December 23rd, 7 p.m., at Willow Lane—one of the upper-middle-class neighborhoods in Havenport, the second largest city in Norvia.“Everyone, sorry for keeping you waiting. Tonight’s dinner is something special I made just for you. Please enjoy.”Martin Garvey rushed out of the kitchen, carrying a large pot that was still steaming with a delicious aroma. His smile spread wide across his face, glowing with pride and warmth.Since they had to dine at the main Hayes residence tomorrow night, he decided to prepare a special meal tonight so they could enjoy something nice at home for once.“Stop acting so dramatic and just serve it already!”Slamming her hand on the table, Catherine Hayes—a woman in her late forties—glared at him sharply. For three long years, this useless man had lived under her roof, and aside from doing house chores and taking odd low-paying jobs outside, he had done nothing to make her proud.“Have you forgotten that this food was bought with my money? God, at least ha

“Oh my, what a wonderful young man! They truly look perfect together!”From a distance, Catherine could barely contain her excitement as she watched Ethan escort Quinn into Victoria Boutique, one of the most prestigious jewelry stores in the city—if not the best.Just minutes earlier, she had nearly lost her breath when Ethan brought her daughter to Havenport Place, the largest shopping plaza in town. Her shock quickly turned into admiration when she realized their first stop was the top-floor boutique—one reserved for the city’s elite.Back when the Jonathan family still lived in the Hayes main mansion, Catherine would visit that boutique at least once a month.Now? She hadn’t stepped foot in there since the day they were cast out.Her excuse about “going to the market” was just a cover-up. In truth, she was tailing her daughter’s date, eager to witness everything with her own eyes.“See? Ethan really knows how to treat a woman. Taking my daughter to such a luxurious boutique on their

“Miss Smith, please wrap this box for the young lady.”With a triumphant smile, Ethan handed the box to the young woman who had been standing nearby all along. The name tag on her chest read Delilah Smith.“Of course, sir.”Receiving it with both hands, the sales associate bowed politely.But before she could take a single step—“Wait.”Martin, who had been standing quietly outside the boutique, finally walked in. His steps were calm, unhurried. He didn’t rush to stop Catherine or Quinn from taking the necklace.At first, Martin only wanted to see whether his wife would be tempted by such a luxurious piece of jewelry. But when he saw that Quinn’s expression remained steady and unmoved, his heart was at ease.Even so, something about that necklace felt… off.And he couldn’t let his wife accept it.This was the right moment to act.“What do you want? Why are you stopping me?”Delilah snapped, her tone sharp and disdainful.“If you’re here looking for a job, you should just leave. We’re n

“Hahaha! Look at you—still have the nerve to talk back to me now? You really don’t know who you’re dealing with!”Ethan took two steps forward and hissed into Martin’s ear.“You know, everyone in this city bows when they hear my family’s name. If I make up a lie, they’ll swallow it without thinking. Now, whether that necklace is fake or not, nobody will care. If I say it’s genuine, they’ll believe me.”“Fine, if that’s what you think,” Martin smiled. “Let’s see who gets the last laugh.”He turned his gaze to the crowd.“You’re free to disbelieve me. But I’m not lying.”Martin then walked up to the large glass display where the Eclat d’Or sat.“I have a way to prove it. I just want everyone to do exactly as I ask.”He wasn’t bluffing. Martin knew that a reputable company like Victoria's would have methods to guarantee the authenticity of the pieces they sold, such as serial tags on the jewelry, matching numbers on the box, and an inventory tag on the display. Earlier, he’d glimpsed the

“Sorry to have kept you waiting.”With a confident smile, Delilah set the exclusive black box on the display case. Unlike before, her movements were now full of assurance.“I didn’t allow you to see it immediately because this necklace was reserved by Mr. Downey,” she said, glancing at Ethan. Unnoticed by the crowd, the sales associate winked at him. “So I had to ask for his permission first. Of course I’m responsible for its security. Please handle with care, okay?”Delilah pushed the box forward toward the fat man who had bet against Martin. “Here you go.”The man gave a polite smile toward Ethan and nodded before turning his attention to the box.“Mr. Downey, my name is Jack Phillips. You might not know me, but I’m one of the top people at your father’s company. Don’t worry. Let me take care of this trash for you.”When he said “trash,” his eyes flicked to Martin with disgust.“Thanks, Jack. Show me — and don’t disappoint me.”“Certainly, Mr. Downey.”Jack looked over at Martin.“He