Ella stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "Finn has gone to great lengths to prepare this. Please accept it with respect."Jake’s expression hardened, but a subtle hesitation flickered in his eyes as he noted the quality. "I see," he muttered reluctantly, finally placing the box down with a sense of begrudging acknowledgment. "Fine. But this does not change anything about who you are or what you think you are doing here."Finn’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "I understand. But perhaps your grandfather will see things differently. He appreciates sincerity, substance, and integrity over appearances."Ella glanced at Finn with admiration, recognizing his tact and intelligence. She had chosen him for his qualities beyond the material, the way he carried himself, the calm command he exuded even in the face of contempt.Jake’s attention returned to the tea, his curiosity still mixed with skepticism. "And what else do you bring, if anything? Or is this the sum of your contr

Finn observed the exchange quietly, letting Ella manage Jake’s fury. “Do not be concerned,” he said softly to her. “Your family may doubt me, but I am not here to compete for their approval. I am here because it matters to you.”Jake’s face turned redder, veins standing out on his forehead. “Matters to me? Ha! You think mere affection will cover the shame you bring to our house? I will not allow it. Every moment you stand here insults the Ashburn name. How dare you show such disrespect in front of me!”Ella stepped between them, her voice firm and unwavering. “I will not argue with you further, Jake. You may think he is disrespectful, but you are the one losing sight of reason. Finn, do not respond to his provocations. He is only upset because he cannot control everything, as some men believe they can.”Jake waved a hand, dismissing her words. “Cannot control everything? I will control this. I will ensure that nothing and no one undermines our family’s honor in my presence. You, sir,

Finn sat calmly in the Ashburn family main hall, his posture straight, eyes scanning the room. Ella was beside him, her hand brushing lightly against his arm as she tried to calm her brother, but Jake’s voice cut through the air like a whip.“You really think you belong here, Finn?” Jake sneered, leaning forward in his chair. “Do you even understand the company you’re trying to keep? You are nothing but a stray dog wandering into a den of lions.”Ella’s voice rose sharply, “Jake! Stop reprimanding him. Enough already!”“Get lost, Finn,” Jake spat, his tone venomous. “You do not deserve to be in this hall. You’re a nobody, an interloper. Why are you even sitting here?”Finn’s gaze remained unflinching, and he let a faint smirk curve his lips. “A barking dog is still a dog,” he said calmly. “So relax, Jake. Beware lest you make it angry. Like you, in all your fine suits and dazzling dressing, you are still like a moth on the floor. Fragile, vulnerable, and easily crushed.”The hall went

The hall fell into an uneasy silence as the grand patriarch entered. His presence alone demanded respect, and even Jake and Belle instinctively lowered their heads. He paused, scanning the room with sharp, discerning eyes. His gaze fell upon the scattered leaves on the table, the remnants of Jake’s careless act, and his voice cut through the murmurs.“Who brought this here?” he asked, his tone calm but commanding attention.Jake’s lips twitched, a weak smirk forming. “It’s nothing, grandfather. Just some trash that Finn brought to the table. No need to fuss over it.”Finn straightened, lifting his chin with quiet authority. “I brought it, sir. It is the Centennial Estate Tea. Very rare, very exclusive, and carefully produced.”The grand patriarch’s eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing Finn. He gestured sharply with a hand. “Jake, enough. Stop embarrassing yourself. Sit down and be quiet. You have no idea what this is.”Jake’s jaw tightened, but he reluctantly sank into his seat, mutte

Just then, Ella’s auntie appeared, flanked by her men, rushing across the garden. They moved swiftly, but it was too late. Finn had already handled the attackers. The faint echoes of groans and the clatter of broken weapons filled the space behind him, the aftermath of his precise strikes evident.“What is happening this time?” her auntie asked, worry etched across her face as she scanned the scene. “This is the fifth attack in a row. Is Ella in danger again?”Finn turned to her, brushing dust from his suit as his eyes softened when they met Ella’s. “She’s safe,” he said calmly, his voice unwavering. “No harm came to her this time. I’ve dealt with them.”Her auntie nodded, still tense but slightly relieved. “Of course, she is. Many envy her. People want what she has. That is why they keep targeting her.”Finn’s gaze hardened, his jaw tightening. “If she is in danger, then her current bodyguards are not enough. I would love to safeguard her. I will protect her from all evil that dares