CHAPTER 126: DARK HORSE

Master Nafplion’s face darkened instantly, his eyes narrowing like a predator whose prey had just slipped from his grasp. His hand gripped the armrest of his chair so tightly that the veins stood out on the back of his hand.

"Klaus," he said, his voice low, dangerous, "do you understand the weight of your words? Refusing a marriage alliance is one thing, but to insult my bloodline in this manner is declaring war."

Leo, red-faced from both humiliation and anger, jumped up from his seat. "Who the hell are you calling good for nothing?!" He jabbed a finger at Yeri’s father, his voice breaking from the sheer rage boiling inside him. "I am Leo Nafplion! Women line up begging for my attention, yet I chose to honour this stupid alliance. Your daughter should kneel and thank me for even glancing her way!"

Madam Nafplion gave a weak, trembling laugh as if she could dissolve the tension with a softer approach. "Please don’t take it to heart. Boys his age, they’re reckless with words. Leo meant no harm. You know he talks about Yeri all the time—"

"Meant no harm?" Master Zhi cut her off, his tone sharp enough to draw blood. "My father may have been friends with your family, but friendship ends where disrespect begins." His eyes narrowed on Leo. "And your son crossed that line the moment he opened his filthy mouth."

Master Nafplion’s face darkened, his mask of civility cracking. "Our alliance was set by our fathers. Are you saying your old man’s word meant nothing?"

Master Zhi’s jaw tightened. "My father may have promised you an engagement, but he also raised me to know when to correct his mistakes. And forcing my daughter into the hands of your debauched son," his gaze flicked to Leo again, sharp as knives, "...is one mistake I’ll make sure never happens."

Leo sneered, trying to recover his bravado. "So what? You think you can protect her forever? One day, she’ll be married. And when she’s mine—"

"Finish that sentence," Master Zhi said, voice low, deadly calm. "I dare you."

Leo’s throat bobbed. The bravado slipped again, though his eyes still burned with unwillingness. He clicked his tongue and looked away, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like old bastard.

"Ah. Did I come at the wrong time?"

The voice at the door froze everyone.

All heads turned. The Nafplions went rigid, their smugness evaporating in an instant.

Master Nafplion’s face drained of color as though he had seen a demon walk into the room. His mouth trembled as his eyes bulged. "You... you... why are you here?"

Shin Keir stepped forward. His presence alone shifted the atmosphere, cold, heavy, suffocating. It was as if winter itself had swept into the Zhi household.

"Last I checked," Shin said, his tone like frost, "this is the Zhi residence. Not the Nafplions’. So why shouldn’t I be here?"

Master Nafplion forced an awkward smile, though his nerves betrayed him. Sweat pricked at his brow.

Why was Shin Keir here of all places? Could it be... the Zhis had business ties with him? But no, if there were ties, why would Shin Keir come in person?

Shin ignored the confusion clouding their faces and turned toward the Zhis with a faint, courteous bow. "Forgive my intrusion. I heard the commotion from outside and thought something had gone wrong."

"Is CEO Keir here for business?" Master Nafplion quickly interrupted, attempting to sound calm, though the unease in his eyes betrayed him.

Shin smiled faintly and, without hesitation, took the seat beside Yeri.

Leo, forgetting his earlier arrogance, scrambled to show respect. He rubbed his palms together nervously, speaking with forced eagerness. "CEO Keir! I—it’s such an honor. I’ve always admired you. Truly, I hope I can learn from your success."

He failed to notice the subtle grimace of disapproval on his parents’ faces. Every seasoned player in the circle knew the Keirs and the Songs never got along. And the Nafplions, firmly allied with the Songs, had no business currying favor with Shin Keir.

"CEO Keir," Master Nafplion interjected stiffly, "if you don’t mind, we are in the middle of discussing family matters with the Zhis. Perhaps you could return later, when we have finished?"

Shin raised a brow, leaning back casually. "Oh? Family matters? Marriage alliances, perhaps?"

Master Nafplion’s frown deepened. How did he know?

"You were loud enough," Shin said with a small shrug. "I didn’t mean to overhear." His gaze turned cutting. "But tell me, Master Nafplion is your son even worthy?"

The room stilled.

Madam Zhi, caught off guard, nevertheless lifted her chin proudly. "That’s right. Since my daughter’s debut, she has received countless proposals even from first-tier families."

Madam Nafplion, unable to endure the insult to her son, finally snapped. "CEO Keir, what do you mean by ’worthy’? This matter has nothing to do with you. Do not look down on others too much. Even if many families desire Yeri, their intentions are not always pure. My son is different. He truly likes her."

