Chapter 65: Regret and Revelation

Over the past three years, Herman had relentlessly mocked Jordan whenever their paths crossed. He had insulted him countless times and even sent men to rough him up on Drew’s behalf.

Now, the truth was clear—Jordan Steele was not just an ordinary man. He was the powerful president of Ace Corporation.

Herman had no intention of sticking around to face Jordan’s wrath. He hurriedly carried Diana into the backseat of an Audi Q7 and barked at the chauffeur, “Drive to the hospital! Step on it!”

Just as the car sped away, Diana let out a wail. “Ah!”

Herman jolted in shock. “Mom, are you okay? You scared me half to death! I thought you fainted because of that punk Jordan.”

Diana gritted her teeth, beating her lap in frustration. “I’ve let your father down! I’ve been such a fool! Now I understand why he chose Jordan to marry Hailey. I was the one who drove him away! What a terrible mistake I’ve made!”

Diana finally grasped the wisdom behind her late husband’s decision. Jordan wasn’t just a simple man—he was a king in his own right. She had cast out the very man who could have secured their family’s future.

Her regret deepened. “Drew knew the truth before us. Why didn’t he warn us sooner?”

Herman sighed. “Drew did tell me, but I didn’t believe him. I ignored his warnings.”

Diana’s heart ached. “We lost our chance! Hailey never bore Jordan’s child, and now Elle’s dream of marrying the president of Ace Corporation has slipped through our fingers!”

---

Outside the Hotel

Elle, still reeling from the revelation, stepped forward. “Jordan, you’re the president of Ace Corporation?”

Jordan nodded, amused by the disbelief in her voice. “Yes.”

Elle’s eyes glistened with emotion. “I can’t believe it… The man I’ve admired for so long has been right beside me all this time, silently protecting me.”

Jordan raised an eyebrow. Since when was Elle so poetic? He remained unconvinced. “In the past, I was just your cousin-in-law. Since when did I become your most beloved?”

Elle’s cheeks flushed. “You don’t understand! Didn’t my father ever tell you? Grandpa originally wanted you to marry me!”

Jordan hesitated. This was news to him.

Elle continued dramatically, “Why did fate toy with us like this? We saw each other every day for three years, and yet…”

Jordan cut her off. “Alright, enough of that. We can talk later.”

Elle had always enjoyed teasing him, but today’s confession felt different. Still, Jordan had bigger matters to address.

---

Meanwhile, inside the hotel, Leonard and Rosie were deep in conversation.

Leonard whispered, “Jordan Steele is Hailey’s ex-husband. Do you think he’s here to ruin the wedding?”

Rosie, far more concerned, shook her head. “That’s not what I’m worried about. If he simply wanted to take Hailey back, it would be embarrassing but manageable. What if he wants revenge? What if he targets Tyler for stealing his wife? That’s a reason to kill!”

Determined to prevent disaster, Rosie approached Jordan with a respectful expression. “Mr. Steele, may I ask… are you here for Hailey?”

Hailey’s heart pounded. She clenched her hands, her excitement barely contained. He’s here for me! He’s come to take me back! Her mind raced with romantic fantasies. He still loves me. He’s my prince, my hero, my husband…

But Jordan’s response shattered her illusions.

With a calm, detached voice, he said, “Miss Hailey Camden is my former wife. That’s all. I have nothing to do with her anymore. I didn’t plan on attending today, but Mr. Tyler Collins insisted, sending me an invitation to witness this so-called ‘grand wedding.’ He even said I wouldn’t be a man if I didn’t come.”

Hailey felt like the ground had crumbled beneath her feet.

He’s not here to take me back?

Rosie’s face turned red with fury. Without warning, she slapped Tyler across the face.

Smack!

The slap echoed through the venue. Tyler reeled from the impact, stunned.

“You invited Jordan just to insult him?! What kind of manners is that? Apologize to Mr. Steele immediately!” Rosie snapped.

Tyler’s mouth hung open in disbelief. He had never seen his mother act this way before.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and muttered, “I… I’m sorry.”

Jordan smirked but remained silent.

Leonard, realizing the need for damage control, stepped forward. “Mr. Steele, please, come inside. Take a seat. I’ll make my son apologize properly in front of everyone.”

Jordan slipped his hands into his pockets. Since he was already here, he might as well stay.

Leonard quickly arranged a seat for Jordan at the main table. Servants rushed forward, pouring three glasses of wine.

Holding up his glass, Leonard said solemnly, “I’ve heard that Tyler has offended you in the past. As his father, I take full responsibility. I failed to discipline him properly. As an apology, I will drink three toasts to you.”

Without hesitation, Leonard downed three consecutive glasses of wine. As the host of the wedding, he was publicly humbling himself before Jordan.

Jordan simply observed, expression unreadable.

Leonard turned to his son. “Tyler, pour a drink and apologize properly to Mr. Steele.”

Tyler’s fists clenched. His face burned with humiliation. The weight of the guests’ eyes on him only deepened his frustration.

This wasn’t just an apology. It was public humiliation.