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
Xenia and a bunch of other heiresses from rich families watched Belle and Grayson walk away enviously.After so many years, Belle was the only woman Grayson had brought along to such an event. She was the first woman whom Grayson allowed to be with him so openly. The more Grayson shone, the more jealous they were of Belle.Since the other women were standing a little further away, they couldn't hear the conversation between Belle, Grayson, Robert, and Scott. However, they were clearly talking to each other.Both Scott and Robert had taken the initiative to greet Belle.There were only so many popular and attractive guys in Maltford. It was hard for them not to be jealous of Belle for scoring three at once.Belle only saw them as friends, but to the group of women watching, Belle was trying to seduce them.That said much more about them than it did about Belle."What a whore! I guess one isn't enough for her. Can you believe she's going after Mr. Quinn and Mr. Strauss? I've nev
Phil approached and hurriedly apologized to Grayson. "Sorry, Grayson. I was greeting guests inside, so I didn't know you and Belle were here.""It's alright, Mr. Sanchez Senior," Grayson replied politely. Phil smiled and glanced at Belle. After giving her a brief once-over, he introduced himself, "Hi, Belle. Do you remember me? I'm Phil Sanchez."Belle had no idea who he was, but she had already guessed that he was Xenia's grandpa.She already disliked Xenia, and by pure association, she didn't like Phil either.Still, for Finneas' sake, she greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Sanchez Senior."He was taken aback. It was an honor for a member of the Aspen family to greet him so politely."Hello! Wow, you really grew up to be a beautiful young lady. Anyone can tell from just looking at you that you're a successful person. Grayson must have saved a country in his past life to be able to be able to marry you. I bet everyone else is jealous," he said.Finneas spoke up. "Phil clea
Belle was picking out some pastries and simply glanced at them quickly. She ignored them and continued snacking on the pastries on her plate.Monica, who was one of the heiresses pestering Belle, snarled, "Belle, are you really going to ignore us like that?"Belle stuffed a small pastry into her mouth and chewed slowly. After she swallowed, she looked at Monica. "Who are you?""Y-You bitch! How dare you—""Use your words. Don't curse at me. If you swear at me one more time, I'm going to beat you up," Belle said calmly. Despite her neutral tone, her gaze was full of warning.Monica was an aggressive person, but she also knew how good Belle was at fighting.She stopped swearing, but she was still making a fuss. "Beat me up? How dare you? I haven't even settled on what happened at the mall with you! "Do you really think you can do whatever you want because of Mr. Page? You should know better than anyone what your real relationship is. "If it weren't for Mr. Page Senior, you woul