The Hidden Supreme Son-in-Law

Chapter 004

As the room fell into an awkward silence from the shock Kael had just delivered, the front doors of the mansion suddenly swung open.

A man in a sleek black suit walked in, his steps light but full of confidence. Behind him, two assistants followed, each carrying a large gift box wrapped in elegant gold and maroon ribbons.

Everyone turned instinctively.

One of Evelyne’s cousins whispered, surprised, “Wait… is that Damian?”

“Damian Armand?” another whispered back, even more stunned.

“Didn’t he move to Dravelle four years ago?”

Madam Agatha, who hadn’t recognized him at first, immediately stood up when the man walked closer and removed his sunglasses.

“Damian?” she gasped. “Oh my… is that really you?”

The man gave a polite smile, bowed slightly, and kissed the back of her hand.

“Happy birthday, Madam Agatha Laurent. I apologize for dropping by unannounced—I just arrived in Elmridge this morning.”

Agatha’s face lit up, the cold aura around her vanishing instantly. She seemed to completely forget about the Soul Bell Kael had given her just moments ago.

“You sweet child. After all these years abroad, you still remembered my birthday?”

“Of course,” Damian replied with a glance in Evelyne’s direction, who stood frozen a few meters away.

“I never forget the birthday of someone I deeply respect… or someone who once meant so much to me.”

The meaning behind those words was crystal clear.

Every pair of eyes in the room turned to one person: Evelyne.

Damian then opened his first gift—a sleek black wooden box with a glass top, containing a sapphire lily-shaped pendant.

“My first gift—an antique jewel from Elmand. One of a kind.”

The second gift—a two-hundred-year-old porcelain vase from Yongkokh.

“Both are for Madam Agatha, as a token of my respect and a reminder of how much I cherish the Laurent family.”

The room immediately filled with gasps and applause.

“Amazing!”

“He’s always been so thoughtful!”

“Look at the difference between him and Kael…”

Realizing all eyes were now on him, Damian smirked. The moment was perfect. Time to put his plan into motion—humiliate Kael, Evelyne’s so-called husband.

He turned toward Kael, his gaze friendly on the surface, but laced with mockery underneath.

“Oh, you must be Evelyne’s husband?”

There was a subtle but obvious glint of contempt in his eyes as he said it—though it vanished quickly, replaced by a fake smile.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize you were here too.”

Kael simply gave a calm nod. “Of course. I wasn’t invited, but I’m always around.”

Damian chuckled. “Right. I heard you’re just… a leech living off this household. Honestly, I wonder why you’re still here. Must’ve completely lost your dignity by now, huh?”

Before Kael could respond, Agatha interrupted sharply.

“Damian, don’t waste your time talking to trash like him! Come, enjoy the party. Sit next to Evelyne.”

Evelyne’s eyes widened. “Grandma, he—”

“Think of it as a reunion. We rarely get guests this special.”

Without waiting for another word, Agatha signaled a servant, who pulled out a chair right next to Evelyne.

Kael… remained standing quietly at the end of the table.

For a brief moment, his eyes met Evelyne’s. His gaze wasn’t angry—just… flat, yet deep with something unspoken.

Damian took his seat with a confident smile, leaned toward Evelyne, and said softly, “Four years… and it still wasn’t long enough to forget your face.”

Evelyne responded with only a polite smile, saying nothing.

Damian blinked, clearly taken aback, unable to hide his surprise.

“I thought you'd greet me more warmly, Evelyne.”

She turned to him, still wearing that same polite smile.

“This is my grandmother’s birthday party. I’m just trying to stay respectful.”

Damian let out a soft chuckle, “Respectful? Come on, you were never this distant with me… especially not back then.”

He glanced briefly at Kael, his tone colder, “Unless… someone’s changed you.”

Evelyne straightened in her seat, visibly uncomfortable.

Damian leaned in further, his voice lower, sharper, “Don’t tell me… you turned me down because of that useless husband of yours?”

Several family members glanced their way—some with cold expressions, others pretending not to hear.

Evelyne tensed, though her gaze remained steady. She looked down briefly before replying in a soft but firm voice, “It was… my grandfather’s will. And I have no intention of going against it.”

Damian narrowed his eyes. “That’s it? Just because of your grandfather?”

Evelyne didn’t answer right away. A beat passed—and in that quiet pause, her eyes drifted toward Kael, who stood calmly with one hand in his pocket, seemingly unfazed.

In her heart, Evelyne knew—it wasn’t just about the will.

But her pride… was too high to admit it.

Finally, she looked back at Damian and said quietly, “If you can’t respect my choice… then maybe you never really knew me.”

Damian stared at her, speechless. His smug smile slowly faded, replaced by an expression of silent disbelief.

In his head, he thought, “Don’t tell me… Evelyne actually loves that useless piece of trash? How is that even possible?!”

Not far from them, Kael raised a single eyebrow, aware of every word, but choosing not to interfere.

And yet… he smiled to himself.