THE BILLIONAIRE IS INFATUATED WITH HIS EX-LOVER
Chapter 20: Russell family cancel the marriage

The sudden disappearance of Sara during the party turned the Russell and Roberts families into the country's laughingstock, drawing relentless mockery and ridicule from mainstream and alternative media outlets. Their images were plastered on the front pages, accompanied by scornful and derisive comments. Overwhelmed by the criticism, Mrs. Anna Russell fell ill and was confined to her bed.

Mr. Peter Russell held the morning paper, its headline blaring "THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RUSSELL AND ROBERTS FAMILIES AND THE ESCAPE OF THE BRIDE WITH A MYSTERIOUS MAN INTO THE NIGHT," followed by a lengthy article filled with negative speculations that infuriated him. His bushy eyebrows furrowed, and his expression darkened as he glared at his son.

"Look at the fine mess you've caused and how it's tarnished our family's reputation. You've never done anything to make me proud, and I thought this time... but alas..." Mr. Peter Russell slammed the newspaper on the table, his eyes blazing with fury at Henry, more enraged than ever.

"Whatever the matter, you must remain calm. If the full story isn't clear, why rush to blame?" Mrs. Lisa Russell, sitting beside him, gently advised her husband.

"Your indulgence has made him so thoughtless, always acting on a whim, causing today's disaster. The company's stocks have plummeted. Can he alone bear such a loss?" Mr. Peter Russell's anger spread to his wife. "Father, Sara wasn't running away; she was kidnapped. We must find her to uncover the truth."

"Look here, they've published pictures of her getting cozy with another man in a car on the very day of the wedding, and you still defend her. I don't know what goes through your mind, allowing you to remain unthinkingly deluded. At first glance, this girl appears so sweet and gentle, yet she harbors a heart far from straight and true. Your grandmother lies in bed, frail, yet here you are, expending your energy to shield her. Had I known I would beget such an ungrateful child, I would have rather hatched an egg." Mr. Lam Trinh declared, slamming his hand down on the table with finality.

Just then, the gatekeeper ran in to announce the arrival of Mr. Roberts and his daughter. Mr. Peter Russell scoffed disdainfully.

"Still have some dignity left, I see?"

Mr. Roberts entered with his daughter. Mr. Peter Russell ignored them completely; only Henry, restless and wanting to inquire, was sharply reprimanded by Mr. Peter Russell. "What are you intending to do? Why bother with such a ruined woman?"

Mrs. Lisa Russell invited the father and daughter to sit and talk. Sara lowered her head, uncertain of how to face the situation.

"I apologize for last night, but there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I hope you will listen to my full explanation," Mr. Roberts said calmly, his expression unhappy. As a man who valued his pride, it was difficult for him to admit fault. "I thought you two wouldn't show your faces here again after what happened. To think, you dare to come together. Perhaps we should have been more cautious from the beginning. Seeing how you've conducted yourself in business as a man of honor, I've respected you. I see clearly that the good is not easily obtained, while the vile readily presents itself." Mr. Peter Russell used the sharpest words to denigrate Mr. Vu Kien and his daughter. Sara couldn't stay silent any longer and spoke up.

"You should not speak of my father in such a manner. Whatever wrong I've done, I take full responsibility. My father has nothing to do with this; what happened was unintended."

"Unintended? Tell me, is it true or not that the man they claim was your former lover?" Mr. Peter Russell raised his voice to interrogate.

Sara couldn't deny her relationship with Leon, but there were no ties between them.

"Everyone has a past. It may be good or not so good, but it's all behind us. Please, don't use it as an excuse to berate and humiliate me and my family. Surely, you have a past?" Sara choked with emotion, tears welling up in her eyes as Mr. Peter Russell deliberately touched upon her deepest wounds.

"If you hadn't committed actions that tarnished my family's honor, why would I need to speak? Remember, flies belong with the refuse."

"Father!" Henry could no longer stand by as the confrontation escalated. "We've already registered our marriage, so even without the ceremony, we are legally husband and wife."

"Slap! Have I raised you all these years for you to disgrace me like this? A marriage certificate is just a piece of paper. As long as I live, she shall not set foot in this house," Mr. Peter Russell adamantly refused to allow Sara into the Russell family, wishing to sever ties immediately.

"Father!"

"What now?"

"Sara is pregnant."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Peter Russell burst into loud laughter, his disdain mingled with disgust.

"Sara, is this how you ensnare my son? If so, you've greatly underestimated our family. Let me make myself clear: 'Get out, get out of my sight,"" Mr. Peter Russell's bellow was so loud it startled Sara, causing her to step back in shock. "This is too much, Father." Henry immediately moved towards Vu Ninh, taking her hand to leave, but Mr. Peter Russell blocked their way.

"Are you certain that child is yours?"

Henry faltered, his legs trembling slightly, his strength waning. Indeed, if he wasn't confident in his ability to be a father to the child, how could he protect Sara and their baby? He also questioned whether he could continue to support Sara without causing her further pain.

"I will never accept your daughter into this house, so leave immediately. From this point on, we have no relation to each other."

Sara burst into tears and ran outside, ignoring Henry's calls. Meanwhile, Mr. Roberts felt a level of humiliation he had never experienced before, vowing never to forget Leon - the man who had ruined everything.