Charlie stood there, utterly bewildered. He could only mimic the actions of the older folks around him while expressing his confusion. As the crowd chanted, he turned to the uncle beside him for clarity. It became clear that Axel Insurance Company was promoting insurance packages that promised incredibly high returns. The elders, lured in by these enticing offers, had invested heavily, purchasing numerous insurance products from the company.

Today was supposed to be a big day—the day they were to receive their dividends. However, when they arrived to collect their earnings, they found the doors securely locked, with only a handful of employees remaining outside, offering feeble excuses. It was then that they realized they had fallen prey to a fraudulent investment scheme. No wonder Elaine had insisted he come to support her in protesting!

Charlie rubbed his forehead in frustration and asked, “Mom, how much did you invest?”

Elaine replied in a panic, “They promised huge dividends from the insurance investments! I was completely taken in and used all our savings to buy their products…”

Charlie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? You invested all our savings in those participating policies?”

Elaine, embarrassed by his tone, snapped back, “Do you think you’re the only one who can speak? Why are you shouting? I already feel humiliated enough! What’s next, are you going to announce it over a loudspeaker?”

Still fuming, she continued to berate him, “If you had achieved even a little success, do you think I would have bought these fraudulent insurance products? If I don’t secure some insurance for my old age, do you honestly think you’ll be able to take care of me?”

This man, who couldn’t even support his own family, had the audacity to cause trouble here?!

She glared at Charlie, growling, “I warn you, keep chanting! Don’t you dare stop!”

Charlie pressed his lips together and nodded. “Alright, Mom.”

Just then, a group of ladies approached, eyeing Charlie before one of them asked, “Elaine, is that your son-in-law?”

They scrutinized Charlie’s outfit and began to mock him. “Oh my goodness, he looks so pitiful! He doesn’t even come close to my son-in-law!”

“Exactly! Look at his clothes; they’re so outdated and ragged! I dress better than him!”

The elderly women gathered around him, unleashing a barrage of sharp criticisms. While their comments were irritating, Charlie remained unfazed. After all, they were just a group of old ladies who had lost their savings—there was no need for him to stoop to their level.

Elaine, growing increasingly frustrated, couldn’t take the teasing any longer. The more she listened, the more uncomfortable she felt as she glanced at Charlie. In a fit of anger, she declared, “Just wait! I’ll make sure my daughter divorces him in a few days and finds a wealthy husband!”

Charlie couldn’t help but smirk, thinking to himself, ‘A rich husband? Even if you gathered all the wealthy sons in Aurous Hill, they wouldn’t be worth the price of my belt buckle.’

Meanwhile, Elaine was in a state of worry. She realized she couldn’t rely on Charlie, who seemed incapable of helping her beyond chanting at the protest. She desperately needed someone capable to assist her in recovering her money. Unfortunately, Wendell, who had been pursuing her daughter, had recently gone bankrupt. Otherwise, she might have asked him for help!

Then, a thought struck her—she remembered Kevin, Gerald’s cousin, whom she had met at the banquet the previous day. He had shown a lot of interest in her daughter, and she suspected he might have some feelings for her. Although the White family wasn’t as prestigious as the Jones family, they were still well-respected in the city. Perhaps he could offer some assistance. Luckily, Kevin had handed her his business card the day before. She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed his number.