"Telling my daughter to kneel and thank your son for ’honoring’ the engagement that is your definition of liking?" Master Zhi roared, his face red with fury, the veins on his forehead bulging. "Madam Nafplion, such logic may work on you, but not on my daughter. She is perfectly sane. Keep your precious reasoning to yourself, lest others steal it from you."

Madam Nafplion’s cheeks flamed crimson, shame burning through her mask of composure.

On the other hand, Yeri nearly burst out laughing. The irony was too sharp. The way Leo treated his own mother was already proof enough, this woman had long surrendered her dignity, pride, and self-respect.

Whether she was a victim of circumstance or a willing accomplice, it made no difference. By condoning her son, she was harming another girl.

Leo’s expression twisted as Shin’s calm dismissal cut into his pride.

How dare this man sit beside his woman and question his worth? His blood boiled, his ego screaming for release.

"CEO Keir," Leo burst out, his voice cracking from both anger and frustration, "I’ve always looked up to you. I learned from you! And now you say I’m unworthy? You’re the one who taught me that men should always be superior to women! That they should be obedient!"

Gasps rippled across the room.

Yeri’s eyes immediately shifted to Shin, her gaze sharp with meaning. It turns out Shin’s infamous reputation and notoriety as a misogynist was twisted by this idiot to justify his disgusting personality.

But Shin Keir did not so much as blink. He didn’t care whether Leo worshiped or cursed him. Turning his cold eyes on Master Nafplion, he spoke with the poised authority of a CEO used to commanding entire boardrooms.

"Master Nafplion," Shin said smoothly, "we are all in the same circle. As a businessman, I only collaborate with people who have a clean background. You insisting on this marriage alliance with the Zhis will affect my best interests."

Master Nafplion stiffened. His jaw clenched as unease crawled up his spine. "What do you mean by that, CEO Keir?"

Shin’s faint smile carried no warmth. "You know exactly what I mean. The public may be blind, but in our circle? Everyone knows your son’s reputation. Are you mocking the Zhis by forcing their treasured daughter into marriage with a man who’s been in rehab? With a son who carries a long, colorful history of abusing women and drugs?"

The words were like a bomb dropped on the Nafplions’ pride.

Madam Nafplion trembled violently, as if all her skeletons had been dragged into the daylight. She screamed in desperation, "Why are we listening to an outsider?! This matter has nothing to do with you!"

But Leo had already snapped. He jabbed a shaking finger at Shin, his whole body quivering with fury. "You bastard! How dare you ruin my reputation! You think you’re untouchable? I’ll sue you! I’m not afraid of you, even if you’re Shin Keir!"

Yeri widened her eyes in mock shock, clutching Shin’s sleeve as if seeking shelter. "R-Rehab? Drugs?" she whispered dramatically, hiding half her face behind Shin’s shoulder.

Leo saw red. His eyes bulged as he roared, pointing directly at her. "Yeri, you bitch! You’re flirting with another man in front of me! I didn’t know you were so shameless and promiscuous! Let me teach you a lesson, I think you’d been spoiled too much!"

The insult cracked through the room.

"How dare you insult my daughter!" Madam Zhi shot up, her fury blazing as she slammed her palm on the table.

Madam Nafplion suddenly let out a laugh, sharp and bitter. "My son has every right to discipline his woman! And Yeri, trying to climb high by clinging to Shin Keir? Don’t you know? Everyone knows he despises women!"

Yeri’s lips twitched, almost breaking into a laugh.

But Leo seemed stimulated by the chaos, his madness bubbling to the surface wanting to grab Yeri.

Master Nafplion, meanwhile, sat frozen. He could see the situation unraveling beyond repair. Both families had shed all pretense, and with Shin Keir suddenly stepping in as a dark horse, the marriage alliance was doomed.

"ARGHHH!" Leo screamed suddenly.

He banged his forehead against the polished table with a sickening thud. Everyone jumped.

Again and again he slammed his head, leaving red smears, until he rolled onto the floor clutching his skull, howling like a wounded animal.

"Leo!" Madam Nafplion cried, rushing to his side, only to be kicked squarely in the ribs by her own son. She collapsed with a scream.

The Zhis immediately pulled back. Madam Zhi clung to her husband’s arm, pale and trembling, while Yeri instinctively moved behind Shin, her heart hammering against her ribs.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Master Nafplion shouted in humiliation, pointing furiously at his wife. "Useless woman, hurry up and stop your son at once!"

But Madam Nafplion, still clutching her side, shrank back in fear.