1 After my divorce from Clara Reynolds, I found myself with three new card buddies. One was Professor Arthur Harrison, a true titan of legal academia. Another, General Eleanor "Ellie" Thorne, a legendary figure in the military. And the third, Victor Sterling, a renowned investment guru, known throughout the industry. Every day, we’d gather around a table, playing cards with relish. Then one afternoon, my "precious daughter" suddenly showed up at my doorstep. I didn't even recognize her. "Young lady," I said, a little gruffly, "this is where us old timers play cards. You don't really belong here." She eyed my sprawling penthouse with disdain, refusing to even step inside. "Dad," she announced, her voice flat, "I'm getting married tomorrow. I came to pick you up for the wedding." I turned to my three card buddies. "Whose daughter is this? Getting married, she should be home preparing!" Professor Harrison, busy with his hand, didn't even look up. "My grandson's old enough to drive," he mumbled, "she's definitely not mine." To my surprise, the girl bristled, puffing out her cheeks. "I'm Maya Reynolds, your daughter!" "Young lady, you must have the wrong house," I countered, "My daughter's name is Lily Carter." "Mom changed my name." I scrutinized her for a long moment. This vibrant, beautiful girl, with that strangely cold expression, slowly merged with the memory of that soft, sweet little kid I'd adored – indeed, the "nuisance" I’d doted on for seven years. At the time, I was caught up in the thrill of a winning hand. In my good mood, I casually replied, "Marriage? That's great. You've grown into a young woman, it's time you settled down!" "Come on, Charlie, hurry up! Second game's about to start! We're waiting on you!" my friends urged. "Coming, coming," I chuckled, already grabbing a card. "Here, daughter, here's an early wedding gift." I tossed a card to Maya Reynolds, but she angrily swatted it aside. "All you ever do is play cards!" she snapped, her voice tight with indignation. "Your own daughter's getting married, and I have to come begging you to come? Couldn't you have prepared anything ahead of time?" My own temper flared. "Are we close? Didn't you cry and scream that you wanted David Reynolds to be your dad? What are you doing coming to me now?" From the moment she was born, Clara Reynolds had washed her hands of parental duties, claiming she needed to recover. Even with a nanny at home, I worried Maya would feel neglected. I put my thriving career on hold to be fully present: I personally gave her first haircut, brushed her teeth, bathed her, gave her massages every single day… Before kindergarten, she was still my little daddy’s girl, sharing all her secrets with me. But then David Reynolds came back, and everything changed. Once, I saw them – mother, daughter, and David – at a theme park, looking like a picture-perfect family. I wanted to storm over and punch David right there, but my young daughter stopped me. Her tiny, pink fists pounded against my leg. "Go away! All you ever do is stay home, doing nothing! I don't want you as a dad, I want Uncle David to be my dad!" The punches stung my leg, but the real pain was in my heart. So this is how ruthless human nature is. Even children know how to pick who gives them more. Between the father who gave her love and the mother who gave her wealth, she had unhesitatingly chosen the latter. In that moment, I felt there was no longer any reason to remain in that house. So, we separated, then divorced. Over a decade later, that little ball of fluff stood before me again. She’d never been reprimanded like that. Her face flushed scarlet. "Dad, that's ancient history! Uncle David doesn't even care that you hit him! Why are you still holding a grudge? I'm getting married! If you don't come, where will the Reynolds family put its face?" I rolled my eyes. What did the Reynolds family's reputation have to do with me, Charlie Carter? Besides, knowing David Reynolds, he’d probably prefer I never showed up. Why would he send his daughter to invite me? "Anyway, I told you! You have to be there tomorrow!" Maya threw the words over her shoulder and walked away, confident that I would still chase after her, doting and fussing, like when she was a child. But then I reconsidered and agreed. I’d almost forgotten those grievances. Since they were coming to me, it was time to reclaim what was mine. 2 The wedding day was Valentine’s Day. I played cards with my old buddies, then headed to the reception. By the time I arrived, the dinner had already begun. I heard the groom was from out of state, the wedding was at the Reynolds' grand estate, and they’d even hired a celebrity chef. The moment I entered, a security guard stopped me, demanding an invitation. "I didn't receive one. I'm the bride's father. Go ask her if she wants me here. If not, I'll leave." Just as I turned to go, David Reynolds called out, "Charlie, you made it! Family doesn't need an invitation. Next time, I'll kick you out!" He seemed to be scolding the guard, but his lips were practically touching his ears with triumph. I ignored him – in a few days, that smile would vanish. The Reynolds' grand estate, now ablaze with lights and opulent decor, was unrecognizable from my memories. I walked straight to the head table and sat down. Maya quickly rushed over. "Dad, what are you doing in the main seat? That's Uncle David's…" Her words were cut short by a sharp look from Clara. Seeing this, I knew there was a catch: the mother and daughter, biting their tongues, were clearly plotting something against me. David Reynolds, finding his seat taken, awkwardly introduced me to the groom's parents. "This is Maya's biological father. We specifically invited him today to witness the children's happy moment. There was a little misunderstanding back then. Charlie left for over ten years. Now that he's here today, he should stay a few extra days. Maya misses you too; don't be mad at her anymore." His words were designed to nail