Celeste tightened her grip on Betty's arm.Betty calmly patted the back of her hand and said, "It's fine."If they could predict that she would come, how could she not have anticipated that they would be here as well?Matthias said, "Madam Klein, I'll go inside and find Mr. Jennings Senior. Why don't you and Cel come with me?"He was offering to introduce them to Harry, giving her a chance to speak with her idol.But Betty shook her head and said, "Being able to see so many of the artist's paintings in one place is already an honor for me. I don't want to disturb him."Since she had made up her mind, Matthias had no choice but to drop the idea. Still, with the Lockets and the Shaws present, he was a little worried about them.Celeste reassured him, "Go ahead, don't worry about us."The Lockets and the Shaws cared a lot about their reputation. In this kind of setting, they wouldn't dare do anything to them.With that, Matthias left.Celeste asked, "Grandma, which painting woul
Jorge recalled that Harvey had mentioned Wynn and Trevor would also be attending. So, he stood up and said, "Alright, once your grandfather is done, send me a message.""Sure."Jorge and Xavier then stepped outside.Just as they left, Beck and Miles arrived.The Lockets and the Shaws immediately went up to greet them.Beck shook hands with Harvey. Then, Miles glanced around. "Where are Trevor and Wynn? They haven't—"Before he could finish his sentence, his gaze landed on Celeste. "Damn!"She was here too.Beck, unaware of what was going on, followed his gaze and also spotted Celeste. His eyes darkened slightly.At that moment, Matthias was walking toward Celeste and Betty.Beck turned back to Miles and Harvey and said, "I'm going over to say hello." With that, he left."Mr. Yoder, Ms. Rodriguez." Hearing his voice, Matthias and Celeste turned around.Matthias greeted, "Oh, it's Mr. Harper."Upon hearing the name, Betty recalled what Hector and Ivan had mentioned before an
Seeing Beck actually talking to Celeste, Linda's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't help but ask Miles, "Why is Beck talking to her?"Before Miles could respond, she immediately started walking in their direction.Lilian grabbed her arm and said calmly, "They're discussing business.""Business?""Mhm."Linda pursed her lips and huffed, suppressing her impulses, but her eyes remained fixed on Celeste and Beck.Celeste was wearing a long winter dress today. Even though she hadn't put much effort into dressing up, she still stood out.Standing next to Beck, they unexpectedly looked well-matched.Although Linda knew there couldn't be anything between them, she still felt uneasy. She couldn't help but tug at Miles' sleeve. "Miles, what are they talking about? Why is it taking so long?"Linda's feelings for Beck were obvious.Miles had known Beck for years and was well aware that Beck wasn't interested in girls with a spoiled, willful personality like hers.Besides, Beck had made
"You're back, Beck," Linda called out sweetly when she saw Beck return. Beck gave her a cold nod. Lilian noticed Trevor was looking for Wynn. "Wynn's outside. She's on the phone," she said. Trevor replied, "Okay, thanks."Just as he finished his words, a commotion arose in the distance.It was Harry making his way to the crowd. Harold, Caleb, and the rest of the Jennings were there as well. With a packed house, Harry patiently waited for the chatter to die down before thanking everyone else for coming. Celeste and Matthias stood further at the back, but Harold still saw them.Matthias attended with a gift on behalf of his grandfather, Alvin. Caleb had already informed Harold and Harry about it. Yet Harold didn't know Celeste came as well. Seeing her, Harold greeted her with a warm nod and a smile. Celeste had never known there was a connection between Harold and Harry. She returned Harold's greeting with a polite smile. The Lockets and Shaws noticed that Harold
Wynn replied politely, "That's very kind of you to say."Harry then glanced at the group and teased, "Looks like it's time for you guys to step up, too."Just then, Harold arrived with Celeste and Matthias in tow. He turned to Harry. "Father, meet the youngest Yoder. His company, YodaVision, has seen remarkable growth and is on the government's priority list for future support." He continued, "This is Celeste Rodriguez, the core technical developer at YodaVision and a rare talent in the field. The company owes much of its success to her." People of the older generation often had a greater concern for the future of the country. Hearing Harold's words, Harry's smile softened as he remarked, "That's wonderful. With the talent we have, there's a lot to look forward to."Harold also took the opportunity to introduce Betty to Harry. Then, Harry and Betty started chatting about art. Having been raised in a cultured household, Betty regularly practiced calligraphy and painting.
