A sudden roar cut through the tension, stopping Ethan just as he was about to retaliate. His hand, mid-motion, froze in the air.
His expression hardened, and he turned toward the voice, narrowing his eyes.
Leo and Ava Carter also looked up simultaneously. And then—they saw her.
A woman in an elegant, formal dress, holding an empty wine glass, stood there. Her cheeks were flushed from alcohol, and her scent carried the unmistakable tang of wine.
Leo recognized her immediately.
It was Linsey Warner—the eldest daughter of the Warner family, and Ethan's wife.
Ava's eyes brightened. Linsey Warner! Ethan's wife! At last, someone who might help defuse this growing storm.
Ethan, however, didn't seem surprised by Linsey's bitter tone. He was used to it. But the way she was swaying slightly, the red tint in her cheeks—he noticed her drunkenness instantly.
He rushed toward her, a note of concern in his voice. "Linsey, why did you drink so much?"
But before he could say more—
"You're useless!"
SMACK!
Linsey raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
The blow landed with force, a stinging burn spreading across Ethan's cheek. He staggered slightly, his face tilted to the side. His fist clenched—but only for a moment. He exhaled, relaxed his hand, and straightened up.
Leo was dumbfounded. Seriously? Bro, you're just going to take that?
Ava's earlier optimism vanished. Right... I forgot. In the past, she used to slap him just like this.
But Linsey wasn't finished.
She stormed forward, her voice filled with fury. "Dragon King, Dragon King! Ethan, do you really think you're the Dragon King of the so-called Palace?"
"You're a disgrace! You're just the Warner family's live-in son-in-law!"
"This event was supposed to strengthen the Warner family's ties with Leo's family—but now, it's all in ruins because of you! You worthless man!"
Ethan opened his mouth. "...Wife..."
SMACK!
"Don't call me that!"
"Yes... wife..."
SMACK!
"Darling—"
SMACK!
"Linsey—"
SMACK!
Again and again, she slapped him. Ethan didn't resist. Instead, he bowed his head and muttered with bitter restraint, "Miss Warner... I didn't want to escalate things, but those men were trying to harm you."
"Oh? So you're pretending to be some kind of hero now?"
"You think someone here at Leo's family's ball would dare touch me? You're the only sick joke in the room!"
Tears welled in Linsey's eyes—not of sorrow, but deep disappointment and shame.
She turned sharply to Ava Carter, stepping forward with stiff elegance. "Miss Carter," she began, voice trembling slightly, "I sincerely apologize. This good-for-nothing husband of mine has offended you. I understand that your family granted our Warner family a contract worth over ten million. You've been generous beyond words."
"Our entire family holds you in the highest regard."
She bowed, humbling herself. "Please... forgive our failure in disciplining this disgrace."
Ava's rage lessened, though she still found the situation appalling. Even in her past life, she'd seen Ethan humiliated like this—but seeing it again with her own eyes made her stomach turn.
Still, she smiled politely. "I'm not petty. Since Miss Warner has apologized, I won't pursue this matter."
"We should exchange contact information. If future business opportunities arise, I'd be happy to collaborate."
Linsey's face lit up. Getting Ava Carter's contact number? This was a miracle. It could transform her family's future overnight.
She pulled out her phone eagerly.
But just then...
Ethan muttered under his breath, "Linsey... that ten million deal wasn't because of Ava Carter. It was because I asked a favor from a friend."
Silence.
Linsey's hands froze mid-air. Her face went pale. Slowly, she turned to Ethan.
"You... you idiot!" she hissed. "You dare say something so outrageous in front of Miss Carter?"
All the goodwill she'd just built—gone in a single sentence.
She yanked back her phone without hesitation.
Ava blinked in confusion, watching the phone vanish from view. "...Uh..."
SMACK!
"You fool!!" Linsey slapped Ethan again, her voice cracking.
"This entire contract is thanks to Miss Carter. It has nothing to do with you! You're just a parasite who does nothing at home all day!"
"Trash!!"
Leo stepped in with perfect timing. As Ava's devoted lapdog, he curled his lips and gave Ethan a disdainful glance.
Then, sarcastically, he said: "Trash is trash, Miss Warner. You have my sympathy. Having such a disgrace in your family must be torture."
He bowed slightly and added, "If I may suggest... maybe you should divorce him. It would only strengthen your family's reputation."
As if on cue, another voice chimed in.
"I've brought that up with Linsey many times! But her grandfather won't agree to the divorce!"
The speaker was an older woman who resembled Linsey—a more aged, dignified version of her with sharper eyes and colder features.
It was Linsey's mother, Margaret Warner.
"Mother..." Linsey muttered, pulling her aside.
Ethan looked at the woman in disbelief. "Mom…"
SMACK!
Margaret slapped him, her eyes burning with disgust. "You call me mother? How dare you!"
The audience—onlookers who had been quietly observing the drama unfold—erupted in murmurs and sneers.
"The live-in son-in-law thinks he's somebody now."
"Pathetic. Even his own family doesn't want him."
"He claims to be the Dragon King? More like the Dragon Clown."
"Did you hear what he said? That he got the Warner family that contract? Hah!"
"Please! Everyone knows it was thanks to Ava Carter!"
The noise swelled. Ethan stood silent, his cheek swollen, humiliation washing over him.
And yet, only one word echoed in his mind.
Endure.
Six years. He wasn't there yet. He had to wait. Had to suffer in silence until the right time.
He clenched his fists harder.
Leo blinked with glee. This was truly the son-in-law humiliation arc. What a script.
Just as he was about to continue his verbal assault—
"Enough."
A clear, authoritative voice cut through the air like a blade. "This is Leo's family's ball—not a stage for the Warner family's theatrics."
Linsey and her mother went silent instantly.
But Ava Carter... she was storming inside.
Why... why is this happening again?
I came back from the dead to avoid this drama, and somehow... I'm still stuck with this so-called Dragon King!
Leo puffed his chest, loudly defending Ava. "Miss Carter has been too kind. She granted the Warner family this chance, invited them here to discuss future partnerships. But this trash—he has tainted her reputation!"
Linsey's face was pale. Margaret looked unsteady.
Ava clutched her forehead. Stop. Talking. Please stop.
Ethan's cold voice pierced through the crowd. "You're just a lapdog, Leo. One who hides behind others. Just wait—"
SMACK!
Another slap from Linsey.
"We're sorry, Miss Carter," she said, her tone desperate. "This is our fault. We'll leave immediately, and tomorrow, our family will come personally to apologize."
She grabbed Ethan's arm and dragged him away.
---
[Dance Event Completed. Lackey Evaluation Score: S]
[Attribute Points Obtained: 5]
[Title Unlocked: Number One Lackey!]
In Leo's mind, a cheerful system prompt appeared.
He turned proudly to Ava. "I've done my best, Miss Carter. I hope I lived up to your expectations."
But Ava... Ava's world spun.
Her knees gave way, her vision blurred, and she collapsed.
"Miss!"
"Miss!"
"Miss!"