me to a pillar of shame, proclaiming to the world that I, a grown man, had abandoned my wife and daughter for over a decade out of spite. "Maya, you and your husband should raise a toast to your father." How ironic. My own daughter had to be told by someone else to toast me. But I no longer cared. "You must be the groom's father," I said, looking at him. "It's a privilege to become family. A truly auspicious fate." I smirked. The groom's father was a new money tycoon from Riverton City, Mr. Wallace. He’d tried to join our card club a while back, even offering a briefcase full of cash, but we’d always rejected him. He hadn't met me in person. He exchanged a few polite words, then left. Ignoring the stares of the other guests, I finished my meal and retired to my room. Meanwhile, Maya, fearing her "Uncle David" might be upset about losing the head seat, fussed over him, playing the role of the devoted daughter. 3 During the banquet, I felt my phone buzzing constantly. Once in the room, I opened it to find dozens of unread messages in our card club group. Leading the charge was Professor Harrison: "So, Charlie, my man, did you work your magic at the party?" "There are a lot of them. Want us to come give you some moral support?" That was General Thorne. "Your 'dear daughter' seems like an ungrateful wretch. Just forget about her. We've got more money than we can spend in a lifetime; wouldn't it be better to adopt some grateful kids?" That was Victor Sterling, never missing a chance to flaunt his wealth. Professor Harrison, General Thorne, Victor Sterling, and I formed the card club. Professor Harrison, the "Ace," came from a scholarly family, dedicating himself entirely to law. Years of hard work paid off; he became famous young and has held a prestigious position as a legal luminary for decades. General Thorne, the "Queen," was a military brat who followed in her father's footsteps. Fearless of bloodshed or sacrifice, she embodies the glory of a soldier with her unyielding iron will. Victor Sterling, the "King," was born into immense wealth. His father’s only wish for him was to be a carefree socialite, as long as he never started a business. But a Midas touch seemed to possess Victor, and every investment he made turned to gold. These past few years, he suddenly retired from the game. In his words, he was tired of being on the richest list and it was time to make way for younger generations. Right after I left the Reynolds family, I felt utterly adrift, locking myself in the house day after day. Then, by chance, I discovered poker, and before I knew it, I’d made these three incredible friends. After more than a decade of friendship, they knew all about my messy past with the Reynolds family. David Reynolds was Clara’s adoptive brother. When Clara was chasing me, he’d follow us everywhere, claiming he was scrutinizing me for Clara's sake. In the throes of new love, I’d mocked their "deep sibling bond." Who knew that bond was deep enough to extend to the same bed? Once I discovered their affair, Clara went full scorched earth, loudly declaring to everyone that David Reynolds was her true love. Back then, she hadn't dared to face her true feelings, afraid that rumors would ruin David’s future. After marrying me, she realized she couldn't control her passion, couldn't escape her feelings, and that we had nothing in common anymore. It sickened me. Why didn't she realize this earlier? The child was six or seven years old before she declared she couldn't forget her true love. The truth was simply that years ago, my parents were still alive, and the Carter and Reynolds families were equally powerful. The Reynolds family, fearing a broken partnership, even sent David abroad to cut off Clara's hopes. Now, Clara had risen by stepping on me, with no one to restrain her. And she spoke with such self-righteousness. Cheaters truly have a twisted way of thinking. 4 Old memories haunted my dreams last night, and I woke up in a foul mood. Especially when I saw a crowd gathered in the middle of the Reynolds Estate, I just wanted to stir up some trouble for that family. In the living room, a large group of people watched as Maya and her new husband knelt before David Reynolds. "Dad, thank you for raising me these past ten-plus years. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today." I rolled my eyes. As if this ingrate just popped out of a rock. Several cameras were set up, broadcasting live. Professor Harrison sent me a link. "Your daughter's live-streaming her gratitude to her step-dad. Truly moving to hear, heartbreaking to witness." "Want me to report them and shut it down? That David guy is still just her secret lover, isn't he?" "Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Just watch, the 'other woman' drama is about to go live." Meanwhile, David Reynolds was wiping away tears, looking like a proud father marrying off his own daughter, as he handed Maya and her husband a gift envelope. Seeing me, he came over, trying to pull me in. "Charlie, you're here! Come, sit. Let Maya and her husband kneel to you too." "Dad, why did you bring him?" Maya grumbled, clearly annoyed. "Charlie, the kids are starting their own family. The young couple needs to make a start. Maya and her husband want to build a major development in Riverton City. There's a piece of land I remember that's yours. If you transfer that land to the kids as startup capital for Maya's wedding, they'll surely be grateful." He continued, "Wouldn't that mend the father-daughter relationship?" His speech was so heartfelt, as if he genuinely cared about our father-daughter bond. If he weren't eyeing my land, I'd almost applaud him. "That land already has another purpose." Hearing that the land was unavailable, Maya immediately interrupted me. "The Carter family is in decline. All he does is play cards all day; he probably gambled that land away ages ago. Dad, why bother with this broke old man?"
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