Aaron knew that if he remained silent, the people around him would only take his silence as an opportunity to push the matter even further. Their mockery would not stop on its own, and the situation would only become more ridiculous.If that was the case, it was better to end this farce before they could drag it out any longer."Tens of billions of dollars?"The moment the words left Aaron's mouth, everyone froze for a brief second. Then the entire room erupted in laughter, with several people openly shaking their heads in disbelief.This Aaron really knew how to brag. Wasn't he afraid of completely blowing his cover?Casually pulling out tens of billions of dollars? Even if all the major families in Westhaven State were combined, they wouldn't dare throw around a figure like that so casually. Yet here he was, saying it as though it were nothing.Trent and Lydia laughed especially hard, their amusement growing until tears nearly streamed down their face

"I did send a gift. You're welcome to check," Aaron said calmly, showing no intention of backing down. Even he felt a flicker of surprise at how quickly the situation had escalated."Stop talking and just admit it so you can sit down," Camille hissed at his back, keeping her voice low enough that only he could hear. Her words were restrained, but the anger simmering beneath them was unmistakable."I won't interfere in whatever is between you and Serena, Aaron. But young people should be grounded in their actions. Don't chase after hollow gestures. Besides, I don't care whether your gift is expensive. Sincerity is what matters. Why make this awkward for everyone?"Mrs. Hawthorne spoke slowly, her tone measured and restrained, though the displeasure in her voice was impossible to miss. She clearly did not approve of how things were unfolding.Suddenly, the person responsible for recording the gifts hurried over and leaned close to Mrs. Hawthorne. After whispering a

And yet, in such a short time, someone had stepped forward to report it.Given Aaron Holmes's means, there was simply no way he could afford this costume. He had no money to his name, and he certainly didn't know any Colonel Caldwell. That left only one way he could have obtained the Gilded Imperial Dress, the method Trent Hawthorne had just described.Camille Vale's heart seized with panic.If this was investigated and exposed, not only Aaron, but all of them would be dragged into it.Aaron, Aaron, what on earth are you trying to do?"Aaron, where exactly did you get the Gilded Imperial Dress?" Mrs. Hawthorne asked, her expression grave.Aaron stood up without any trace of worry. "Grandmother, the Gilded Imperial Dress was a gift I had my friend deliver to you on my behalf.""I've already had someone look into this. That Gilded Imperial Dress was a gift from a prominent family to Lucas Caldwell, Colonel Caldwell of the Iron Fist Corps. How did it

The realization made Trent even more terrified. The truth was finally impossible to deny. Aaron really was Lord Holmes, and this time, Trent knew he was completely finished.No wonder Aaron had been able to obtain a priceless treasure like the Gilded Imperial Dress. No wonder he had remained so calm and dismissive, casually throwing around figures worth billions or even tens of billions as though they were nothing.Now everything made sense. Aaron was Lord Holmes, and with an identity like that, he really could do all of it.Aaron descended with his entourage, his gaze sweeping across the rows of assembled soldiers. He carried himself with quiet authority as he looked over the troops before finally speaking in a deep, commanding voice.“Guarding the frontier, is it hard?”“No, sir!”The soldiers answered in unison, their eyes blazing with excitement and fervor. The man standing before them was Lord Holmes, Rusteria’s younge

Four of them represented the four ruling families of the Westhaven Chamber of Commerce.There was Elliott Pike of the Pike family, Curtis Ashby of the Ashby family, Douglas Merrick of the Merrick family, and Grant Pierce of the Pierce family.Of the other two men, one was a sharply dressed man in his forties. He was none other than Desmond Kessler, the current chairman of SK Holdings.The last was Jasper Ramsey, the acting representative of the Westhaven Chamber of Commerce.Combined, these six controlled approximately sixty percent of Westhaven State's economy. They were genuine power players. Compared to them, the Bancroft family was utterly insignificant.Most importantly, the Westhaven Chamber of Commerce wielded absolute authority in Westhaven State.By contrast, the Bancroft family, the Jennings family, and the Hawthorne family all had to watch their expressions and move carefully around them.Yet at this moment, all six wore grim faces. The