The definitive answer to the question that had puzzled so many since Shin's engagement was announced had finally been spoken aloud.
"With so many first- and second-tier socialites available, I've always wondered what made the Keir elders agree to let Yeri Zhi marry Shin. So this was the reason."
"And it wasn't just one contract. It seems there were multiple contracts involved. But what's going to happen now? With Shin's return uncertain, what will happen to those contracts?"
One well-informed guest leaned closer and whispered, "Let me tell you, KGG is practically a warzone right now. Factions are openly competing against each other, employees are being displaced, and rivals are taking this opportunity to poach the company's intelligence and best employees. It's no wonder they didn't cancel this wedding immediately. Otherwise, it would be the same as admitting that Shin Keir is gone. And if that were confirmed, what do you think would happen?"
Those listening wore varied expressions.
Although both of the Keir brothers were still capable of running the company, especially Allister, who had previously served as CEO, it didn't change the fact that many clients trusted KGG because of Shin. Without him, some would undoubtedly look for alternatives, while others might be poached by rival companies.
Perhaps even the contracts Shin had secured through his marriage to Yeri would be at risk. Some clients might even back out.
"I heard a major overseas company called to suspend all negotiations after the news of Shin's disappearance. Do you think that client is connected to one of those billion-dollar contracts?"
Another guest nodded. "Maybe. It's alarming, especially when you look at the current situation. KGG is unstable, and its stock price keeps falling. I heard some shareholders have already started selling their shares."
"That fast?!" another exclaimed. "What should I do? Should I sell mine too?"
"That aside, I never realised Shin was so madly in love with Yeri that he'd use business contracts to defy the clan elders. In our circle, not many people can escape a marriage alliance without losing their standing in the family and their credibility."
"Exactly! He's a monster. Who else could pull off something like that? It's not easy to secure clients nowadays, especially ones worth millions, yet he managed to get companies to sign billion-dollar contracts with KGG?"
Looking at the elders' grim and embarrassed expressions, the guests finally understood what had transpired.
To the elders, Yeri had become unnecessary. However, they hadn't wanted to be openly criticised for abandoning her, knowing the terrible labels that would follow.
Other sharp-witted guests also began to understand the deeper meaning behind Yeri's earlier words.
As the commotion continued, Allister made an even more shocking announcement.
"Besides, although Shin is young, he's always been a visionary with a systematic approach and excellent foresight. Most of us recognise that. He had his will drafted a long time ago, and he revised it again several months ago."
The crowd buzzed with surprise. Who would have expected someone as young as Shin to have already prepared a will, let alone revised it?
"You have no right to speak about that! This is a private matter and shouldn't be disclosed without our lawyers present!" the Grand Elder snapped.
"I know. I'm simply letting you know that Yeri is included in that will," Allister replied. "Even her dog has been allocated liquid assets."
Allister hadn't announced it through the microphone, but those standing nearby still heard him clearly.
A dog had a claim to Shin's assets?
The Grand Elder was so furious that he struck his cane against the floor.
They knew Shin had always been stubborn, tyrannical, and cunning. It was precisely because of those qualities that they considered him a suitable CEO. They had simply never expected his ruthlessness to extend to them as well.
"What did he leave to the dog?" another elder asked, stepping closer.
"Ten million in liquid assets," Allister answered.
"What? Some stray dog gets ten million dollars?! Has Shin Keir gone mad?!" Elli's wife, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, blurted out in shock.
"Shut up!" the Grand Elder barked at her.
However, it was already too late. The news had spread to those standing behind them, leaving everyone with their jaws practically on the floor.
In truth, considering Shin's net worth, such an amount was little more than pocket change. But to ordinary people, ten million dollars was an almost unimaginable fortune. Even for the Keirs, the decision made little sense. Why leave so much money to an outsider, and a dog at that?
More importantly, if Shin had even allocated a portion of his assets to a dog, what had he left for Yeri?
"This isn't right! This has to be discussed with our legal team. Who knows if that will is even genuine?" Elli's wife protested, no longer bothering to hide her panic or show any respect for the elders.
She was still disputing the fact that her late son Hadi's assets hadn't been returned to her, and now there was Shin's estate to consider.
She was his aunt, after all. In her mind, it was only natural that she should receive a share of his assets.
"I know what's in that will." Ellis appeared out of nowhere, sneering at Allister before turning his gaze to Yeri. "Apart from Tristan, Xati, and of course, Allister, half of his assets go to Yeri."
