Tristan Windsor, the crown prince, becomes a beggar while fleeing pursuers. As a beggar, he catches the bouquet thrown by Yasmine Lennox, unknowingly the empress, which drags him into a conflict among clans, factions, and sects. As he fights to reclaim his throne, Tristan regains his strength and rightful place, ultimately joining the empress in a lifelong bond.
Chapters: 0
윤별은 8년 동안 사귄 남자 친구 주성진이 사실은 가난한 척, 심지어 앞을 못 보는 척까지 했다는 충격적인 사실을 알게 된다. 이 모든 건 다름 아닌 그녀의 사랑이 진실한 지를 시험하기 위한 것이라는 말도 안 되는 이유 때문이었다. 배신감과 분노에 휩싸인 윤별은 그냥 당하지 않기로 결심한다. 그렇게 그녀는 자신의 전 재산을 들여 호빠 선수 문우주를 고용하고 주성진을 향한 철저한 복수를 계획한다. 하지만 그녀는 몰랐다. 자신이 고용한 남자, 문우주는 단순한 호빠 선수가 아닌 감당할 수 없을 만큼의 위험한 존재라는 것을...STORYMATRIX PTE.LTD
The self-made young entrepreneur Brown Lee bumped into his father James Lee, who works as a security guard, in a top banquet hall. People all thought that the organizer didn't drive James out on account of Brown, even though James's behaviors embarrassed Brown over and over again. However, little did everybody know that the seemingly untidy man, who completely ignored the etiquette of upper-class society, was actually a business tycoon who had retired from the field.
Princess Lexi woke up in the modern world as a starving girl who had been swapped at birth, unloved, and left to die. Furious, she left behind the man who had never cared for her and made the town's biggest loser her new dad. She was ready to turn trash into treasure.
Edward Foster's accident puts him in a coma, and Foster Corp collapses. Sophia Grant pays the debts and cares for Edward and his mother. Years later, Charles returns, doubts Sophia, and tries to remove her. When Sophia is betrayed, Charles saves her. Edward wakes and sees their closeness, sparking a love triangle.
Aiden Simmons, the former chief marshal of Kethasia’s Divine Legion, retired to accompany his wife, Lynn Snow. However, he was forced to return to the fray due to his disciple, Serena Brooks. Ultimately, he destroyed the Shadow organization that disrupted Kethasia and reclaimed his position as the chief marshal, known as the Divine Lord.
Evelyn's mistake? Taking money from Henry after their one-night stand. She'd loved him secretly for 8 years. Their toxic affair burned hot at night, cold by day. When Henry got engaged, Evelyn tried to leave. But he dragged her back. Now he keeps protecting her. She thinks he doesn't care. Really, he can't let her go.
Heiress to America’s most powerful family and a legend of commerce who has shaped major financial conglomerates worldwide, Lillian Carter disguises as a janitor in Manhattan’s preeminent Dawson Group, scorned by her husband and mother-in-law. After the divorce, Lillian reclaims her queenly aura. Strong-willed and unafraid of power or challenge, she is favored by God and a rose with thorns. The stark contrast after her divorce leaves her ex-husband reeling and sparks the curiosity of the Dawson Group’s CEO, Charles Dawson, who remains unaware of her true identity.
Andrew Forrest transmigrated into a feudal era during a deadly drought. His wife, Luna, gave him their only bowl of rice, which was spoiled, so he spat it out. She panicked, begging him not to hit her. Realizing the original owner of his body used to beat her, Andrew helped her up, promised to be kind, and went out to find food.
She was once cherished by fate, with wealth, a loving husband, and a blissful life. He was a young billionaire with endless wealth and a devoted wife. But overnight, she was framed and imprisoned by the one she loved. Five years later, pregnant with his child, can they ever go back to the past?
In a war-torn era, Mrs. Vaughn saves Commander Vaughn, sparking a romance between former enemies. Torn between him and her fiancé Marshal Sinclair's schemes, she uncovers Sinclair Manor's espionage. Joining Commander Vaughn, she escapes manipulation, finds love, and helps her father through crisis.
Convinced she saved Edward Sterling's life, Rachel Hughes expects him to arrange a quick marriage to his grandson William. Sure her kindness will win his heart, Rachel boldly claims to be his fiancée, stirring chaos at Sterling Manor and driving away important guests—sparking misunderstandings and comedy.
