My wife, Jana Webster, uses her work at the company as an excuse to skip out on Leah Haynes, our daughter's field day. She even tells us not to participate in the activity.

Having noticed how disappointed Leah looks, I decide to take her to the field day myself.

As soon as we walk into the school, I spot Jana sitting on the couch located on the stage with her first love, Barton Ritter, as well as his son, Trenton Ritter. They look so close, as though they were an actual family of three.

With a microphone in her hand, Jana goes on and on about how she's capable of keeping her family happy while maintaining a successful career. As she speaks, she smiles at Barton from time to time.

The audience beneath the stage applauds heartily, giving Jana an ego boost. Even Trenton wears a haughty look.

Soon, it's time for the Q&A session. I quickly snatch the microphone over.

"Ms. Webster, since when do you have a son? Does your husband know about it?"

As soon as I finished speaking, the students and parents sitting below began to murmur among themselves while casting strange and contemptuous glances my way.

"Who's this guy? He's so rude."

"I think he's jealous of Mr. Ritter and trying to get Ms. Webster's attention. She owns a company worth tens of billions of dollars, so it's not surprising she has a few delusional fanboys trying to become side pieces."

"How shameless of him!"

On the podium, Jana Webster's expression flickered with panic when she saw me, but she hid it well.

Barton Ritter, however, couldn't contain himself. He put on a look of feigned anger and grievance.

"Jana, what does he mean by this?"

I turned a blind eye to this and just looked at Jana. "Ms. Webster, you haven't answered my question yet."

Jana subconsciously brushed the stray hair from her forehead and gripped Barton's hand tightly in front of everyone. "This is my answer."

Barton's eyes flickered with emotion as he unhesitatingly hugged her tightly.

The people below erupted in a chorus of "wow".

"True love really does exist! And they're showing it off for the whole world."

"Ms. Webster is truly the ideal woman. Not only is she a powerful career woman, but she's also so devoted to her husband and son. Absolutely amazing!"

Their gazes turned even more disdainful toward me.

"Got exposed trying to stir up trouble in their relationship, huh?"

"He looks like a kept man, yet he still dares to compare himself to Mr. Ritter? Everyone knows Mr. Ritter holds a key position at Brighton Group and is Ms. Webster's right-hand man. So, how could some loser like him ever measure up?"

Just then, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Jana.

"Lamont, don't get this the wrong way. I agreed to play Trenton's mother for a day at Barton's request. The poor kid grew up without a mom.

"You, on the other hand, not only disobeyed me but also embarrassed me in public. You'd better stop this right now."

I couldn't help but chuckle coldly.

Jana had always been strong-willed, which was why after marrying her, I did everything to support her career. I arranged for her to become general manager while I stabilized things behind the scenes.

But now, she seemed to have forgotten who was really in charge.

Brighton Group was founded by my grandfather, Chadwick Haynes, and I owned 75% of the shares.

I quickly messaged the HR and legal departments of Brighton Group. I was going to remove Jana from the position of general manager in front of everyone today.

My daughter, Leah Haynes, couldn't stand seeing others insult me and started arguing angrily, "What are you people talking about? The woman on stage is my mom, and my dad is her real husband. That guy is the homewrecker!"

The others immediately burst into laughter, their tone growing more mocking.

"Like father, like daughter. So young and already trying to climb the social ladder. How twisted!"

"Ms. Webster showed her affection in public, so how could their happy family of three be fake?"

Trenton Ritter, who had just come down from the podium, suddenly rushed over and glared viciously at Leah.

"Who are you calling a homewrecker? Are you and your dad that desperate for a power grab? Have you no shame at all?"

With that, he tried to hit her. But I intercepted him without hesitation. My gaze fell on Jana, who stood just a few steps away.

"Jana, I'm giving you one last chance. Are you still not going to explain?"

Jana frowned at me, then said coldly after a moment, "Sir, I don't know you. I have manners, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate you repeatedly slandering my husband and son. Our company's legal department isn't to be trifled with either."

Leah huffed in disbelief. "Mom, what are you saying? You don't even recognize me and Dad anymore?"

The people around burst into laughter.

