Marcus already had Jeff's employee number. He simply entered it into the Swift Delivery app's backend to check the recent delivery records.
After a quick look, Marcus nodded. "Young Master Caldwell is correct. Jeff did receive a one-star review yesterday. The reason listed was poor attitude; he threw the takeout on the ground, exactly as described."
Public opinion shifted instantly. The crowd began to side with Marcus, Ryan, and Emily.
Jeff looked straight at Emily. "Why did I drop the takeout? Aren't you going to explain?"
Emily crossed her arms, accentuating her figure, and feigned innocence. "Because you don't take your job seriously. You have a low tolerance for stress!"
"Haha, what a perfect excuse for slacking off and being weak under pressure!"
Jeff almost wanted to punch her. How did she have the nerve to say that?
A husband catches his wife in a hotel room with another man, drops the food in shock, and she blames him for being too fragile to handle it!
Was he supposed to pretend he saw nothing, hand the takeout to her lover, and beg for a five-star rating?
"Kid, it's your own fault. You messed up at work, so now you're blaming Young Master Caldwell and the Harper daughter."
"Shut up if you have no proof!"
"Even if there was cheating, as a live-in son-in-law, you have no right to make a fuss!"
The crowd murmured in agreement.
On one side stood a prominent wealthy family in Riverforge; on the other, a despised live-in son-in-law.
No one spoke up for Jeff. Everyone backed Emily.
"Heh, it's truly a world where money talks."
Jeff stopped explaining. It was pointless. He turned to Old Madam Harper.
"Do you have any evidence that I'm having affairs?"
Old Madam Harper glanced at Emily, who shook her head.
Old Madam Harper said, "Since neither side has proof, let's drop that accusation."
"But you beat my grandson. That cannot go unpunished!"
Jeff glanced at Brandon. "He attacked me with a knife outside Evergreen Gardens. There are security cameras there, and the guards can testify. I acted in self-defense."
"If you insist on pursuing it, we can call the police. If I'm detained, I guarantee he won't walk away unscathed either."
Old Madam Harper, Michael, and the others paled.
They knew the law. One fought back with fists; the other attacked with a knife. Brandon would face far worse consequences.
Old Madam Harper pointed at Jeff. "Well, well, after three years living off the Harper family, you've grown bold! After beating my grandson, are you planning to come after me next?!"
Jeff replied respectfully, "Grandma Harper, I have always shown you respect. For three years I served you diligently."
"I promise, as long as Brandon doesn't provoke me again, I will never trouble him."
"I have only one request: please agree to my divorce from Emily!"
In truth, Jeff had cared for Old Madam Harper far better over three years than Brandon ever had in his life.
But he was only a live-in son-in-law. No matter his efforts, in her eyes, he could never compare to her blood grandson.
Old Madam Harper addressed the room. "Everyone, as you know, three years ago the Harper family took in a live-in son-in-law. This marriage was arranged by my late husband. Many of you here were his friends and business partners for decades!"
"For three years, though Emily has been unhappy, her parents brought up divorce several times to honor my husband's last wishes. I refused them all."
"My granddaughter Emily is known as Riverforge's number one beauty, thanks to your kind words. I need not say who is unworthy of whom."
"Today, Jeff assaulted my grandson and slandered my granddaughter and her friend from the Caldwell family. I have decided no longer to honor my husband's wishes!"
"I hereby declare that Jeff is no longer part of the Harper family. Effective immediately, he is expelled!"
Her words rang with finality and authority.
The guests raised their glasses in celebration.
"Congratulations, Grandma Harper! Congratulations, Emily!"
"Congratulations! You've finally gotten rid of that deadweight. Now Emily can find a proper match!"
Susan happily clinked glasses with the guests, beaming.
"Thank you all. By the way, I'd like to share some good news. Emily and Jeff have slept in separate rooms for three years. He never even held her hand. Emily is still a virgin!"
The announcement sparked eager looks from several single men in the room. They eyed Emily with open interest.
Emily pouted coquettishly at Susan. "Mom, why say that in front of everyone? It's embarrassing."
The guests laughed delightedly.
The Harpers had finally agreed to the divorce, and the entire family celebrated.
Jeff felt a deep discomfort watching them.
"Are you all so thrilled to be rid of me? Emily, if you knew my real identity, I wonder if you'd still be smiling."