Lowe felt a flash of panic. His carefree younger years, spent indiscriminately in liaisons, had led to a diagnosis of oligospermia, indeed making it difficult for him to father children. Despite his reckless behavior, he had yet to father a child. He wondered how on earth Jarrod knew about that. His father was already displeased with him. If his infertility came to light, whatever favor he retained would vanish.

“Bullshit! Jarrod, stop spouting nonsense. You think you're capable, huh? Are you planning to father a child to inherit the Hampton estate?" Lowe, inebriated and angry, disregarded the decorum required for the solemnity of the birthday banquet.

“Thank you for your concern, Lowe. I will have my own children,”

Jarrod replied evenly.

His words eased the tension evident on Vicki's face. She and Jarrod were set to marry in three months, and Jarrod's reference to having children suggested he envisioned a future with her as the mother of his children.

Vicki's worries dissolved in an instant, convinced that bearing Jarrod's children would cement their relationship and guarantee a blissful future together.

Lowe, seething with anger, was now convinced that Jarrod was aware of his oligospermia. Damn it! Jarrod always knew how to hit where it hurt most.

"You're quite confident, Jarrod," Lowe sneered, turning to Vicki to stir more trouble. "Sis, you'd better watch out. He said ‘have children’, but he didn't specify with whom. Don't flatter yourself. This man doesn't love you..."

Before Lowe could continue, Wayne delivered a sharp strike to his head. “Can't you say anything decent?"

Observing Lowe's haggard appearance, Wayne scornfully added, "He's your future brother-in-law. Keep your mouth clean!"

Lowe bit back his retort. Brother-in-law? He scoffed, knowing all too well that Vicki was the result of Wayne's affair. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any brother-in-law.

However, Lowe restrained himself, knowing Wayne's affection for Vicki was largely because she reminded him of her mother, the woman Wayne had never stopped loving.

Lowe did not share Wayne's enduring romantic sentiments. He was quick to love and leave, forgetting each woman as soon as she disappeared from his life.

"Jarrod, don't take it to heart. This kid has been spoiled by me. Please guide him in business since he's not as skilled as you,"

Wayne explained, justifying his indulgence in Lowe due to his age and the absence of other male heirs.

Despite Wayne's less favorable view of Jarrod's personal affairs, he appreciated Jarrod's business savvy and truly felt Jarrod was indeed far more competent than Lowe.

In these elevated circles of society, fidelity among men was rare.

Minor scandals were often overlooked if one possessed the requisite clout.

Jarrod, tied to the Hampton family with the upcoming marriage with Vicki, was expected to help deal with the mess and trouble Lowe had caused, but Wayne's view of Jarrod's character was overly optimistic.

Known for his vindictive streak, Jarrod was unlikely to overlook Lowe's continued provocations.