Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 182: Chapter 182

"Joseph's right. This is the Ludwig family, so how could we possibly let a shameless, credit-stealing thief set foot in our home?"
"Get out! Leave, now!"
A few of Shawn's uncles stood behind Joseph, all shouting for Zoe to leave.
At their command, the Ludwig family's bodyguards immediately stepped forward, ready to throw Zoe out just as the elders ordered.
But before the bodyguards could even get close, a cold, commanding male voice rang out, the kind of voice that only comes from the battlefield. "As long as I'm here, let's see who dares lay a finger on her."
With a single order from Shawn, a squad of soldiers in perfect formation stormed in through the villa's main gate, instantly surrounding everyone, including Joseph.
Every blade and gun was pointed straight at the elders. The overwhelming show of force made it clear just how much Zoe meant to Shawn.
Shawn looked at the Ludwig family, his icy cold gaze. His words were ironclad, proud, and merciless. "Anyone who dares touch my woman is making an enemy of me and my entire command.
"Even if you're my own grandfather, I won't show any mercy." The soldiers behind him were proof of his resolve.
If the Ludwig family really dared to drive Zoe out, Shawn wouldn't hesitate to strike back. Right here, right now, as legendary warrior, he swore that Zoe was his, and for her, he'd go up against the entire Ludwig family if he had to.
Sophia's face twisted in anger when she saw Shawn step up and shield Zoe so boldly. She was so furious her expression nearly contorted.
The fact that Shawn would go so far as to mobilize his entire squad just to back up Zoe, which made Sophia feel like she could barely breathe from jealousy and disbelief.
As for Zoe, when she saw Shawn making such a big show of bringing out his men for her, she just blinked.
In that instant, she caught sight of Joseph trembling with rage at the sight of Shawn leading his soldiers in, looking like he might pass out from sheer anger.
Sophia and John, the butler, rushed to steady him. "Grandpa Joseph, are you alright?" Sophia cried, then turned on Shawn. "How could you do this to him? He's your family. And she's just an outsider. Is she really worth all this?"
"That's right, Shawn. We're your family. Are you really going to turn your back on us for her?"
"Come on, Shawn, just apologize to Joseph. It's not too late to fix things."
"Shawn, that woman is nothing but trouble. Sophia's the one who truly understands you. She's from a good family, and you two are a perfect match."
Watching those Ludwig family elders one by one turn their backs on Zoe and side with Sophia, Shawn didn't say a word.
"Zoe is the one and only Mrs. Ludwig!"
"We've got your back!"
"We're Shawn's men and we only recognize you as our Mrs. Ludwig!"
The soldiers' thunderous shouts erupted from deep within, their steely voices shaking the villa's windows so hard it seemed like the glass might shatter at any second.
Seeing this, the Ludwig family elders all clamped their mouths shut, not daring to say another word—afraid these soldiers might whip out their weapons and point them their way at any moment.
After all, they were businessmen. Even though they held a lot of power, they were nothing compared to Shawn. The influence behind him was enough to make anyone go silent in fear.
At that moment, Joseph finally snapped out of it. He was shocked when Shawn's men shouted "Mrs. Ludwig" for Zoe so loudly.
He couldn't help but wonder what trick Zoe had pulled to win over these soldiers. The thought made him so angry he nearly passed out.
"You unfilial brat! Who comes home dragging a whole squad of soldiers? Get these men out of here right now! Are you trying to make the Ludwig family the laughingstock of all Jelonsburg tomorrow?" Joseph jabbed his cane at Shawn.
If he weren't so old and frail, that cane would've landed right on Shawn.
But Shawn stood there, cold and unyielding as ever. His expression didn't change, his presence didn't waver. The way he faced Joseph made it clear. Zoe was the only one he'd ever choose, and no one could change that.
Sophia was so jealous her eyes were practically spitting fire. She thought, 'Why? I knew Shawn first! Why does he fall for someone like Zoe? It must be because Zoe used some dirty tricks.'
Trying to save face, Sophia walked up to Shawn. "Shawn, Grandpa Joseph already said—whoever brings the miracle doctor to treat Grandma Amy will be your fiancée.
"Well, I've already found the miracle doctor. Isn't it time for Zoe to leave?"
Shawn's gaze was icy. "Proof. What evidence do you have that you're the one who found him?"
Hearing this, Sophia thought Shawn was finally listening to her. She quickly pulled out her phone, looking calm and confident. "Proof? Of course. I have the miracle doctor's number right here. If you don't believe me, I can call him right now."
She really did look like she had the miracle doctor's number.
To the rest of the Ludwig family, Sophia's move set off a wave of excitement—everyone started talking at once.
"Did you hear that? Sophia's got phone records, so she's the one who brought the miracle doctor to Clusia. What right does Zoe have to take credit? What does she even have?"
"Yeah, if she says she invited the miracle doctor, then let her show some proof too."
"If she can't, then it's clear Sophia's the one who did it."
"Sophia, you're amazing! You even managed to get Mr. Lewind to come all the way to Jelonsburg."
Everyone kept praising Sophia while demanding that Zoe show her proof.
Seeing all this, Sophia looked smug. "Shawn, our families have been close for generations. Even if you don't care about our childhood together, you should at least think about the bond between our families and support me, right?"
"What, you trust some woman you've only known for a few days more than me?" Sophia was clearly trying to play the emotional card, hoping Shawn would give her and the White family some face.
If it were anyone else from the Ludwig family, they might've given Sophia some respect, but Shawn didn't have any of it.
As legendary warrior and the one and only leader of the military, he only cared about what was right. He didn't get caught up in favors or family ties.
He didn't even wait for Zoe to step in. With a cold, arrogant tone, he declared, word by word, "And who do you think you are? The only one I support and trust is my future wife—Zoe. No one else."