Dressed in a sharp white suit, Hendry Hampton stood elegantly to one side, seemingly detached from the whole situation.
He was well aware of his mother's grating manner of speech. From the very beginning, he had intended to stay aloof, trusting his mother to quickly dismiss Nia Mitchell.
However, to his surprise, Nia Mitchell revealed everything.
No! This can't be happening! My reputation can't be ruined, absolutely not by this girl!
"Why are you deluding yourself?" He swallowed his anger, his face a mask of utter sadness.
"Even with you making such a scene, I haven't uttered a single word of retort. Nia, can't you stop this circus?"
The last five words were said with extreme fatigue, as if he had long since had enough, filled with utter helplessness.
The moment Hendry finished speaking, a wave of murmurs swept through the onlookers.
Everyone pointed fingers at Nia Mitchell. Young Master Hampton had shown her deference by refraining from arguing, but she was too shameless, forcing even the kind-hearted Hendry to reveal the truth.
Most of the onlookers were wealthy ladies or their daughters, while the men were off to the side discussing business, rarely interfering with the women's conversations.
At that moment, Beatrice Swan's father and Hendry's father were with some business associates, discussing various matters.
The business world is ever-changing, and the marriage alliance between the Hampton and Swan families had many seasoned old foxes on edge.
The noise from the dispute not far away grew more intense, clearly disturbing them as well.
"What are you all doing? Making such a racket! Don't you see what kind of occasion this is today?"
Mr. Hampton strode over, frowning. Seeing Mrs. Hampton surrounded in the middle, he immediately put on a stern expression and rebuked them sharply.
Mr. Hampton, looking thoroughly imposing, held his head high with an air of righteousness.
Thinking about the bright future of Hampton Corporation, he seemed more radiant and imposing than ever.
However, when the initially triumphant Mr. Hampton caught sight of the man behind Nia Mitchell, the smug look on his face vanished instantly. His eyes bulged, and he looked as comical as a capering clown.
"Young Master Peary!? You're Young Master Peary!!"
Maxwell Peary! This man was practically a god standing at the apex of the pyramid.
Though only twenty-nine this year, he held the country's economic lifeline in his hands, capable of overturning situations at will. Secretly, he was even involved in arms deals and other such matters.
Rumor had it that he was perverse and ruthless, and that even killing someone wouldn't bring him legal consequences.
Heavens! Mr. Hampton practically wanted to shout. I've never offended Young Master Peary! So, is Young Master Peary gracing my son's engagement ceremony with his presence? This is a momentous stroke of luck, as if smoke were rising from the ancestral graves!
At the mention of "Young Master Peary," the entire engagement ceremony instantly fell silent.
In their wealthy circles, even if they hadn't met him, everyone had heard of him. In this world, there was only one person who could be called Young Master Peary.
Hendry Hampton drew a sharp breath, utterly terrified. Why had Nia Mitchell never mentioned she knew Maxwell Peary before?
"Young Master Peary, what an honor! Please, come inside!" Mr. Hampton, still unaware of what had just transpired, was lost in his elation.
Hearing this, Hendry felt as if he'd swallowed a fly. He wanted to warn his father, but... It's too complicated to explain in just a sentence or two!
Maxwell Peary glanced sideways at the fawning Mr. Hampton, his brow furrowing in displeasure.
An imposing aura emanated from him naturally, even without anger. His dark, unfathomable eyes swirled with hidden currents as he calmly adjusted his cufflinks.
Mr. Hampton stood there awkwardly, somewhat baffled by Maxwell Peary's attitude. If he was unwilling to exchange even a single word, why had he come?
Involuntarily, his gaze shifted to Nia Mitchell.
"Miss Mitchell?"