Revian Sach merupakan Dewa Surgawi yang akan mencapai tahap akhir pencapaiannya. Untuk membalas budi bibinya di masa lalu, dia memilih untuk kembali ke dunia manusia. Di sana dia bertemu dengan Maudy Rusli yang merupakan perempuan terhebat. Setelah melewati serangkaian peristiwa, Maudy jatuh hati dengan Revian. Semua bahan herbal yang dibutuhkan oleh lelaki itu makin terkumpul dan Revia akan segera mencapai tahap dewa. Namun, apa yang akan terjadi dengan hubungan mereka berdua?
Nina Sullivan, thought to be deeply in love with Brandon Chase, shocks all by stabbing him on their wedding day. Years earlier, a tragedy—believed to be orchestrated by the Chase Family for an organ transplant—killed Nina's loved ones. Driven by revenge, Nina enters Brandon's life as his lover, biding her time to strike back.
After being betrayed by his girlfriend Lila, Joe Carte wakes up with X-ray vision. This time, he’s not holding back. From lottery wins to antique deals, Joe rises fast—meeting Ruby, earning Mila’s admiration, and catching the eye of Vera. The boy who was once hurt is now unstoppable.
As the Universe Grandmaster, Felix emerged from seclusion to defeat the Moon Devouring Sect in order to protect the people. However, he ended up badly injured and temporarily becoming a fool. During his three years of insanity, his wife Effie took great care of him. Yet, when her family faced turmoil and their daughter Emma fell victim to the Deadly Cold Poison, Effie was forced to marry Great Warrior Latham to ensure her daughter's safety.
Rosa and Emma are sisters, living their fantasy life in a castle their father had inherited, Rosa is engaged to Edward Douglas. As a result of an unfortunate accident, Rosa fell into a coma, but the marriage was not called off, and Rosa's name was replaced by Emma. Times goes on, the couple find themselves in difficult situations, and Rosa comes back to life after six months. When she opens her eyes, the growing tension urges Emma to confess the truth to Rosa...罗莎和艾玛是一对姐妹,她们在父亲继承的城堡里过着梦幻般的生活,罗莎与爱德华-道格拉斯订了婚。由于一场不幸的事故,罗莎陷入昏迷,但婚约并未取消,罗莎的名字被艾玛取代。时过境迁,夫妻俩陷入困境,半年后,罗莎又活了过来。当她睁开眼睛时,与日俱增的紧张感促使艾玛向罗莎坦白真相......
Jorge Spence, a dedicated detective, embarked on a daring rescue mission with his captain during a storm. Three days later, he awakened from a coma to find himself labeled a selfish coward, having lost his girlfriend, reputation, and career. Stuck on desk duty, he investigated a cold case connected to two recent suicides. What role did the spinning black datura flower and the mysterious couplet of poetry played? Would Jorge uncover the shocking truth behind them?
Wendy Jensen grew up unloved and alone. One wrong move, and she ended up tied to Miles Quinn. He was cold, distant, and feared by everyone, including her. But the more he saw her, the harder he fell. When her friend tried to confess his feelings for her, Miles stepped in, took her hand, and never let go.
After ten years of fighting on the battlefield with his dog, Howler, Wilson Lock became Supreme Lord and returned home in glory. However, he discovered that his wife, Melanie Zimmer, betrayed him by having an affair with the village chief and cruelly mistreated Wilson's parents. Melanie further accused Wilson of desertion and put his parents on public trial. At the most critical moment, Wilson returned.
Three years ago, out of gratitude for saving her life, Sara Heys decided to marry into the Evanses. However, those three years of marriage brought her nothing but endless humiliation. It wasn't until she assumed control of the family business and attended a family gathering that she saw the true nature of the Evanses, realizing she had chosen the wrong person to repay her debt to! Her husband betrayed her, and her mother-in-law schemed against her. Despite being looked down upon by everyone as a hotel waitress, she managed to obtain the coveted black card symbolizing the Heys Family's status. She now oversees the Northport branch of the Heys Group, destined to become the queen of the city and make the Evanses rue their actions.
After her parents die and her family goes broke, Ella's brother leaves her with his business enemy Archer. To stay, she acts poor and weak, not knowing Archer now wants her. When he asks to marry her, everything changes. ——Adapted from "After Bankruptcy, My Brother Threw Me to His Arch-Rival" by Jin Yuzi, from Fanqie Novel.
