As the crowd egged them on, Jade squirmed in discomfort. Though she didn't know what gift Alaric had prepared, he'd hinted at one word: painting.Alaric wasn't entirely foolish—he'd specifically brought Mr. Caldwell's painting.But Jade remained unaware.She instinctively assumed Alaric had simply bought some decorative piece.Meanwhile, Alan's Companions of the Spring Mountain by Elias was stealing the spotlight, showered with praise from everyone!That priceless treasure made whatever painting Alaric held seem worlds apart in comparison.Presenting it now would only invite humiliation."It's just a gift, nothing worth fussing over," Jade spoke up for Alaric while giving him a withering look.If they embarrassed themselves before this crowd today, she'd hold it against him forever!She'd never be able to face Alan again."Cousin, that's unfair—we can't let your husband feel slighted," Carrie taunted, marching over before

Alaric hesitated briefly before answering, "Not now. We'll talk about it later.""Understood, Mr. Splendor," Vera responded professionally before the line went dead.Alaric spent an uncomfortable night sleeping in the hallway.At dawn, Jade greeted him with icy detachment. "I'm bringing Aria home this afternoon. Are you coming?"He nodded with a bitter smile. "I'll... eat humble pie and apologize to your dad."Her pulse jumped at his words, though her expression remained stern. She gave a curt nod and said nothing more.That afternoon, the atmosphere turned frigid the moment they entered her parents' home."Dad, I'm back," Jade announced, forcing calm into her voice.No welcome came. Gavin sat hunched over his newspaper, ignoring them, while Aunt Cherrie busied herself loudly in the kitchen.Setting Aria down, Alaric felt tiny hands clutch his pants. "Daddy," the girl whispered, wide dark eyes brimming with uncertainty, "Does Grandpa hate

"Making trouble?"Vivienne's delicate brows knitted together, her aura turning frosty enough to make the room temperature plummet.Who would dare cause a scene at Horizon Trade Group's exhibition hall? They must have nerves of steel!Delilah took one look at Vivienne's reaction and smirked viciously, jabbing a finger toward Alaric who stood casually with hands in pockets. "That trash over there! Not only is he disrupting things, but he actually demanded to see you. When I called him out, the bastard had the gall to say I wasn't qualified to work here! Can you believe this idiot?"Vivienne shot Delilah a withering glare. Though she despised the woman's bootlicking attitude, she held her tongue—Delilah was still company personnel.With the sleek grace of a panther, she strode toward Alaric, her voice icy. "You're the one causing problems?"Alaric gave the woman an appraising look. So this was Vivienne?Stunning—alluring features with a da

Alaric chuckled lightly, "Just here to look around."What a coincidence—of all people, to run into Darriel here."Look around? What would trash like you be doing here?" Darriel snapped, his voice dripping with disdain. "Do you even know where this is? This isn't some back alley you can just wander into. Get out!"Darriel had always despised Alaric.This worthless loser had somehow stolen his goddess!And now he had the audacity to stroll into Horizon Trade Group's exhibition hall like he belonged here?Didn't this idiot realize his very presence was an insult to the venue's prestige?Alaric's brows furrowed slightly, irritation flashing in his eyes. "And why exactly can't I be here?"Little did Darriel know—the man standing before him was the new owner of Horizon Trade Group's exhibition hall!This fool was still looking down on him?Alaric felt a malicious amusement."Hahaha!" Darriel let out a mocking laugh. "Alari

Meanwhile, Alaric arrived early at Horizon Trade Group's exhibition hall.It was his father-in-law's showcase today, and he'd come to lend a hand.Stepping inside, he immediately noticed the sophisticated setup—elegant and refined, clearly not some amateur production.Manager Vivienne must have worked tirelessly on this.Rowena, the hostess, spotted Alaric lingering at the entrance and approached with a warm smile. "Hello, may I assist you with anything? Oh! You're...?"Today's exhibition was crucial. Ms. Cross had drilled it into the team: perfection was non-negotiable.Plus, many of Olympus Reach's business elite would be attending. Staff were expected to be respectful, humble, and never judge a book by its cover.Rowena had assumed Alaric was a VIP guest like the others—several had already been escorted to the lounge. But to her surprise, it was *him*.Alaric looked up with a polite smile. "Hello again. I'm here to see Mr. Kings