"It's hard to say. There's a chance it's not because of Belle but Patrick. Well, you and Belle need to be careful no matter what. Right. There's something I need to talk to you about. "I've managed to contact Noah. It turns out Lena is Belle's cousin. Thus, there's a high chance the mother-daughter is the reason behind the Aspen family's downfall!"Grayson furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing that.Grayson called Finneas as he wanted to confirm Lena's identity. As Lena was associated with Phil, Grayson wanted to make sure of her identity before attending the banquet.Grayson treated Lena more like an enemy now that he had confirmed her identity. After all, Lena was Belle's biggest enemy, which meant she was his enemy too!"What did Mr. Walters say?" Grayson asked.Finneas replied, "He wants us not to tell Belle about it. He'll come and talk to her after New Year's."Grayson's frown deepened. This meant that Belle only had two to three months of carefree moments left. "Grayson,
Belle and Grayson made their way to the banquet after breakfast.Belle thought of something on the way there. She looked at Grayson and said seriously, "Let me ask you one last time. Do you like Xenia?"Sam, who was driving, couldn't help but cough.When Belle asked that, Sam pitied Grayson.Everyone around them could tell that Grayson liked Belle. Yet, Belle was oblivious to it.What was more, she even asked if he liked another woman. Grayson was stuck in such a miserable situation.Sam didn't dare to look at Grayson. Instead, he immediately pressed a switch, raising the partition between the front and back rows to give them some privacy.Grayson looked at Belle both helplessly and angrily. "Belle, are you a pig?" he scolded.Belle didn't feel happy hearing that. "You're the pig! Your entire family … No. You're the only pig in the entire family!"Grayson paused for a moment. "Can't you tell if I like Xenia or not?""I don't think you like her. However, I still need to confir
Xenia felt anxious. After tossing the phone back to the household servant, she went to the washroom angrily. She felt that Lena was toying with her.She even suspected that Lena liked Grayson. The reason why Lena asked for a collaboration was just to get rid of a love rival.Xenia was thinking of telling Grayson about how Lena asked for a collaboration. That way, Grayson would hate Lena.However, Xenia's phone rang just as she closed the washroom door.When Xenia took out her phone, she saw that it was Lena calling!Xenia was shocked. After all, the number couldn't be reached when she called just now. Yet, the phone number suddenly became active again after one minute. She answered the call in confusion. "Hello.""Today's plan is canceled," Lena said straightforwardly. Her tone was extremely indifferent.Xenia furrowed her brows in confusion. "Why? I've already prepared everything! I even begged Grandpa to throw off such a fancy banquet for your plan.""There's no reason. Just
A peculiar look flashed across Xenia's eyes when she heard that. She wanted nothing more than her group of friends to mess with Belle.Although she supported them, she still pretended to be worried."I know you guys are angry. I am, too. I really want to punch Belle when I recall Monica's sticky situation back then. However, her relationship with Grayson … I'm scared you guys will be at a disadvantage. Plus, you guys know how good she is at fighting.""Don't be scared. We won't fight her. There are so many ways to take revenge. Why should we only resort to violence? Let me tell you about our plan. We …"The few women chattered on for some while. Upon hearing that, Xenia was overjoyed. "This is a good plan.""Right? Just sit back and watch. Today's going to be quite a show! I'll make Belle kneel and apologize to me. How dare a country bumpkin like her dare to oppose us. She's really asking for trouble!"While the group of women chattered back and forth, Xenia listened quietly.Co
When people from the elite social circle saw Tom and Finneas, they came over and greeted them.Although everything seemed normal, one would notice that everyone treated Tom differently if they looked carefully.Patrick was the reason behind their change of attitudes toward Tom. As the successor of the Strauss family, he was a mute. That sparked an uprising among prominent families. The Strauss family was like an ancient royal family. Although they seemed powerful and influential in public, many schemed for power behind the scenes.Thankfully, Robert was still holding down the fort for the Strauss family. Otherwise, the Strauss family would no longer exist!Tom knew exactly what was happening. However, he acted like nothing had happened. He chatted with everyone smilingly, seemingly in a good mood.Tom's expression turned peculiar when he saw the Johnson family from Lostaria.The Johnson family held a dominant position in Lostaria, much like the Strauss family in Maltford, but t
At the banquet, the crowd talked among themselves. The sound of discussions filled the air. At that moment, Tom sat in the private room with a grave expression. Even though he could not hear what they were saying, he could well imagine. Finneas was seated beside him, advising, "You know people have a habit of currying favor with the powerful while looking down on the weak. "You're well aware of the Strauss family's situation. So, there's no need to get angry. You can't control what they say anyway.""I don't care about the others. I just didn't expect Phil to join them," Tom complained. The Johnson family had arrived at the banquet brazenly. Tom felt that their presence was clearly a provocation to the Strauss family. Finneas replied, "You know Phil is the kind who thinks far ahead.""I'm sure he had invited the Johnson family on purpose! He's putting on a show for others," Tom snapped."I truly didn't expect this level of ambition at his age."Phil had always wanted to r
Finneas knew that Tom had asked because he had already chosen a side. Robert was also on his side. "Let's stay put for now. We'll wait till they make a move," answered Finneas."Belle had already made an appearance at my birthday banquet. Right now, I'm sure many have their suspicions about her identity. "That group of people will discover something soon. I want to see what they have in mind. We'll take action once they do!"Tom replied in a low voice, "Patrick's birthday is in two days. I believe something will happen. They'll most likely show up, too.""We'll find ways to adapt and overcome the problems that come our way," Finneas assured him."We might be ordinary folks who don't know how to handle them, but the people supporting Belle are not to be messed with."After all, they managed to raise her right before their eyes. This shows how extraordinary they are!"Tom was confused and asked, "Are you saying there are others behind her apart from Noah?""Of course. No matte
Tom and Finneas looked at Gabriel with complicated expressions. Then they slowly nodded and responded, "Hello."Gabriel glanced around at the crowd. He flashed a smile and then commented, "Why is everyone looking at me like this as soon as I show up? Am I not welcome here?""N-No, of course, you're welcome," they hurriedly replied. They were startled after hearing what he said."In that case, everyone, please enjoy yourselves. Don't stare at me. It's making me feel awkward."Upon hearing his words, everyone promptly averted their gazes. After that, Gabriel turned to look at Phil again, saying, "My grandfather wants me to stay till the banquet ends. I'm not allowed to leave early."He said it's a sign of the Fleming family's respect for you. But look at me. I'm a young man. I don't know anyone here, too."So, I don't think I can stay for long. If you don't mind, I'll take my leave."Phil was so shocked that he was almost at a loss for words. "S-Sure. Take care … "Gabriel smiled