Lilah, a modern botanist, wakes up in the Stone Age and nearly becomes a tiger's food! Luckily, Derek, the fierce chief of Oracle Clan, saved her and claimed her as his woman. She’s pampered, protected, and ready to build a thriving tribe with her wild mate… until danger stirs beyond the jungle.
Three years ago, Colton Manson, the general of the Dragon Corps, married a snob after losing his memory. Since then, he'd been hustling as a delivery guy to support his family. Living at the Kemps' place as a live-in son-in-law made him an easy target for their mockery. Thus, once his memory returned, he divorced his cheating wife and fell for Kelsey Kemp, her sister. While digging into the murder of his parents, he uncovered the secrets about his background.
Five years ago, Ethan became mentally impaired due to an accident, but his girlfriend, Sophie, remained loyal. While raising money for his treatment, Sophie was used as a bargaining chip by her uncle’s family. At the critical moment, Ethan regained his senses and, using his status as the heir to the nation's wealthiest family, took revenge on those who wronged him. In the end, he married Sophie, who had stayed by his side for five years.
Evelyn Grant, a successful woman trapped in a failing marriage, finally ends her three-year union after countless betrayals and decides to have a child on her own. In a fateful transaction, she unknowingly connects with call boy "Eric," who is actually Ethan Brooks—her ex-husband's best friend and a man who has secretly loved her for years. As Ethan re-enters her life under multiple identities, Evelyn finds herself entangled in a game of power, desire, and an unexpected love that refuses to be ignored.
On the eve of wedding day, Casey finds her fiancé's affair with her half-sister, who's in her wedding dress for the next day! Left in high and dry, to ensure her wedding proceed as scheduled, she impulsively flashes a marriage to a hot stranger, whom she accidentally saves when he's in crisis. Casey, like everyone else, believes her contract husband is just an ordinary person. Two strangers' lives collide with sparks. They team up at the first sight and start to act as a powerful couple. Casey plots a revenge in a bold move by playing the video of her cheating fiancé at the wedding ceremony. It's a good start to her revenge. As Casey and Nicholas navigate this sham marriage, they find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways. However, the even bigger surprise comes: her new husband is Nicholas Johnson, who's a billionaire from the Johnson Group, and her boss.
Sienna Yarrow was cheated by her scumbag ex and even insulted by her ex's new flame. In an attempt to salvage her pride, she rented a shockingly handsome stranger, only to discover he was Timothy Sheffield, CEO of the Sheffield Group. Now, her rental fee has somehow turned into a marriage contract.
At the engagement party of the Lynn and Starck families, Shawn Lynn was murdered by an assassin and fell into a pool of blood. Following a blinding light, he found himself transported back to a charity gala five years ago. However, it was a parallel world where he was seen as a complete failure, while Ryan Lynn, the illegitimate son of the Lynn family, had taken control of all the Lynn Group's projects. During Ryan's discussion with Donald Tanner about a cultural tourism project, Shawn interrupted and predicted the project's relocation. Upon returning to the Lynn Group, Shawn set out to rectify the company's order by removing entrenched connections and was determined to restore his former glory.
알바로 생계를 꾸려가던 임교교는 우연히 금수저인 고경정과 하룻밤을 보내고 아이를 갖게 된다. 이를 알게 된 외숙모는 강제로 낙태시키려 하지만, 고경정이 그녀를 구해 자신의 아내로 맞아들인다. 그러나 상류층 생활은 가혹했다. 파티에서 ‘임산부’라 조롱당하고, 재벌가 영애 주영과 같은 옷을 입었다는 이유로 비웃음까지 당한다. 모두가 그녀를 깎아내리던 순간, 고경정의 가족들이 나서 그녀를 보호한다. 한편, 정략결혼을 거부한 고경정은 재벌가들의 견제를 받지만, 고가의 최고 어른인 그의 할아버지가 등장해 상황을 뒤집는다. 그럼에도 임교교는 고경정이 자신을 사랑하는 이유가 아이 때문이라고 믿고 불안해한다. 하지만 죽음을 무릅쓰고 그녀를 지켜내려는 고경정의 선택은 모든 걸 바꾼다. 오해가 풀린 두 사람은 서로의 진심을 확인하고, 마침내 운명 같은 사랑을 이루어간다.
