I didn't expect to encounter Zoe and Jaiden—those two wretched nuisances—at Dad's business banquet. Zoe spotted me right away, though her face fell and turned grim when she saw me speaking to another woman.

Upon noticing me, Jaiden subtly supported Zoe's waist and murmured gently, "You're probably tired of walking, aren't you, Zoe? Your feet must be aching, and it's so stuffy in here."

Zoe gently held his hand, though she kept stealing glances at me. She was probably expecting me to make the first move.

I didn't meet her expectations, though, as I didn't even spare her so much as a sidelong glance.

Zoe ultimately lost her patience. She walked straight to our table, slammed her wine glass onto it, and asked, "Are you mad because I had someone else stand in for me for the wedding, Waylon?"

I didn't even spare her a glance and stood up to leave.

Zoe continued, "I only missed the wedding because Jaiden was ill. I didn't show up because it was an emergency."

Jaiden stepped in front of me, cutting off my exit. "Please don't be mad at Zoe, Waylon. It's my own fault for being so sickly and ruining your wedding…"

Upon hearing that, Zoe laughed mockingly at me. "I never realized that you were so petty, Waylon. It's just a wedding ceremony; it's not like we're legally married. Do you really have to conspire with your father to withdraw capital from Sutherland Group just to make me give in?"

She reached out to grasp my arm as she spoke, as though she had every right to do so.

I gave her a cold look and shook off her hand. "Please show some restraint, Ms. Sutherland. Didn't your parents tell you what happened at the wedding?"

Zoe was stunned. "What are you talking about?"

Jaiden grabbed my wrist, looking panicked. "Please don't do this, Waylon. Zoe really does care about you."

He was acting like a peacemaker, but his grip was brutal, his fingernails digging deep into my arm.

I took a deep breath from the sudden sting.

Those in the comment sections went wild. "Damn! What's up with the male lead? How come he's already making his move?"

I violently shook him off, snapping, "Get lost!"

Jaiden yelped and fell hard to the floor, looking utterly disheveled.

Zoe, eyes blazing with rage, rushed to help Jaiden to his feet. She then yelled, "Do you not know that Jaiden is in poor health, Waylon? You'd better apologize to him this instant!"

I merely scoffed and instructed the security guards rushing toward the commotion, "Get these two out of here at once!"

Zoe's expression turned livid. "You'd better not assume that you can attract my attention by doing this, Waylon! I'll go and register the marriage with you in a few days if you behave yourself!"

Those in the comment section instantly responded.

"What the hell is wrong with this female lead? Isn't she supposed to be in love with the male lead? Why is she acting so incredibly full of herself?"

"I'm laughing my head off here! She has no idea that the supporting male lead had already gotten the marriage certificate with the big shot! She's actually still expecting him to come sweet-talk her!"

I smiled faintly. "You want to get a marriage certificate with me? I'm already married, though."

Zoe's smile immediately stiffened. She stood there in a daze, her brow furrowed deeply. "What on earth are you talking about?"

She moved forward and asked in a haughty tone, "You're saying that you're married, huh? Where is your wife, then? Why isn't she by your side, Waylon?"

I let out a contemptuous smirk. "You see, my wife is away on a business trip—unlike some lazy, good-for-nothing who can't survive without a man."

Jaiden's eyes welled up with tears before Zoe could lash out. "How could you say that about Zoe? She works herself to the bone for Sutherland Group every single day. You're now making up lies just to hurt her instead of supporting her! How can you be so heartless, Waylon?"

Zoe looked at me with disappointment and fury after Jaiden's deliberate pause. "Do you see how petty and sharp-tongued you've become, Waylon? Who else would want you besides me? You'd better not play hard to get anymore—it's just making me despise you more!"