Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Zachary's brows furrowed slightly, feeling inexplicably bewildered. However, Mollina continued speaking, and her tone gradually turned sharp. "But let me tell you, I am the heir to the Ackley Group, while you, though a CEO, are at best just an employee working for my family. The difference in our status is like heaven and earth." "So you might as well give up. I will never go with you!" As soon as these words fell, the atmosphere plunged into silence. Zachary's expression shifted from surprise, to complexity, to calmness, and finally his eyes grew cold as he let out a soft scoff. He had never expected that the person who had saved him with half a bun twenty years ago, and who had endured the hardest times with him, would eventually become like this. Someone so unfamiliar, and so repulsive to him. But he said nothing, and left without looking back. "Mr. Madderford..." the assistant stepped forward, "Most of the guests have arrived. The engagement banquet can be- gin." "There's no need." A layer of frost seemed to settle between Zachary's brows. "The engagement is canceled." The assistant looked utterly incredulous. "But haven't you always looked forward to marrying Ms. Camila?" "I do want to marry Camila, but someone acted recklessly and switched my bride without permission." Zachary's fingers clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his tone fierce. "Then don't blame me for being merciless." 444 When Howard and Maria woke up, they found themselves suspended above a crocodile pit. "Ah!" Maria screamed in terror and immediately fainted. Seeing Zachary sitting in a chair, Howard instantly flew into a rage. "Zachary! What do you mean by this? Are you rebelling?!" "I forgot to tell you, my surname isn't Maddren," Zachary said leisurely, taking a sip of tea. "It's Madderford." 0.0 % 09:04 Howard's eyes widened for a moment, then he quickly put on a flattering smile. "So you are Mr. Madderford! It's all my fault, I failed to recognize greatness! I'm truly sorry, so sorry!" "But at least I'm your father-in-law, right? Isn't it a bit much to tie us up and bring us here without a word?" Howard looked down at the crocodiles below, their hungry green eyes glowing, and his legs trembled uncontrollably. "The engagement banquet is canceled. What kind of father-in-law are you to me now?" Zachary snorted coldly and slammed his teacup heavily onto the table, making their hearts tremble. "Tell me, what gave you the right to switch the bride to Mollina? Where is Camila?" "Well... Camila was just too willful and unruly. I was afraid she'd cause trouble if she married into the Madderford family and bring shame to them, so I gave her 700 million dollars to send her away. Besides, Molly is about the same age, also a member of the Ackley family, and her temperament is much better than Camila's. If she marries into the Madderford family, they'll definitely be satisfied..." Howard grinned shamelessly. "See, isn't it a coincidence? The one you like just happens to be Molly. Now that Cami- la is gone, you can marry Molly, and everyone wins!..." "Who told you I like Mollina?!" Zachary smashed the teacup directly onto the floor. With a crash, shards scattered everywhere. "You sanctimonious old fool! You drove Camila away with a mere 700 million dollars-unforgivable!" A vicious glint flashed in his shadowed eyes. "Throw them into the pit!" "No, no!" Howard's face turned deathly pale. "It wasn't me who drove Camila away! She wanted to leave!" "She was the one who offered to give up the engagement if I gave her 700 million dollars!" 51.0 % 09:04