As she made her way toward the kitchen, murmurs rippled across the room.

“Look, it’s Mr. Alvarez!”

Adam had arrived, dressed in a tailor-made suit with a shiny tassel brooch pinned to his pocket. He looked sharp and sophisticated. He walked in with effortless confidence. The warm glow of the chandelier highlighted his striking features. His icy gaze swept across the room, sending a chill down the spines of those who met it.

His entrance caused quite a stir at the banquet. Carly rushed over to him and linked her arm with his. “Adam, you’re here!” This time, he didn’t push her away.

Sonia smiled broadly. “Mr. Alvarez, welcome!” she greeted him warmly.

Adam nodded politely. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Tate Senior. I’ve brought you a gift.” Leo stepped forward to present it. He carefully opened the box to reveal an exquisite painting.

Sonia’s eyes lit up. “Mr. Alvarez, is this ‘Elegance in Bloom’ by Zachary Foster from the Earan Age?”

Chapter

Over the past few years, the Tate family had risen to prominence with Adam’s support. Sonia had also developed a fondness for antiques and had been searching for this particular painting for quite some time. Now, Adam had gifted it to her.

The crowd quickly gathered, and murmurs erupted across the room. “Mr. Alvarez really knows how to make a statement. This painting is a rare find.”

Carly couldn’t take her eyes off Adam. Admiration gleamed in her eyes—he was not only wealthy but also incredibly thoughtful. The thought of him made her heart flutter.

Carly smiled shyly. “Thank you, Adam.”

Meanwhile, several prominent businessmen approached. “Mr. Alvarez and Ms. Tate are truly a match made in heaven. Should we take your presence here tonight as a hint that we can expect a wedding announcement soon?” businessman David Weston teased.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before we’ll have to start calling Ms. Tate Mrs. Alvarez,” added Robert Lanning, another businessman, with a grin.

As the conversation unfolded, Hayden and Lucy approached. Hayden’s current status wasn’t quite on par with the businessmen present; in fact, they had just rejected a proposal he had made a few days ago.

He chuckled awkwardly. “Mr. Weston, Mr. Lanning, please enjoy the evening!”

David smiled. “Mr. Tate, send over your updated proposal tomorrow. We can discuss our collaboration further.”

Hayden’s eyes lit up. “Really? Thank you so much, Mr. Weston.”

Robert smiled warmly. “No need to thank us, Mr. Tate. You’re fortunate to have a daughter like Ms. Tate.”

Sonia squeezed Carly’s hand. “Of course, Carly is truly a blessing to our family.”

Hayden and Lucy couldn’t have been prouder. With Adam’s presence, the banquet had been elevated. They could hardly imagine the glory that awaited them once Adam became their son-in-law. Adam was the kind of man who could satisfy every woman’s dreams of prestige.

Surrounded by compliments, Carly felt like she was on top of the world. She gazed at Adam, admiration shining in her eyes. Adam lowered his gaze and glanced at Carly. His usually cold gaze instantly softened.

Celine, who was holding a tray of wine glasses, watched them from afar. Adam and Carly stood in the center of the spotlight, adored by everyone. This was the special honor Adam had given to Carly. It was clear that when Adam loved a woman, he spoiled her to the core.

Celine’s mind drifted back to a few years ago, in the cave, when he had held her tightly and whispered, “I’ll take you away with me. I want you.” To this day, she never understood why the man who once claimed to want her no longer did. Celine lowered her gaze and turned away.

Just then, Adam lifted his gaze and spotted her retreating figure. A businessman standing beside him followed his line of sight and noticed Celine as well. “Mr. Alvarez, do you know that woman?” he asked.

“No, I don’t,” Adam replied coldly.

Carly silently sighed with relief. She couldn’t explain why she’d been so nervous. There was no way Adam would take an interest in someone like Celine! She turned to Lucy, who gave her a knowing nod. The show she had planned for tonight was about to begin.

When Celine made her way to the kitchen, a maid spoke up. “Hurry up and take this bowl of soup to the room. Mrs. Tate has requested it.” The maid was referring to Lucy, who had ordered the soup to be delivered to her room.