"Hey, girl, aren't you taking this act a bit too far? You'd better take your dad and leave before Ms. Webster goes after you. Brighton Group isn't something ordinary folks like you can mess with."

Even Leah's classmates began to look at her with disgust and disdain.

"Leah, how can you be so despicable? You always seemed so well-mannered, but who knew you were this vile deep down?"

Leah grabbed Jana's sleeve and pleaded, "Mom, what's wrong with you? Why are you saying you don't know us? Speak up for me and Dad! Can't you hear how terribly they're insulting Dad?"

Jana unceremoniously shook off Leah's hand. The latter stumbled backward two steps, her face filled with hurt.

At the same time, Barton interlocked his fingers with Jana's and shot me a look of undisguised provocation.

I instantly understood that he knew everything. I immediately reached out and grabbed Leah.

"Leah, since she doesn't acknowledge you, you don't have to consider her your mom from now on either."

As soon as I finished speaking, Jana furrowed her brows almost imperceptibly.

Moments later, my phone vibrated again.

"Lamont, I already explained it to you. I'm just playing mother to Trenton for one day. How can you not have empathy at all? If I acknowledged you as my husband, how would Barton and Trenton face everyone afterward?

"How could Trenton even go to school anymore? If you hadn't insisted on making a scene, none of this would've happened. Getting scolded is what you deserve. Now, take Leah home and reflect on yourself properly!"

I couldn't help but sneer. It seemed Jana had been sitting in the general manager's seat for so long that she'd forgotten who granted her that authority.

At that moment, the teacher organizing the field day came over to play peacemaker and announced that the fun run was about to begin.

As we walked toward the stadium, Barton brushed past me with a smug smile.

"Losers like you deserve to be dumped. Only a career-driven man like me is worthy of a successful entrepreneur like Jana. If you know what's good for you, take your daughter and get lost!"

I let out a cold laugh. A career-driven man?

Just moments ago, HR had messaged me back. Barton had only been promoted through Jana's backdoor connections and didn't even understand the most basic business operations in the company.

It seemed he only knew I was Jana's husband but had no idea that I was the true helmsman of Brighton Group.

The HR and legal departments had just confirmed that they had drafted the termination notice and divorce papers and were on their way by car.

The reason I stayed was to publicly tear off Jana's and Barton's hypocritical masks and seek justice for Leah and myself.

Jana and Barton were invited to the VIP viewing stand. School management and parents alike were flattering them warmly and obsequiously.

Jana held her chin high, looking aloof and superior. Every inch of her expression was beaming with self-satisfaction.

On the other side, Leah had already taken her position on the track. She managed a faint smile in my direction, and I waved to cheer her on.

In the blink of an eye, something unexpected happened. Trenton suddenly rushed onto Leah's track and stuck his leg out, causing Leah to trip and fall hard onto the ground.

I rushed over.

Leah's face was twisted in agony, her forehead dotted with sweat. Both her knees were bloody and mangled.

My heart clenched with pain.

Trenton, however, looked triumphant. He laughed smugly and said, "That's what you and your dad get for being so pathetic! Let's see if you dare to mess with us again!"

I was so furious I was about to punch him right then and there. But Jana blocked me, shielding Trenton and Barton protectively.

"Enough. It's just kids messing around. Are you really going to make a big deal out of this?"

My chest heaved with rage. "Just kids messing around? Take a good look at how much pain Leah is in! This is clearly intentional."

Barton chuckled leisurely as he pulled a stack of cash from his wallet and scattered it over Leah, though his gaze was fixed on me.

"You two are doing all this for money, right? Consider this compensation for the injury. Now, take it and get lost!"

The surrounding parents had already burst into laughter. They looked at Leah and me with contempt, blindly pandering to Jana and Barton.

"See that? This is what happens when you offend the powerful. You just have to suck it up."

"It's all because they provoked Ms. Webster's family in the first place. They brought this on themselves. Even if she broke her leg, it serves them right."

"Since Mr. Ritter already gave you the money, why don't you just get lost?"

Leah was receiving treatment from the school nurse. She looked to Jana for help, but Jana turned her head away.

Her gaze gradually dimmed as she took my hand. "Dad, you were right. From today on, I don't have a mother anymore."