Another bomb had dropped, this time even more explosive than the last.
The elders, who had been desperately maintaining their composure and saving face, hadn't even known such a will existed. Now that the revelation had exploded in their faces, they could barely contain themselves.
"You! Are you a witch? What did you do to make that demon lose his mind?!" Elli's wife shrieked, pointing an accusing finger at Yeri's nose.
Xati rushed forward and shoved her. "Stay away from Big Sister! You're the ugly witch!"
"Where's our legal team? This has to be a scam!"
"Allister, you knew Shin had a will and didn't tell us? What do you think we elders are here for? This is a violation of our clan rules!"
"Shin is the head of the Keir clan! His assets are tied to the entire family! He has no right to make a will of his own accord, much less leave his assets to an outsider!"
As the wedding descended into a storm of arguments and accusations, Ellis fanned the flames even further.
"Of course, the will has to be contested. According to its contents, although Yeri gets half of his assets, they'll be managed by Tristan. Strange, isn't it? Or perhaps it's exactly what we should have expected?"
Yeri's eyes narrowed as she understood the direction Ellis Keir was trying to steer the conversation.
Originally, when Shin had drawn up the contract stating that all his assets would go to Yeri if he ever wronged her during their marriage, the Keir elders hadn't been particularly concerned. They didn't believe Shin would ever be foolish enough to do something that would trigger such a clause.
Now, with his return uncertain, that contract was practically useless.
Naturally, they had assumed that all of Shin's assets would eventually return to the clan. However, the situation was entirely different when a will was involved.
And now, they had found an easy way to reclaim those assets: make Yeri voluntarily relinquish them.
All they had to do was turn the rumours of an affair between Yeri and Tristan into an apparent reality. If they could convince everyone that the two had been secretly involved behind Shin's back, the will could potentially be declared void.
The implication was clear: Yeri and Tristan had conspired together, and now that Shin had made his will, they wanted him dead to claim his fortune.
And if Yeri wanted to prove her innocence, to prove that she truly loved Shin rather than his wealth, she would have to refuse the inheritance herself.
"If I were that kind of person, wouldn't it have been better for me to marry Brother Shin? Remember, under another contract, I could inherit all his assets, not just half," Yeri pointed out.
Ellis scoffed. "You get half, and Tristan still gets a share. There's not much difference. Perhaps Shin had already noticed something was off. You probably realised that too, you can't fool him for long."
"Ellis Keir, shut your mouth! These are all speculations!" Allister snapped in defence of Yeri.
Ellis ignored him and pointed at Xati instead.
"And what about this wild child? Who's his real mother? I've been investigating for a long time, yet it's as if he appeared out of thin air! He's never been close to any women, and he's fiercely guarded against those who want to become his stepmother. But how strange. He's so attached to you, almost as though he's known you for a long time."
Everyone looked down at Xati, who stood protectively in front of Yeri like a fierce little cub.
"I'm just good with children." Yeri shrugged nonchalantly.
"Whatever you're implying, I can assure you, as Yeri's primary physician, that she isn't pregnant and has never been," Zahn interrupted firmly.
"Yeah! I'm also close to Big Sis because she's nice!" Sean chimed in, hugging his father's pant leg.
"So what if she's never been pregnant? What about surrogacy?" Ellis mocked, implying that Yeri had somehow managed to win over both Zahn and his son to her side. "Yeri, you're certainly capable. No wonder Tristan chose you."
He then grabbed her arm and lowered his voice.
"Now, you have two options. Either endure public condemnation, or, with neither Shin nor Tristan here, perhaps you could marry someone else in the Keir family. There are plenty of elders and unmarried uncles in the extended branches."
Yeri "..."
Master Zhi angrily shoved Ellis away, his gaze blazing as he snarled, "Don't you dare touch my daughter again! Is this how the Keirs treat others? You've truly opened my eyes today! Even if I go bankrupt, I'll sue you for defamation!"
Ellis was about to argue back when Allister seized him by the collar.
"Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough? My son's assets were clearly detailed and separated from those belonging to the clan. I've also investigated this entire matter, and Yeri is completely innocent! Or are you so desperate to claim what doesn't belong to you, as you've always been? Have you lost every last shred of your morals?"
Ellis struggled to break free, but Allister refused to let go. Meanwhile, the elders all began shouting over one another, making the scene even more chaotic.