"You can't be serious? Henry is treating you to a meal?" Timothy and Quinn were dumbfounded.

"That's absolutely impossible. Do you think he's just any old man? Do you know who he is?" Timothy explained, "He heads the Longhorns, one of only three first-tier upper-class families in Brookbourn. One small move from them sends ripples through Brookbourn, and their decisions shape its future! Why would someone like that treat you to dinner?"

Severin considered this and asked, "What about the Loughs? Are they on the same level as the Longhorns?"

Timothy replied immediately, "Of course not! The Loughs aren't even a third-tier upper-class family; at best, they're wealthy businessmen. Their business has grown steadily in recent years, and they might become a third-tier family soon. They have a net worth exceeding fifteen million, but they're far behind the Longhorns', whose assets are over one hundred and fifteen million, perhaps even more!"

"Oh," Severin remarked indifferently. "I guess the Longhorns are quite powerful! But I'm just having a meal with them. I have no intention of currying favor."

Timothy was incredulous. "Give me a break! Are you that oblivious to who he is? How did you even meet him? And he's treating you to a meal? No one will believe that! You're not worthy of holding his shoes! Even Easton couldn't curry favor with Henry, let alone you!"

Their conversation continued in the car until they arrived at the Richemont Hotel. Timothy gave the car to the valet, and the three exited. Severin unexpectedly encountered Lucy's parents upon entering.

"It's in the hall on the second floor! Just go upstairs and turn right!" Lucy's parents directed two relatives.

After the relatives left, Lucy's mother, Helga Orwell, saw Severin. Her face fell. "Why are you here, Severin? Today's Lucy's wedding. Did you stalk her here? Don't tell me you haven't given up? It's time you did, because Lucy will never be with someone like you! She's a princess; you're a toad!"

Several of Lucy's relatives whispered amongst themselves upon hearing Severin's name.

"Isn't that the ex-convict? Why is he here?"

"Goodness me. Did he follow her here? And the nerve to come to a high-end hotel dressed like that?"

To them, Severin was a joke.

"You must've misunderstood, Aunt Helga. He was Lucy's classmate, and probably just wanted to say goodbye. He's likely giving his blessing—the Loughs are influential, so he wouldn't dare cause trouble."

Lucy, having arrived with Timothy and Severin, smoothed things over with a smile. (The following sentence should be removed as it is an advertisement.)

A cold smile touched Severin's lips as he controlled his anger. "I'm here because someone invited me to lunch. Since it's Lucy's wedding, I'll treat her with respect for our past, but just because I'm not causing trouble today doesn't mean I won't tomorrow. I will get even with your family for what you've done to mine!"

"What have we done? Do you think you can get even with us?" Helga retorted with disgust. "Leave before you cause more trouble. An ex-convict is bad luck!"

"Oh, you actually came?" Easton and Lucy entered. Easton sneered, "Brave of you to come to my wedding after slapping me yesterday, Severin."

"What?! He slapped you? You're looking to get killed, Severin! How dare you slap Easton!" Helga raged. "Have your men beat him up, Easton! He deserves it!"

Lucy frowned. "Today's our wedding day, babe. A fight would look bad."

Easton considered this, nodded, and turned to Severin. "Fine. I'll let it slide this time. It's good you're here; you can watch me marry her. Enjoy the show!"

Severin had intended a respectful farewell, but Easton's arrogance angered him. He smiled coldly. "Are you sure you're not afraid of me being here?"

"Nothing to fear," Easton shrugged. "I said you were welcome yesterday. You've never been to a place like this before. Enjoy the food—it's free! But after the wedding, I'll deal with you."

Helga whispered to Easton, "Let him attend? He's an ex-convict! He'll bring bad luck! He might cause trouble!"

"He won't dare," Easton smiled coldly, snapping his fingers. A young man returned with a dozen men, including the scar-faced man from the previous night.

The scar-faced man, still shaken, looked gloomy at Severin's presence, but took a step forward, gripping his steel pipe. He whispered to Easton, "D-d-did he cause trouble, Mister Easton?"

Easton smiled faintly, glancing at Severin. "He's here for free food. Just keep an eye on him. If he does anything suspicious, teach him a lesson!"

Severin smiled contemptuously, hands behind his back, and walked upstairs with an air of confidence. He reached the hall, where many guests were already present.

"Easton, since you're forcing me to watch, I'm beginning to think your wedding might not go so smoothly," Severin remarked casually as he approached the entrance.

The scar-faced man was startled but warned Severin, "Behave yourself, kid. Lots of people, lots of our men. Don't want to leave without an arm or a leg, do you? Sit down and enjoy your meal!"