The staff exchanged glances, immediately realizing Shirley Thorne was telling the truth.
Working at the Grant Hotel, they had seen all sorts of luxury goods. They could tell real from fake with a single look.
Shirley Thorne continued, "I'm done acknowledging you as my brother. You're a piece of trash who sucks people dry like it's your birthright, and I wouldn't even toss you in the recycling bin. Let me state this clearly: my dowry is mine. Don't even think about touching a single cent of it."
Gideon Thorne was so furious he looked ready to stomp his feet, wishing he could march over and sew her mouth shut.
How could the sister who had never once defied him growing up suddenly become so forceful?
The whole reason he'd pushed his sister to marry the richest man in the country was for money. If Shirley Thorne was dead set on not giving him any, then what was the point of all his efforts?
Perhaps he was too enraged, for Gideon Thorne momentarily lost control of his expression. His aggrieved look twisted into a vicious one, a stark contrast to his delicate features.
The staff members around them couldn't help but point at him and whisper. So, they mused, Mrs. Grant was having a falling out with her brother because the guy was after her dowry.
There were too many strange looks from the crowd. Gideon Thorne realized he had lost his composure and knew he couldn't let this continue. He had to find a way to turn public opinion back in his favor.
So, he deliberately adopted a humble, troubled expression. "No, that's not it, Sister. I used to be reckless and irresponsible with money, I admit. But I'm asking for the dowry because Mom and Dad are sick. I don't have the money for their medical bills. I really didn't mean any harm."
Shirley Thorne gave him a look that screamed, 'Do I look like an idiot to you?' Her contempt was almost palpable. 'He's just spouting a bunch of lies!'
'They just happen to get sick right after their daughter gets married?'
She said, "If they're sick, they can come ask for money themselves! Mom and Dad are sick, yet you still have spare cash to buy luxury goods? Did you think I wouldn't notice that your entire outfit is brand new?"
It dawned on everyone. That was right. Setting aside everything else, his sneakers were clearly the latest model. If his parents were truly sick, how would he have the spare cash to buy them? Unless this spendthrift didn't care about his parents at all and only loved himself.
Gideon Thorne stammered for a long moment, unable to utter a single word. Suddenly, his eyes widened as if he had spotted a savior. He bolted over, yelling, "Brother-in-law! My parents are sick, and my sister won't help! You have to help me!"
Shirley Thorne quickly turned and saw Ethan Grant striding through the doorway. His expression was hard to read in the shifting sunlight, and his deep, dazzling eyes were fixed on her as he walked slowly in her direction.
With a hopeful glint in his eyes, Gideon Thorne lunged forward, only to be sent flying by a bodyguard's shove.
'How utterly humiliating!'
Shirley Thorne covered her face in despair.
'If I were in his shoes,' she thought, 'and had such a terrible in-law, I'd probably be thinking about divorce already.'
Shirley Thorne wanted to cry but had no tears left. She stood silently in the lobby, awaiting the final judgment.
But unexpectedly, the one person with the most right to pass judgment simply walked up to Gideon Thorne, tossed a gold card at his face, and said, "Go get them checked."
He had merely tossed a card, yet the motion was like a god bestowing a gift upon a follower, as if a golden light was shining from behind him, dazzling all who watched.
Gideon Thorne was overjoyed. He quickly picked it up and looked. It read: "First Grant Hospital, Free Gold Card."
The back also said, "Non-transferable."
Gideon Thorne's excited expression froze on his face.
'What a power move!' Shirley Thorne thought, impressed.
'So, you wanted to use our "sick parents" as an excuse to swindle money? Fine. He'll give you a VIP card you can't cash out—for medical treatment only, free of charge!'
"Anything else?" Ethan Grant's hawk-like eyes stared intently at Gideon Thorne, devoid of any warmth. The very air around him seemed thick with impatience and indifference.