章 31: Vicky's Past

"I will never agree to you!" Vicky said defiantly, then grabbed Irving by the arm. "Let's go, Irving."

Witnessing this scene, Dennis's speculation was instantly confirmed, making him more certain than ever that the two individuals before him were indeed a couple.

His face turned much darker, "Vicky! Let me remind you, your uncle is now the Executive Chairman of Ocean Group. He makes all the decisions in your family, including your marriage!"

"And you!" Dennis turned to Irving, speaking coldly, "I've seen plenty of pretty boys like you before. You might be able to fool her with a few sweet words, but you won't fool me. You still have a chance right now—get away from her immediately. Otherwise, a piece of trash like you...I could easily make you disappear without a trace!"

Many people in the rest area were watching the commotion. As the words fell, everyone could feel an inexplicable chill creeping up from beneath their feet.

Dennis was the young master of the Sunrich Group.

As they looked at Irving, dressed in cheap jeans and a white T-shirt, they collectively sneered.

"A man who spends a woman's money is the most useless."

"Yeah, it seems like the beauty's family plans to marry her to young master Dennis." Some who recognized Dennis said loudly, "You better leave now, maybe young master Dennis will spare you. Otherwise, you won't have a chance."

The crowd pointed and whispered, their mockery louder. The words were particularly grating to Vicky's ears. She had asked Irving out just to go shopping and thank him for his help in the game.

Without Irving, she would have been torn apart by the [Wind Demon Wolves]and wouldn't have survived the first wave of disaster.

"Dennis! Listen to me, even if I die, I will never agree to this marriage, and I will never marry you!" Vicky said, her face resolute. She then boldly grabbed Irving's hand. "Yes, I came out to date him. But, it was not in secret. I'm dating him out in the open!"

"Get out of the way!" Ignoring Dennis, Vicky pulled Irving away.

Soon, Dennis was the only one left in the rest area. Looking at the retreating figures of the couple, he felt a surge of anger in his chest like a volcanic eruption, "You ungrateful woman, can't I even compare to that pretty boy? He's nothing but trash..."

However, it seemed as if he suddenly remembered something, a cold smirk appeared on his lips, "I told you, some things are out of your hands. It won't be long before you come begging me…"

The reason Dennis appeared here wasn't for a leisurely stroll, but to scout out new suits in preparation for a crucial banquet tonight.

Ever since the Other world game emerged, it caught not only the attention of the upper echelons of officials who promptly formed organizations like the "Angel Group", but also the many big and small family powers who anticipated a significant revolution. If they wanted to maintain their current status after the apocalypse, they needed to prepare in advance. Many guilds and factions have sprung up like mushrooms after the rain, and behind a significant number of them, you can see the influence of these powerful families.

Tonight's banquet centered around the Other world game!

Ever since the forum post selling nearly a thousand pieces of game equipment was published, all the large family powers were searching for the username: Lucky Pretty Boy.

Regular equipment: 684 pieces! Advanced equipment: 242 pieces!

This amount of equipment far surpassed the total trade volume in the trading area, enough to equip a whole guild, teeth included. The key was that there were two pieces of rare-level equipment.

However, the officials kept player information extremely confidential. So far, no one had been able to obtain information about the person who made the post…

"What just happened?" Irving casually asked as they left the mall.

Their hands were still intertwined. A blush appeared on Vicky's cheeks, and she quickly let go, sighing, "It's all my uncle's fault. He agreed with the Taylor family, arranging for me to marry Dennis. He even kept me locked at home these days."

Irving finally understood. No wonder the young miss of the family had been cooped up at home for half a month. She was being coerced.

The last time I killed the Apocalypse-level beast[Stone Man], I had to thank Vicky who's in front of me now. Her talent skill [Healing Arts]played a crucial role, even if she doesn't have any attack power. But having such a powerful talent, her role and value are much stronger than the rarely seen mages.

Moreover, talent skills can be upgraded. Vicky's role will only become more significant in the future!

"Your uncle?" Irving was puzzled. "What does marrying someone have to do with your uncle?" In large families, marriages for daughters are typically arranged by their parents.The sudden mention of an uncle was baffling.

At the mention of this, Vicky seemed to recall past events, her worried expression intensifying. She found a step to sit down, "My father was supposed to be the heir of the Smith family. My grandfather, old and ill, handed all the business of the Ocean Group to him. However, he suddenly died in a car accident a year ago. Even my mother passed away from grief soon after."

"If my father were still alive, he would never allow such a thing to happen." A teardrop glistened in Vicky's eye. She quickly turned her head to the side and wiped it away. "But there are no 'ifs'... now my uncle is the Executive Chairman of the Ocean Group. He holds all the power in the group and has a lot of followers in the family. As for my marriage..."

At this point, Vicky didn't want to continue. There was a sense of helplessness on her youthful face.

Seeing this, something inside Irving resonated. Specifically, it was a sense of empathy.

He had once experienced a similar sense of powerlessness when he was betrayed by the person he trusted the most.

"Alright." Vicky then stood up again. She seemed to have already accepted this predetermined fate. Even if she was unwilling, what could she do about it? A smile returned to her beautiful face, and she optimistically said, "Anyway, I will never agree to them. Even if, in the end... nevermind. Thank you for shopping with me today. I need to head back now. There's a very important banquet I have to attend tonight."

"Thank you!"

Vicky said it again. She was very grateful to the man in front of her. Especially when they first met in reality, her heartstrings felt plucked. However, she knew her life was like a quagmire, and she didn't want to drag Irving into it.

Watching her leave, Irving felt a certain discomfort that he couldn't put into words. Perhaps it was because they both had had similar experiences. But before he could ponder further, his phone rang.

After answering the phone, a familiar voice came from the other end: "Irving, where are you?"

At the top floor of the Green Vine Group building, James glanced at his sister, Lily, who was dressed in a formal dress and applying makeup. He then asked, "Are you free tonight?"

"What's up?" Irving replied.

"Well, there is a banquet being held at the Hinton Hotel tonight. Quite a few family powers will be attending. They all have guilds in The Other world. It's a big networking event, so I'm wondering if you're interested?"

Irving frowned, looking up. Vicky was nowhere to be seen. The banquet she had mentioned before leaving must be this one.

Seeing that Irving didn't respond, James chuckled and said, "If you're not interested, that's fine. By the way, there is something else I wanted to ask you. Have you seen the forum post about the trade? There's a user named—"

Before James could finish his sentence, Irving's voice came through again: "What time tonight?"

"Eight-thirty, at the Hinton Hotel. I happen to have an invitation. I'll send it to you." James paused for a moment, then continued, " Or how about this? I'll drive to your place and we can go together."

"No need, I'm outside." Irving hung up. His brows furrowed even more at the thought of not only Vicky's situation but also the sudden emergence of guilds in The Other world. These guilds could potentially become a significant threat in the near future.