"Tony, where are you?!"
The loud, frustrated cry of the old patriarch reverberated all around the birthday party.
It started…
Tony muttered as he picked up the wine glass without any hint of worry. He was waiting for this moment while sitting in one corner.
The most worried one after hearing Tony's name was the patriarch, Tony's father, Rion Clark.
Rion immediately let go of his younger son Leo's hand and approached Senior Jim in a hurry.
"Senior, I know you won't call Tony without any reason. But if this is about his bad behavior, why don't you skip it for now?! Can't you see… all our esteemed guests are gathered here. It will definitely affect the Clark family name."
Rion Clark said in a persuasive tone while trying his best to avoid the calamity which was ready to befall his first son, Tony.
"Rion, do you think I don't know party manners?! Some things are definitely meant to be dealt with in public. If we don't deal with these shameless issues now, people will begin to talk behind our backs. Where is your son?!" Senior Jim asked in a grim tone.
After seeing the relentlessness of Senior Jim, Rion could only sigh in disappointment. He could also see the smug face of the third elder, who was standing behind Senior Jim, waiting to intervene at the right time.
Whispers filled the air among the guests as more and more people arrived close to the stage. Silent pleasure was already visible among the Clark family members. The entire gathering became dead silent, and they all waited eagerly to watch the drama.
Elwynn, who stood close to his father, felt great satisfaction after seeing the reaction of the crowd. "Today, I will get my revenge!"
"Senior Jim, I am really grateful that you are taking this matter seriously. The Clay family will remember the righteous character of Senior Jim," the Clay family patriarch, Eon, said in a grateful tone.
Just as he finished, Tony came forward… with one hand in his pocket and the other holding the wine glass, walking casually without even a speck of nervousness on his face.
"Old Patriarch, did you call for me?" Tony asked while staring at the Clay family youth.
"I heard a complaint from the Clay family. Did you really do it?!" Senior Jim asked while staring directly into Tony's eyes.
"I don't know what they told you… but if this is about me kissing that lady and slapping that fellow, it is definitely true," Tony said loudly, like he was entertaining the crowd.
Loud gasps followed as all the guests were stunned by Tony's direct acceptance. They all began whispering with exaggerated expressions.
"So you really did the crime… I also heard you punished the third elder's servants to clean the sewage canals. Did you do it?!" Senior Jim asked again without shifting his gaze.
"Yes… I did it," Tony's reply came swiftly.
"Senior Jim…!" Suddenly, the seventh elder opened his mouth.
"Young Master Tony has done more crimes than these. Nowadays, he is completely breaching our family rules and harassing servants. He has completely forgotten to do hard work and train his body. Even after all these years, he is still stuck at 12th class disciple martial stage. So I suggest this is a valid occasion to change the family prince!"
The crowd finally understood what was happening…
They all knew that the family elders were planning to change the family prince. It was an open secret. The discussion had already happened several times, but because of Patriarch Rion's insistence, Tony was still continuing in the position of Prince.
"Senior Jim, please don't take any decision on a whim. Tony deserves the Prince title as the firstborn. He will definitely improve his martial stage sooner!"
Patriarch Rion hurriedly intervened.
But Senior Jim seemed even more angry as he continued to stare at Tony.
"Brother Rion… your son is not a child anymore. He has already crossed his 18th birthday and is only three months away from turning 19. His lack of talent is evident. I believe it is best to change the Prince so that a worthy member receives all the useful resources," the third elder finally spoke at the right moment.
Clap! Clap! Clap, clap, clap, clap…
Tony began clapping mockingly with a smug face.
"Hahaha! Everyone is accusing me of breaching the family rules… but you are the actual ones! You are breaking the family rules in all possible ways!"
Tony said loudly while looking towards the family elders and guests.
"The Family Rule 3.3: whoever gets the World Tree Blessing first will automatically receive the Prince title.
I ask all of you… which one of the younger generation of the Clark family has received the World Tree Blessing?! Show me one, and I will immediately give him my Prince title without any fight!"
The faces of the third and seventh elders immediately turned ugly.
"But Senior Jim has the authority in case of tarnishment to the family reputation! Look at your actions, Tony… you are bringing shame to the Clark family!" the seventh elder immediately intervened.
Leo, the younger brother of Tony, immediately stepped in to diffuse the situation.
"Brother… why don't you just apologize to the Clay family? Elwynn is a fellow martial artist of mine. His sister is also a respected member of the Nine Lotus Academy…"
Leo suggested, thinking that after just saying sorry, this matter would be over and Senior Jim wouldn't take any harsh action against his brother.
Everyone turned towards Tony to see his reaction…
Everyone expected Tony to apologize. Even Elwynn took out his phone and began recording silently.
While everyone was watching, Tony began walking forward slowly, staring at Elwynn with a serious look. Unknowingly, the servants standing behind took a step backward as Tony approached Senior Jim.
The third elder sighed in disappointment as he expected Tony to say "just sorry" and get away from this matter.
But why would Tony become a third-rate villain… if he just apologizes?!
Ha, ha., ha...