Yates Nelson, weary of celestial battles, retreated to the Mortal Realm. A Queen's sudden appearance in his bed led to a mysterious connection. A decade later, she returned with a girl, his alleged daughter. Yates, now a mortal, unravels confronts across realms, stirring chaos in his quest for truth.
구황자 소욱은 아홉 황자 중에서도 가장 강력한 세자 후보다. 그러나 태생이 현양지체(玄陽之體)인 그는 삼십세를 넘기지 못한다는 비운을 안고 태어났다. 오직 현음지체(玄陰之體)를 지닌 여인과 합궁해야만 목숨을 부지하고 황위를 차지할 수 있지만, 십 년을 찾아도 헛수고일 뿐이었다. 그러던 중, 추격자들에게 쫓기던 그는 우연히 혼례식 가마 앞에 나타난 신부 강련과 마주친다. 그리고 놀랍게도, 그녀야말로 그가 애타게 찾아온 현음지체의 여인이었다. 결국 소욱은 그녀를 강제로 데려가 자신의 여인으로 만들기로 결심한다. 목숨을 구하기 위한 혼례, 그러나 잃게 될 건 마음이었다.
Despite her simple-mindedness, Yara had exceptional talent. After becoming a master of swordsmanship and overcoming bullying and repression from all sides, Yara turned the tide in despair, helped her family, the Nyes, rise once again, and used her blade to rule the world.
In the Empire of Wodror, the illustrious Curtis family, renowned for their power and influence and based in Plinard, has joyfully reunited with their long-lost younger sister, now known as Anna Rogers. Married to Darius Jordan, who is disabled in both legs, Anna endures mistreatment and bullying from the Jordan family. Despite this, she chooses to conceal her true identity to protect her husband and expose the true nature of his family.Meanwhile, Darius' stepmother and younger brother are conspiring to take advantage of his father's absence. They plan to manipulate the Jordan family's allies to force Darius out of his rightful inheritance and to subject the couple to shame and physical harm. Upon learning of this treachery, the Curtis brothers take decisive action. They gather allies and confront the matriarch of the Jordan family, standing firmly by their sister's side to ensure justice and protection for Anna and Darius.
Ambitious for the throne, Hugh Rixon, the prince, is back to his royal family after a decade of martial arts learning. Confronted with his opponents’ conspiracies, Hugh rolls with the punches with his wits and prowess as a martial arts master. Let’s see how Hugh survives the battle and finally ascends the throne.
송우락이 송씨 집안에서 쫓겨난 후, 스승에게 받아들여져 산속에서 마음을 가다듬고 수행을 시작했다. 5년 후, 그녀는 자신의 운명의 사람을 찾기 위해 산을 내려오고, 부정수와 다시 만나게 된다. 재회한 후 바로 부정수와 결혼하게 된다. 부씨 집안은 그녀의 행운 덕분에 점차 좋아지기 시작하지만, 송유란은 질투심에 시달리며 여러 번 그녀를 해치려 한다. 결국 송우락은 송유란과 조세범의 음모를 폭로하고, 스승이 선경에 날아간 후 송우락에게 돈복과 행운을 물려주며, 이후 부씨 집안은 번영을 이루게 된다.
Owen Griffin, known as the company's "lucky charm," was crucial to its success. However, Evan Reed, the arrogant new president of the River City Group, scorned Owen's luck-bringing ability. However, Evan fired him. This decision immediately triggered a chain reaction: orders vanished, and the company's performance plummeted.
Brave general Winona Yale, honored by the Emperor, defended her sister Yvonne Yale at her wedding, battling betrayal. After aiding her sister's divorce and arranging her marriage to Duke Matias, Winona confronted their parents who had abandoned them, vowing to make them regret forever.
After being drugged, jewelry designer Isabelle awakens in the bedroom of a stranger, Lucian. One night of chaos shatters her world. The shock deepens: Lucian is not only the CEO of Winslow Group but also the uncle of her "fiancé," Ralph! For eight years, Ralph—who fraudulently claimed to be her lifesaving benefactor—imprisoned her like a tool, ruthlessly exploiting her design talent to fuel the career of his lover, Scarlett. That single night shatters the facade. Isabelle resolves to break free from years of emotional manipulation, smash this eight-year deception, reclaim her stolen life and talent, and embark on a journey of self-rediscovery.
