?<strong>Chapter 9:</strong>


    Elyse kept silent, offering no words to Lanny. “Mr. Owen, I’ve married off my daughter to you. Surely, you ought to show some gratitude,” Lanny said, despite his fear of Jayden, believing he was owed some benefits as the bride’s father.


    In shock, Elyse raised her head, looking at him with disbelief. She wondered how he could so brazenly request favors from Jayden in front of everyone. Driven by her own greed, Glenda supported him. “Yes, Mr. Owen. Elyse is our precious daughter. Surely, we can’t marry her off to you for nothing.”


    “Precious? Wasn’t she locked in the basement?” The smile on Jayden’s face only increased Elyse’s difort. “That’s enough, stop talking. In your eyes, I’m merely an object. You have no concern for me. You’re just trying to recover your losses,” Elyse interjected.


    “I’m the one who raised you. Is it wrong to expect some benefits from your marriage? How can you take his side?” Lanny eximed, unashamed even after his motives were revealed.


    Comforting the embarrassed and outraged Elyse with a gentle pat, Jayden spoke calmly. “Of course, I can offer something.” Right after his words, an assistant stepped forward from behind him with a file bag andid out five contracts forrge-scale projects before Lanny.


    “These are substantial projects, each anticipating tens of millions in benefits. Consider them yourpensation. If they’re eptable to you, feel free to sign them,” Jayden proposed.


    Lanny’s hand trembled as he held the documents. He now owned only a smallpany, and he had never imagined the possibility of coborating with the prestigious Owen family. Now, with five lucrative contracts before him, he was set to make a fortune.


    He quickly scanned the contracts and, with a joyful expression, signed his name. “There is no problem. I trust you, Mr. Owen.”


    After both parties signed, each kept a copy of the contracts. “Now that you have yourpensation, can Elyse go with me?” Lanny asked.


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