After briefly greeting everyone once more, Harry left and disappeared into his private quarters. Celeste, Matthias, Trevor, Beck, the Shaws, and the Lockets all went inside as well. With so many people inside, the Lockets and the Shaws didn't stand out at all. Everyone took their seats in the pavilion while the servants served tea and snacks. Harry and Betty had a lively and cheerful discussion. Apart from Betty, Harry had two friends who were also well-versed in painting. In high spirits, Harry and his friends opted to create a painting right then and there, asking Betty to join in. Harry instructed Caleb, "Go to my study and get me my painting tools, Caleb.""Okay."Upon finishing, Harry spoke highly of Betty's artistic skill. Then, they started talking about the painting again. Celeste and Matthias chose not to interrupt their conversation and instead relaxed in the pavilion, enjoying the tea and snacks. Her seat was quite a distance away from the Lockets and S
Trevor put away the glass and responded, "The honor is mine, Mr. Keller Senior."Then, he settled into the seat across from Brandon. "Mr. Keller Senior, please go easy on me."Wynn, Beck, and the others came over to spectate the match. Celeste and Matthias joined the crowd as well. However, they were standing behind Brandon. Wynn, Beck, and the others knew how to play chess. Seeing Celeste watching intently, as if she was familiar with chess, Beck headed over to her. He asked, "You play chess?"Celeste answered, "A little bit."With that, Matthias went speechless.A bit? More like a whole lot. But he didn't say that aloud. Since they weren't familiar with each other's playstyles, Brandon and Trevor started off with cautious, unclear moves. Over time, they seemed to grasp each other's tendencies, and Brandon adopted a more offensive strategy. Trevor, on the other hand, was countering Brandon's aggressive moves and searching carefully for his own openings. It loo
As Celeste reviewed the moves, the comment made her pause, a flicker of interest surfacing.Just then, she heard Wynn's voice. "Mr. Keller Senior, I'd love to give it a shot after seeing your match. But with my abilities, beating Trevor might be…""Ah, it's all in good fun; I wasn't being serious." Brandon laughed. "If you'd like to play, go ahead."Wynn was about to speak when someone chuckled. "If Ms. Locket joins, the game could go either way.""Right? Mr. Fleming might be great at chess, but if he actually defeats Ms. Locket, he'll probably have some explaining to do at home."With that, laughter rippled through the crowd. Brandon wasn't aware of Wynn and Trevor's relationship. Upon hearing the remark, he observed Wynn's elegance and confidence. She truly seemed like a fitting match for Trevor. Then, he smiled, looking at Trevor as he teased, "Oh? In that case, I'm curious to see if you can still keep your cool playing against your girlfriend like you did with me."Unfa
Just then, Trevor spoke. "Okay."Celeste sat across from him. Once the shock wore off, Wynn's face returned to its usual calm. After greeting Harry, she went to stand beside Trevor. It wasn't just Beck, the Lockets, and the Shaws were surprised; Caleb and Harry were just as stunned. While Harold had introduced Celeste to them in the gallery earlier, they still didn't know much about her. Seeing how quiet and reserved Celeste was, they figured she wasn't the type to draw attention to herself. Hence, they assumed that even if she knew how to play chess, she wouldn't just challenge others publicly like that. Brandon didn't know Celeste as well, but he did notice her presence. With her striking appearance and gentle, well-mannered personality, Celeste came across the picture of a well-raised, polite young woman. To him, this kind of young woman seemed to be a great fit as his grandson's wife. He didn't expect Celeste to know how to play chess too. Trevor looked at Ce
Brandon smiled. "Indeed. It's not bad at all."Upon finishing his words, he asked again, "Aren't you busy with your painting? Why are you here?""Well, I didn't want you to think that I wasn't a good host, so I came over to take a look.""Go take care of your stuff; don't disturb me while I watch the match."However, Harry stayed. When the Shaws and Lockets heard Brandon and Harry praise Wynn, smiles spread across their faces. A lot of people there knew Wynn, and many felt both envious and jealous of her. After all, Wynn had the looks and the credentials. And now, thanks to her chess skills, she caught the attention of Harry and Brandon. Besides, Wynn's charm had earned Trevor's affection, helping both the Shaws and Lockets rise effortlessly in status. What parent wouldn't want a daughter like that?With envy, someone remarked to the Lockets and Shaws, "What a fantastic daughter and granddaughter you have.""Exactly!" the others agreed, then asked, "How did you manage t
As Celeste reviewed the moves, the comment made her pause, a flicker of interest surfacing.Just then, she heard Wynn's voice. "Mr. Keller Senior, I'd love to give it a shot after seeing your match. But with my abilities, beating Trevor might be…""Ah, it's all in good fun; I wasn't being serious." Brandon laughed. "If you'd like to play, go ahead."Wynn was about to speak when someone chuckled. "If Ms. Locket joins, the game could go either way.""Right? Mr. Fleming might be great at chess, but if he actually defeats Ms. Locket, he'll probably have some explaining to do at home."With that, laughter rippled through the crowd. Brandon wasn't aware of Wynn and Trevor's relationship. Upon hearing the remark, he observed Wynn's elegance and confidence. She truly seemed like a fitting match for Trevor. Then, he smiled, looking at Trevor as he teased, "Oh? In that case, I'm curious to see if you can still keep your cool playing against your girlfriend like you did with me."Unfa
