The dealership manager, the attendant, and half the patrons in the store surged forward in a desperate wave, desperate to get into Isabella’s field of vision and offer their most sycophantic greetings.Isabella didn't even cast a glance in Cretton's direction.She brushed right past him as if he were made of thin air, her sharp eyes sweeping the room until they locked onto a familiar, composed figure standing near the dark-gray performance sedan.The crowd parted in utter confusion as Isabella walked right past the groveling elite, her heels clicking rhythmically against the pristine marble.Stopping directly in front of Alistair, the icy, unapproachable heiress suddenly broke into a brilliant, breathtaking smile that stunned the entire room into absolute silence."Master Reid," Isabella said warmly, her voice smooth as velvet. "I certainly didn't expect to run into you buying a car today.”Alistair offered her a faint, polite nod, his calm expression entirely unbothered by the jaw-dr

Alistair raised an eyebrow, stepping up to the vehicle to inspect the sleek lines of the bodywork. "The handling on this trim is exceptional. Process the paperwork."Joel let out a soft, mocking chuckle, shaking his head as he looked at Alistair. "Of course, sir. Though I must say... it must be nice."Isabella’s eyes narrowed instantly. "What did you say?"Joel turned to Isabella, offering a patronizing smile, completely blind to the trap he was walking into.Born out of pure jealousy at seeing a man with Alistair's striking, flawless looks being catered to by the most powerful woman in Haven, Joel couldn't resist taking a jab."I'm just admiring the young man's luck, Miss Heart," Joel said smoothly, his envy bleeding into his words. "A pretty boy like him, letting a beautiful woman buy an eight-million-dollar hypercar for him... A real man would usually prefer to pay out of his own pocket, but I suppose not everyone has that kind of pride."The temperature in the glass showroom insta

Elizabeth’s expression remained cool and unbothered, her posture shifting only slightly as Mason stepped into her personal space."Thank you, Mason," Elizabeth replied, her tone politely distant, devoid of the warmth he clearly anticipated. "We appreciate Patriarch Gordon sending his regards. Please, make yourself at home inside. My father and Donald will be addressing the guests shortly."Mason’s practiced smile twitched at the edges.He wasn't accustomed to being handled like an ordinary guest, especially not in front of Haven's elite.He gestured toward a waiter passing with a tray of crystal flutes."I was hoping you might spare a few moments to walk the terrace with me, Elizabeth," Mason pressed smoothly, stepping half an inch closer. "Our families have several joint ventures coming up, and I think it’s high time you and I discussed our... closer cooperation.""Tonight is a family celebration, Mason, not a business summit," Elizabeth stated firmly, her eyes already tracking past

Gasps rippled through the surrounding crowd. Several patriarchs in the back exchanged wide-eyed looks, while the young heiresses watched Alistair with absolute fascination.Mason’s jaw twitched violently, his chest heaving as the humiliation boiled over. "You arrogant bastard! You think having a pretty face and sweet-talking two ladies makes you untouchable in Haven?! I'll show you what real power looks like—""That is quite enough, Mason."A thunderous, authoritative voice boomed from the threshold as Donald Bolton, Elizabeth's father, stepped onto the terrace, flanked by several heavy-set security guards. His sharp eyes locked onto Mason with terrifying sternness."Tonight is a celebration of the Bolton family's honored benefactor," Donald declared coldly, his gaze sweeping over the cowed young scion. "If the Gordon family cannot conduct themselves with basic decorum, I will personally see to it that my men escort you off our estate."Mason froze, his face draining of color as he r

"Insolent brat!" Donald Bolton’s thunderous voice echoed through the vaulted hall as he stepped to the edge of the dais, his face pale with fury. "Who gave you the authority to address my father with such utter disrespect?! Security! Drag this sniveling fool outside and beat him until—""Donald, lower your voice," Caleb interrupted smoothly, raising a single hand.The grand patriarch stood tall, looking down at Mason with a quiet, profound pity that cut far deeper than any physical strike."I am thoroughly disappointed in you, Mason," Caleb said softly, his voice carrying an icy weight across the silent hall. "You possess neither the temperance of a leader nor the basic courtesy of a gentleman. Out of respect for your father, I will not have you beaten on my floor tonight. Leave this estate immediately. But hear me well—if you ever approach my granddaughter or disrespect the Bolton name again, not even Patriarch Gordon will be able to shield you from the consequences.""You senile old