When Jana heard what Leah said, she frowned almost imperceptibly and cast a reproachful look at me.

My gaze swept past her and moved to those who were stepping on us while flattering others, the very people who had spewed the cruelest curses at Leah and me.

I looked at each of them, calling them out individually.

"The Osborne family, in the aluminum business. The Dawson family, in the cement business. The Mooney family, in the bean processing business."

As I calmly and clearly named each one, those parents couldn't help but freeze, because I had gotten every single one right.

Brighton Group had its hand in a vast range of industries, and every single one of those families relied on the company's goodwill to make a living.

I announced in a firm, resonant voice, "As of today, Brighton Group is terminating its partnership with all of you."

They were first startled. But then, they burst into laughter and crowded around Jana.

"Everyone, look. This guy's snapped. First, he claimed to be Ms. Webster's real husband, and now, this is even more insane. He actually thinks he can speak for Brighton Group and terminate our partnership."

One scoffed and said, "Who the heck do you think you are? Ms. Webster hasn't even said a word, and you're losing your mind? Does anyone have the number for a mental hospital? Someone, get this man admitted!"

Jana's gaze grew darker, her face clouding over with menace.

She stepped forward and said to me in a low voice, "Lamont, I've already secured my position at Brighton Group. Do you really think you can stir up any waves? Are you still the one in charge? Just go home already."

I gave her a meaningful look. But instead of answering her, I turned to those who were mocking me and to Barton.

"Everyone has been mistaken about one thing. It's true that Jana is the general manager of Brighton Group, but I'm the one who calls the shots!"

Barton was first stunned, then laughed so hard tears came to his eyes.

"He's really lost it. After all these years at Brighton Group, I only ever knew Jana as the general manager and have never seen this lunatic around. He probably doesn't even know where the company's main entrance is."

I smiled and said nothing, as my people would be arriving soon.

Given Barton's position, he'd never made it past the tenth floor. So, how could he have ever seen me on the 35th floor?

Everyone else joined in the laughter, but Jane's gaze toward me had turned downright venomous. I knew it was because she was afraid.

Just then, Leah's phone rang. The moment she answered, she let out a piercing scream as if struck by a huge blow.

The phone was on speaker.

"Look at you, barely grown and already pulling scams with your deadbeat dad! Just how shameless can you get?"

I quickly hung up. Only then did I realize someone had posted today's events online. Some had even twisted the facts to slander Leah and me and leaked Leah's phone number and school.

I turned toward Barton.

He was smirking at me provocatively, mouthing, "My gift for you. Do you like it?"

Leah had already begun to tremble all over.

A torrent of online abuse flooded in, along with one harassing phone call after another.

Those parents, eager to show off in front of Jana, surrounded Leah and me. Harsh insults and vicious curses came out of their mouths.

"See? The public sees right through you. You and your daughter belong in the gutter!"

"You dare impersonate a Brighton Group executive? Just wait until they sue you into bankruptcy! The company's legal department is famously relentless. You won't even have a place to cry later, because you'll have lost your house!"

Someone winked and sneered. "That's easy enough. This guy looks like a pretty boy. Maybe he'll just crawl into some rich woman's bed. Then, he'll have a place to cry."

At that moment, two luxury black minivans came roaring in.

Someone with sharp eyes couldn't help but shout, "That's Brighton Group's logo! Senior management is here!"

Those sycophants puffed up with pride, stepping closer and closer to Leah and me. Their mouths opened and closed like venomous snakes baring their fangs.

"You and your daughter are done for now. Ms. Webster really doesn't mess around. This wasn't just an empty warning—she's playing for keeps. You're gonna lose your shirts on this one!"

Someone even raised their phone, staring at Leah and me with a predatory gleam in their eyes.

"Hey, everyone. We have the latest update on the 'mooching man tries to scam female CEO' saga, now trending at number one. Hit that follow button, and I'll go live for you.

"You won't want to miss how this business mogul tears that arrogant loser apart!"

Barton cast an affectionate glance at Jana, his face lighting up with surprise. When he looked at me, his arrogance and smugness were completely unconcealed.

Beside him, Trenton puffed up with pride.