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
Xenia said pitifully, "What's wrong with you today, Belle? What acting are you talking about? Why wouldn't we like each other? I thought we were on great terms!"Belle rolled her eyes.She guessed that Xenia didn't want to burn the bridge between them because it would be too hard to approach Belle in the future. It would also be much harder to harm her if that happened.However, Belle really couldn't be bothered to entertain her anymore.Belle went straight for Xenia's weak spot. "I used to go along with it because Grayson said he could brush you off. That's why I didn't pay you any mind. I didn't know you would hold on for so long. I ended up having to speak up instead."Xenia's expression finally soured. "What did you just say?""Was that too complicated for you? Let me make it clear," Belle said. "Both Grayson and I know you want him. Grayson hates it because you're technically Dawson's fiancée, and because Grandpa himself approved of you, he can't treat you like how he did Ju
Belle continued to think about Xenia leaving for a little while longer. She pressed her lips together and continued eating.If Xenia didn't start a fight, then Belle wasn't about to instigate anything. Xenia wasn't enough of a threat to make Belle need to initiate a fight.She continued enjoying her pastries and suddenly thought of Robert.Scott had told her that Robert needed her help. She quickly put her pastries down and pulled her phone out to call Robert.Before she could call him, he suddenly appeared right next to her. Surprised, Belle said, "I was just about to call you.""I noticed you were talking to other people just now, so I didn't want to interrupt," Robert said. "Were they harassing you?"Belle didn't really care much about them. "They can't hurt me. What about you? What happened?""Shall we talk over there?""Sure."The two sat at an empty table, and Belle quickly asked, "Is it about your brother?""Sort of. I've been back home for a while, and I've already tr