After years of relationship, a couple finally got married. Unfortunately, the wife's mother was a patriarchal-minded and interest-driven person, therefore, the husband gave as much love as he could to the wife, but his gut feeling told him that the woman he had chosen was more complicated than she seemed.
After five years as a stay-at-home husband, Tom Lincoln is blindsided by divorce. But when a mysterious system activates, his life takes a sharp turn. Years later, he's the world's richest man surrounded by admirers. Now his ex-wife Olivia Chandler is full of regret, and her mother's on her knees, begging for Tom's forgiveness.
임심윤과 육진석은 우연히 같이 하룻밤을 보내 아이를 갖게 된다. 하지만 둘은 서로의 정체를 모르고 이후 다시 만났을 때도 서로를 알아보지 못한다. 가족들의 결혼 압박에 시달리던 그들은 "가짜 연인" 관계를 맺기로 한다. 그러나 육진석을 짝사랑하던 손옥연의 방해가 끊이지 않게 이어진다. 육진석은 여러 번 위기에 빠진 임심윤을 구하며 두 사람의 관계는 점차 가까워지고, 오해와 갈등 속에서도 서로를 향한 감정이 깊어진다. 그리고 약혼식 날, 모든 진실이 밝혀지는데 "너였다고? 그날 밤… 너였어?" 하룻밤의 실수 → 가짜 연애 → 진짜 사랑 모든 오해를 풀고 진심을 확인한 두 사람은 마침내 서로의 사랑을 받아들이며 진정한 연인이 된다.
Melody is a successful businesswoman who is forced to leave her boyfriend, Reno, and marries a village man chosen by his father named Garth. Melody can't say no because his father is gravely sick and doesn't have long to live, so she wants to do the best for her father. But, the meaning of true love. Melody is trapped between letting go the one she loves and loving her husband, the man chosen by his Dad. Garth is a good man but Reno is the one who understands her the most. Will Melody lives her life with a husband that she doesn't love? Or will she find a way to be together with Reno?
For years, Violet Carter felt trapped in a loveless marriage with an alcoholic husband who never truly saw her as a partner. Everything changed one evening when she stumbled on her way home and was gently cared for by her boss, Billy Joel. That single moment awakened her longing for real love—and set her life on a new path.
재벌 상속녀 캐서린은 부모님이 정해준 혼약을 피하기 위해 평범한 회사에 인턴으로 들어간다. 하지만 그곳에서 자신의 이름을 사칭한 가짜 상속녀 캐슬린에게 괴롭힘을 당하게 된다. 가짜 상속녀 캐슬린은 진짜 재벌 딸인 척하며 온갖 악행을 저지르지만, 직장 동료들에게는 맹목적인 지지를 받는다. 한편, 캐서린은 자신도 모르게 회사 대표 데이빗에게 사랑에 빠지게 된다. 그런데 데이빗은 바로 아버지가 정해준 그녀의 약혼자였다. 하지만 데이빗은 캐슬린이 약혼녀라고 오해하고 있었다. 진실을 알게 된 캐서린은 데이빗을 시험하기로 결심하고, 그의 진심을 확인하기 위해 조용히 상황을 지켜본다. 수많은 갈등과 오해를 겪으며 서로의 진심을 확인한 두 사람. 과연 캐서린과 데이빗은 운명처럼 이어질 수 있을까? 사랑과 복수, 그리고 진실을 둘러싼 이야기가 펼쳐진다.
Faced with her mother's pressure, Nancy Skyla married Star Fionn, who was much younger than her. Unexpectedly, Star was protected by Nancy when he was a child and had a crush on her. For business purpose, Star's family arranged for him to marry the daughter of the Scott Group, Cindy Scott, but Star refused. To win Star over, Cindy started to collude with Star's half-brother, Chad Fionn, to frame Nancy.
Motivated by the generous bonus, Ethan Hunter, a programmer, took part in FlyBrain's open beta for Metaverse, a virtual world where the brains were connected to computers. During the testing process, he encountered numerous challenges and life-threatening crises, ultimately uncovering a terrifying truth lurking behind the facade.
