The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 41

Not long after, Hewitt, Frazier, and their family made their entrance.

They cast curious glances toward Chuck and his family, who were already gathered—especially toward Stefan, whose presence sparked visible amusement in their eyes.

"I'd already heard whispers about our family before I even stepped out today. Seems trouble really does travel fast," Zoey said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Hank played along, pretending innocence. "What kind of whispers, Zoey?"

After deliberately letting her gaze linger on Stefan and Sara, Zoey replied, "It's the talk of River City's elite circles—they're saying the Stewart heiress is marrying an ex-convict. We've become quite the laughingstock."

"Then these rumors stain us all. How unfortunate," Hank added coldly.

"Exactly. One bad apple spoils the whole bunch," Zoey said mockingly.

Chuck's expression tightened, his anger evident. Yet, as the elder, he held back from scolding the younger generation directly, settling instead for a sharp, disapproving glare toward Stefan.

Stefan remained unruffled, almost detached. He recognized the siblings' coordinated taunts—their thinly veiled contempt aimed squarely at him—but saw no point in engaging. Some battles weren't worth fighting.

"Are you quite finished, Zoey?" Sara's voice cut through, cool and sharp, her eyes fixed on Zoey.

Instinctively, Zoey straightened, her posture accentuating her curves.

For years, she'd felt overshadowed by Sara in every conceivable way. Now, with this opening, she was determined to stand tall—and to make Sara feel small.

"Oh, Sara, are you offended?" Zoey smirked. "I suppose it's only natural. Someone as proud as you, hailed as River City's top beauty, must feel quite the comedown marrying an ex-con. I understand."

Sara retorted with a cold laugh, "What gives you the impression I feel the comedown at all? Next time you hear this gossip, you can tell them plainly: I agreed to marry Stefan. But you—all these snide remarks about the match—are you criticizing Grandpa? Let's not forget who arranged it."

Just then, Micah entered from the inner hall and took his place at the head of the room.

Zoey opened her mouth to reply, but under Micah's stern and penetrating gaze, she closed it again, offering only a sullen hum.

Audrey spoke up calmly, "Repeating 'ex-con' makes it sound like Stefan committed some horrible crime. He was imprisoned unjustly—a scapegoat."

"Audrey, it sounds like you're quite taken with him," Celeste remarked, her smile thin and insincere.

"Naturally. Stefan is a capable man."

Currently, River City recognized only two top-tier families: the Lockes and the Lessings.

Beneath them stood the four major elite families. The Stewarts were one, though they occupied the lowest position among the four. Even so, their standing in the city remained respected.

Leaning forward, Frazier asked curiously, "Dad, what opportunity could possibly propel us to that level?"

"Yes, please explain," Chuck urged.

Micah paused, letting the anticipation build. "I have learned that the Reed family of Mound City plans to launch a full-scale development of River City's East District. The project is imminent. This is a massive undertaking. If we can secure a partnership with the Reeds in developing the East District, we will have a real chance to rise—to become a top-tier family."

His words landed like a shockwave, stirring excited murmurs across all three branches.

"The Reed family of Mound City? They're a top-tier family there. A partnership with them would elevate us immensely!"

"The Reeds developing the East District? A project of that scale will surely be open for bids. If we win a role, our family's prospects would soar!"

"Let's not celebrate too soon. The competition will be intense. The Lockes and Lessings will undoubtedly vie for it, and the other three major elite families will fight fiercely for their share."