Adrian couldn't hide the frustration building inside him. Everything he had said was out of concern for Iris.Yet instead of appreciating his advice, she had defended Veyron without the slightest hesitation.The more Adrian thought about it, the more unwilling he became to accept reality. His eyes gradually shifted toward Veyron.The latter leaned back comfortably in his chair, lazily spinning a fork between his fingers as though none of this concerned him.Adrian narrowed his eyes. 'Hmph. I'll let Iris see for herself who the better man is.'"Iris." His smile soon returned. "I heard Raven & Radiance has been developing quite well recently.""We've been fortunate." She nodded politely."I also heard your designs have attracted quite a bit of attention." He smiled warmly. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Iris responded with equal politeness.Seeing the conversation progressing smoothly, he smiled even wider."As it happens... I'm currently serving as one of the Vice Presidents of the Na

But then, Adrian straightened his tailored suit and snorted proudly."Do you know why I'm here?" Without waiting for an answer, he smiled confidently. "My family has practiced traditional medicine for generations.""Although I eventually entered the jewelry industry, my grandfather remained in medicine." He folded his arms across his chest. "The organizer personally invited him to tonight's Ancient Medicine Exchange. I'm simply accompanying him to broaden my horizons."His gaze drifted toward Veyron. As if suddenly remembering something amusing, he chuckled."As for you..." His smile became mocking. "You're probably here to carry trays or serve drinks."Veyron merely glanced at him. There wasn't the slightest ripple in his expression.The disdain in his icy-green eyes was enough to make Adrian uncomfortable."Ignorant." He uttered only one word before turning away.Without another glance, he walked straight into the convention center."Damn it..." Adrian stared at his departing back

"Well?" Adrian folded his arms and looked smugly at Manager Brooks. "Manager, do you still think I've misunderstood him?"Without waiting for a reply, he stepped closer to Veyron and poked him in the chest with a finger."I asked you to pour me a drink, yet you refused." His lips curled into a mocking smile. "Just wait. I'm going to make sure you lose this job today.""Nonsense!"Manager Brooks' expression immediately darkened. He had tolerated Adrian's arrogance long enough. If not for maintaining the reputation of the event, he would have thrown this fool out himself.He looked at Adrian coldly. "Who told you Mr. Blackthorne is a waiter?""What?" Adrian blinked. He pointed at Veyron confidently. "Isn't he working here?""Working here?" Manager Brooks let out a cold laugh. "You've made a complete fool of yourself.""Mr. Blackthorne isn't an employee." His voice became firm."He is a distinguished guest personally invited by Chairman Laurent to attend tonight's Ancient Medicine Excha

Everyone watched in complete silence as Adrian finished taking Chairman Prescott's pulse. A confident smile slowly spread across his face."I know what's wrong."He reached into his medical pouch, withdrew three gleaming silver needles, and calmly walked toward the unconscious chairman."I'll stabilize his condition first."But just as the first needle hovered above the old man's chest—"Stop." A calm voice suddenly broke the silence. Everyone instinctively turned.Veyron slowly stepped forward, his expression as indifferent as ever. His gaze swept across Adrian before settling on the silver needle between his fingers."If you don't want to send the old man to meet his ancestors ahead of schedule," he warned in a flat tone, "don't let that needle touch him."The entire hall fell silent. Then whispers erupted everywhere."Who is that?""I've never seen him before.""Is he a physician too?""Which hospital is he from?""Veyron!" Adrian's face darkened instantly. He withdrew the needle a

Professor Holloway slowly stepped forward and knelt beside Chairman Prescott. The noisy hall became deathly silent.Everyone watched without blinking as the elderly physician carefully placed two fingers on Chairman Prescott's wrist.He closed his eyes. The entire convention hall seemed to stop breathing.Nearly a minute passed before he slowly opened his eyes again. A deep sigh escaped his lips and his expression had become heavier than ever.The wrinkles on his forehead deepened as he slowly withdrew his hand.Adrian's heartbeat instantly accelerated. His lips trembled."P... Professor Holloway..." His voice was barely audible. "How is Chairman Prescott? Can... can he still be saved?"Professor Holloway remained silent for a long moment. Then he slowly shook his head. The simple gesture caused countless hearts to sink.He lowered his gaze toward the unconscious chairman and sighed heavily."The chairman's condition has already deteriorated beyond the point of recovery.""The meridia