어릴 적 사고로 세 오빠와 생이별하게 된 명문가 아가씨 릉단비. 릉씨 집안에 입양되어 새로운 이름으로 살아가던 그녀는 연인 당풍연과 결혼을 앞두고 있었다. 하지만 당풍연의 엄마는 배경과 재력을 모두 갖춘 진가네 딸 진흔우를 며느리로 점찍고, 결국 결혼식 당일 단비는 신부 자리를 빼앗기고 모욕을 당한다. 그리고 그 순간, 세 오빠들이 나타난다—세계 최고 재벌이자 용정 그룹의 창립자 모정옥, 천재 명의 모유풍, 그리고 용혼전의 절대 권력자 모행연! 이제 릉단비는 잃어버렸던 세 오빠와 다시 뭉쳐, 자신을 짓밟으려 한 자들을 향해 통쾌한 반격을 시작한다!
Thirty years ago, the rich young man Winston fell in love with Suzy but was forced to marry the wealthy young lady Janet. After Janet's death, Winston was also diagnosed with cancer. He wanted to return to his hometown to see Suzy for the last time, but was stopped by his son Dylan. In the end, Winston and Suzy finally recognized each other and made up for their regrets.
농촌 출신인 아버지가 밀린 임금을 받지 못하고, 양심 없는 사장의 차에 치여 병원으로 실려가 위독한 상태에 빠진다. 딸 동소초는 아버지의 체불 임금을 받기 위해 도시로 향하지만, 의도치 않게 냉철한 재벌 2세 곽근정과 하룻밤을 보내게 된다. 그러나 그는 그녀가 의도적으로 접근했다고 오해한다. 얼마 되지 않아 동소초는 자신이 임신했다는 사실을 알게 되고, 그와 동시에 아버지의 병원비를 내지 못해 병원에서 쫓겨난다. 아버지와 딸은 노숙자 신세가 되어 거리에서 쓰레기를 주워 생계를 이어가고, 아버지는 곧 태어날 외손주를 위해 다시 목숨을 걸고 체불 임금을 받으러 간다. 이에 동소초는 놀라며 아버지를 구하러 달려가지만, 결국 함께 위험에 처하게 된다.결정적인 순간에 곽근정은 모든 오해를 풀고 동소초가 자신의 아이를 임신했다는 사실을 알게 된다. 그리고 마치 하늘에서 영웅이 내려온 듯 그녀를 구해내며, 그의 가족들까지 동소초를 극진히 아끼고 사랑하게 된다!
After a passionate night with business tycoon Andrew Stout, Mya Beck becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, Leon. Her sister, Phoebe, claims the baby has died. Five years later, Mya returns and accidentally meets Leon. With Leon's matchmaking, she and Andrew reignite their romance.
When Jane visits the hospital for an allergy, she falls for the handsome doctor, Henry Darcy, at first sight. Gathering her courage, Jane asks for his contact information, only to be coldly rejected multiple times. Undeterred, Jane crafts a plan to win his heart.
대학을 갓 졸업한 고약요는 두 명의 불량배에게 얽혀 약을 먹게 된다. 위기의 순간, 탁 씨 그룹의 외아들 탁안행이 예기치 않게 나타나 그녀를 구해 준다. 하지만 약 기운에 휩싸인 고약요는 통제할 수 없는 상황에 빠져 탁안행과 하룻밤을 보내게 된다. 다음 날, 탁안행은 자신의 명함을 남기고 사라지지만 고약요는 그것을 보지 못한 채 탁안행과 영영 연락이 끊긴다. 시간이 흘러, 그녀는 쌍둥이 남매를 출산하지만 아이들의 아버지가 없다는 이유로 가족에게 버림받고 마는데... 과연 탁안행은 또 한 번 그녀를 절망의 늪에서 구해 줄 수 있을까?
Now in my middle age, I silently bear the double pressures of work and family, endure the mockery of my peers, and put up with my wife's infidelity... endurrrre! But then, bad luck struck—an incurable disease diagnosis from the hospital shattered all my hope. With just six months to live, I made up my mind: I'm going to live fully for once, not for others, but for myself!
Arthur Camp was just a lowly laborer, despised by others and abandoned by his ex-wife. However, it turns out he is actually the long-lost son of a trillionaire. Overnight, he transforms into a wealthy heir, leaving those who once looked down on him stunned and regretful.