire was for Dominik to marry Ruby Harper, Aydan's daughter.

With his luggage and the two bottles of aged Château Lafite Rothschild in tow, Dominik stepped into the Harper family's compound. In the living room, Aydan, who hadn't seen Dominik in many years, occupied the main seat.

"Ha-ha, Dominik, I got your father's letter two weeks back. Finally, you're here!" Aydan exclaimed, radiating vitality as he warmly shook Dominik's hand.

Smiling at Aydan, Dominik responded, "Mr. Harper!"

Aydan quickly declared, "Perfect timing. Take Ruby to City Hall and secure that marriage certificate!"

A young girl standing nearby emitted a disdainful snort, her expression dripping with contempt.

Adorned in a snow-white dress and a delicate golden belt accentuating her slender waist, she presented a breathtaking sight. Her exquisitely made-up face held a captivating allure, while her long legs revealed beneath her skirt's hem could leave anyone mesmerized.

Phyllis, Aydan's wife, expressed her displeasure through repeated frowns as she struggled to comprehend Aydan's rejection of the Warren family's proposal in favor of this seemingly unremarkable young prison guard.

"Mr. Harper, isn't this a bit rushed?" Dominik scratched his head, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his expression.

Aydan dismissed it with a laugh. "This was discussed and agreed upon long ago!"

Ruby, with a cold look, scrutinized Dominik. "I never expected you to become a prison guard. What a lowly job!"

Dominik nodded and offered a smile. "Ruby, it's been a while."

Looking at the childhood friend she once got along with, Ruby shook her head, acknowledging that time had revealed they belonged to different worlds.

Caught in her father's directive, Ruby found herself with little room for choice. But, mismatched elements were inevitably destined to fracture.

Phyllis, with a pointed gesture towards Dominik, voiced her concerns. "Aydan, what will our relatives and friends think if you wed our daughter to such an underachiever? What will people say? Look at him, after all these years, he's still just a worn-down prison guard! On his first visit, he even came with two bottles of artificial liquor. Are you certain about marrying our daughter to him?"

Dominik responded composedly, "Mrs. Harper, this is Château Lafite Rothschild 1985 given by..."

Phyllis sneered immediately, laden with disdain, "Château Lafite Rothschild? We have several cases at home. Shall I enlighten you on the difference between yours and ours? Do you even understand the value of Château Lafite Rothschild 1985? Can an ordinary prison guard like you afford it?"

Faced with Phyllis' skepticism, Dominik nonchalantly shrugged off her remarks without uttering a word.

Aydan erupted in anger, declaring, "Enough! This matter is not open to questioning! Ruby, take Dominik to City Hall now to get the marriage certificate!"

Ruby wore a displeased expression, but she clenched her teeth and took Dominik to City Hall to get papers for marriage.

"Is this how we get married?" Dominik examined the document he was holding.

Ruby glanced at Dominik and said with an indifferent tone, "You must realize that we're not from the same world. You're a mere low-ranking prison guard, while I am already the CEO of Harper Group. Be sensible and don't harbor any inappropriate thought after we obtain the certificate. Once my father consents, we'll divorce instantly!"

Having said that, Ruby got into the car, slammed the door, hit the gas pedal, and swiftly drove away.

Dominik gazed at the luxury car's fading taillights and shrugged helplessly. Was she truly leaving him behind?

Also, did these women share a script? Not from the same world? Were they perhaps extraterrestrial beings?

Dominik shook his head, and brought out a key card from his pocket. "Forget it. I need to find a place to stay first. If Night Lord tries any tricks, I'll hang him in the toilet for three days and nights when I return to Phantom Prison."

Night Lord had provided him with a key card when he learned that he was coming to Zlexvale. It was Night Lord's villa, which was supposed to be the grandest in the city.

Exiting City Hall, Dominik spotted Sylvia gracefully descending from a huge Jeep.

"It looks like you've married Ruby and officially joined the Harper family. For you, that's a plus. Now, you won't have to worry about food and clothing in the future," Sylvia remarked casually.

"Why do you care?" Dominik, disgusted with her attitude, retorted with a smirk.

Sylvia's expression remained the same as she went on, "For a common prison guard like you, trying to make a mark in the influential Harper family is no easy feat. Considering our past engagement and my role in breaking it off, I'm willing to help if you need it. Ruby is a respectable woman, sought after by many. The opportunity you've landed is only a dream for many. If you need assistance fitting into the Harper family, don't hesitate to reach out."

Dominik, unmoved, gave Sylvia a penetrating look. "I'm convinced that you're truly out of your mind. Establish myself in the Harper family? Even your Hewitt family is nothing to me. Drop the arrogance. My life has nothing to do with you!"

Having said this, he walked away.

Sylvia's expression darkened. Feeling apologetic about ending the engagement, she wanted to make amends, but he seemed ungrateful.

"Talk is cheap. If you have such ambitions, why so obedient to the Harper family?" Sylvia entered her car, revved the engine, and sped away. It looked like even the exhaust fumes carry a sense of scorn for Dominik.

Alone, Dominik reached the Skytop Villa Area, Zlexvale's upscale neighborhood. Night Lord's villa was situated at the pinnacle of Skytop Hill.