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
The crowd saw Robert as he entered the banquet hall. Their respect for him was clearly greater than when they saw Tom. Everyone was well aware of the reason behind the Fleming family's presence. They also knew that the Strauss family's status was diminishing. Despite that, they could not help but feel a sense of awe in Robert's presence. It was no doubt that they feared him. Moreover, there was Scott, too. His grandparents, Basil Quinn and Ruth Moore, had long passed away. In addition to that, his mother had also passed. The Quinn family now only consisted of Scott and his father, Louis Quinn. Even though they were a small family, they were financially strong. Most of the Quinn family's businesses are based overseas in small, wealthy countries. They mainly focused on high-profit areas. So, although Louis was often abroad, the Quinn family still held a prominent status in Maltford. Since Scott was the only heir of his family, one could easily imagine his position in the city
Tom replied gravely, "They presented a gift to Phil." Robert's frown deepened upon hearing that. However, Scott was still unaware of the situation. He pressed on, "What's wrong with that?"Tom and Finneas were still frowning and did not answer his question. Bewildered, Scott turned to look at Robert. "The Fleming family is sending a message. They're supporting the Sanchez family and suppressing the Strauss family," Robert calmly explained. "Suppress the Strauss family?" Right then, Scott furrowed his brows, too. "So, you're saying that the Fleming family wants to support the Sanchez family to be the most prominent family in Maltford?""Yes."Scott was instantly displeased. He hissed, "Who does the Fleming family think they are? How dare they want to suppress the Strauss family!"Besides, what qualifications does the Sanchez family have to rise to a higher position? Who in the family can take place?"He angrily continued, "Are they hoping Xenia or Mr. Sanchez Senior will take
Grayson and Belle's appearance brought on another commotion.The crowd's reaction was even bigger than when they spotted Robert.Grayson walked into the hall and immediately got surrounded by a bunch of people.Everyone came over to greet him, including people he knew and complete strangers as well. He was surrounded like a king among his court.Belle was attending as Grayson's plus-one. She hated going to events like that. As she silently cursed at the event and the crowd, she continued smiling politely at the random people approaching Grayson with her arm around his.None of them knew Belle's true identity. In order to get on Grayson's good side, they were complimenting her as well.She knew they were all being fake, but she couldn't be rude. Her face was almost about to cramp from smiling.After greeting random people for a while, Belle subtly pinched Grayson to indicate that she was getting tired of smiling.It only took a brief glance for him to know exactly what she meant
Belle widened her eyes and stared at Grayson before looking around worriedly.Their marriage was supposed to be a secret. She couldn't believe he said it out loud. Luckily, since Grayson had been on the verge of exploding just now, everyone had avoided looking at them. Their marriage remained a secret.Belle looked at Grayson and said annoyedly, "We're in public. Quit saying such random stuff.""Is telling the truth illegal now?" Grayson asked her.Belle was speechless. She wanted to remind him about their marriage being a secret when Grayson said, "Our wedding certificate is already official. We're married, and the country and law recognize it."Belle remained silent.Scott frowned. He didn't like that he had lost that round and tried to rebuke Grayson. "Are you that proud of forcing someone to become yours? I wouldn't have the guts to say it out loud."Grayson scoffed coldly. "It has nothing to do with guts. You never even had the chance to say anything."He pulled Belle cl