Trevor put away the glass and responded, "The honor is mine, Mr. Keller Senior."Then, he settled into the seat across from Brandon. "Mr. Keller Senior, please go easy on me."Wynn, Beck, and the others came over to spectate the match. Celeste and Matthias joined the crowd as well. However, they were standing behind Brandon. Wynn, Beck, and the others knew how to play chess. Seeing Celeste watching intently, as if she was familiar with chess, Beck headed over to her. He asked, "You play chess?"Celeste answered, "A little bit."With that, Matthias went speechless.A bit? More like a whole lot. But he didn't say that aloud. Since they weren't familiar with each other's playstyles, Brandon and Trevor started off with cautious, unclear moves. Over time, they seemed to grasp each other's tendencies, and Brandon adopted a more offensive strategy. Trevor, on the other hand, was countering Brandon's aggressive moves and searching carefully for his own openings. It loo
After briefly greeting everyone once more, Harry left and disappeared into his private quarters. Celeste, Matthias, Trevor, Beck, the Shaws, and the Lockets all went inside as well. With so many people inside, the Lockets and the Shaws didn't stand out at all. Everyone took their seats in the pavilion while the servants served tea and snacks. Harry and Betty had a lively and cheerful discussion. Apart from Betty, Harry had two friends who were also well-versed in painting. In high spirits, Harry and his friends opted to create a painting right then and there, asking Betty to join in. Harry instructed Caleb, "Go to my study and get me my painting tools, Caleb.""Okay."Upon finishing, Harry spoke highly of Betty's artistic skill. Then, they started talking about the painting again. Celeste and Matthias chose not to interrupt their conversation and instead relaxed in the pavilion, enjoying the tea and snacks. Her seat was quite a distance away from the Lockets and S
Wynn replied politely, "That's very kind of you to say."Harry then glanced at the group and teased, "Looks like it's time for you guys to step up, too."Just then, Harold arrived with Celeste and Matthias in tow. He turned to Harry. "Father, meet the youngest Yoder. His company, YodaVision, has seen remarkable growth and is on the government's priority list for future support." He continued, "This is Celeste Rodriguez, the core technical developer at YodaVision and a rare talent in the field. The company owes much of its success to her." People of the older generation often had a greater concern for the future of the country. Hearing Harold's words, Harry's smile softened as he remarked, "That's wonderful. With the talent we have, there's a lot to look forward to."Harold also took the opportunity to introduce Betty to Harry. Then, Harry and Betty started chatting about art. Having been raised in a cultured household, Betty regularly practiced calligraphy and painting.
"You're back, Beck," Linda called out sweetly when she saw Beck return. Beck gave her a cold nod. Lilian noticed Trevor was looking for Wynn. "Wynn's outside. She's on the phone," she said. Trevor replied, "Okay, thanks."Just as he finished his words, a commotion arose in the distance.It was Harry making his way to the crowd. Harold, Caleb, and the rest of the Jennings were there as well. With a packed house, Harry patiently waited for the chatter to die down before thanking everyone else for coming. Celeste and Matthias stood further at the back, but Harold still saw them.Matthias attended with a gift on behalf of his grandfather, Alvin. Caleb had already informed Harold and Harry about it. Yet Harold didn't know Celeste came as well. Seeing her, Harold greeted her with a warm nod and a smile. Celeste had never known there was a connection between Harold and Harry. She returned Harold's greeting with a polite smile. The Lockets and Shaws noticed that Harold
Seeing Beck actually talking to Celeste, Linda's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't help but ask Miles, "Why is Beck talking to her?"Before Miles could respond, she immediately started walking in their direction.Lilian grabbed her arm and said calmly, "They're discussing business.""Business?""Mhm."Linda pursed her lips and huffed, suppressing her impulses, but her eyes remained fixed on Celeste and Beck.Celeste was wearing a long winter dress today. Even though she hadn't put much effort into dressing up, she still stood out.Standing next to Beck, they unexpectedly looked well-matched.Although Linda knew there couldn't be anything between them, she still felt uneasy. She couldn't help but tug at Miles' sleeve. "Miles, what are they talking about? Why is it taking so long?"Linda's feelings for Beck were obvious.Miles had known Beck for years and was well aware that Beck wasn't interested in girls with a spoiled, willful personality like hers.Besides, Beck had made
Jorge recalled that Harvey had mentioned Wynn and Trevor would also be attending. So, he stood up and said, "Alright, once your grandfather is done, send me a message.""Sure."Jorge and Xavier then stepped outside.Just as they left, Beck and Miles arrived.The Lockets and the Shaws immediately went up to greet them.Beck shook hands with Harvey. Then, Miles glanced around. "Where are Trevor and Wynn? They haven't—"Before he could finish his sentence, his gaze landed on Celeste. "Damn!"She was here too.Beck, unaware of what was going on, followed his gaze and also spotted Celeste. His eyes darkened slightly.At that moment, Matthias was walking toward Celeste and Betty.Beck turned back to Miles and Harvey and said, "I'm going over to say hello." With that, he left."Mr. Yoder, Ms. Rodriguez." Hearing his voice, Matthias and Celeste turned around.Matthias greeted, "Oh, it's Mr. Harper."Upon hearing the name, Betty recalled what Hector and Ivan had mentioned before an