Chapter 249: Anyone but the Clown from the Hart Family

Everyone in the Red Villa was packing their belongings and preparing to leave for Imperial. They didn't need to take much, as Imperial abounded in luxury. However, having lived in the Red Villa for seven years, they cherished everything within it, hence the packing.

Elvis finished some urgent documents and returned to his bedroom. He felt a strange emptiness, as if he'd lost something precious. He was reluctant to leave Los Angeles. He wasn't usually sentimental about places, but something held him there, a feeling of deep reluctance he couldn't quite define.

Suddenly, a kitten's loud meow jolted him back to reality. He looked down at the small cat, its large black eyes fixed on him. His heart softened; it was as if a calming balm had been poured over it. He squatted and hugged Phoebe close.

He remembered buying her during a business trip, finding it odd that he'd purchased such a soft creature. It wasn't that Phoebe wasn't adorable, but he simply lacked the time for a pet.

Phoebe nestled into his arms, a small, unhappy ball of fur. Elvis patted her head softly. "What's wrong, little one? Why are you so sad? I feel like Grandma, Mr. Henry, and Mrs. Maria are all sad too. What's making everyone so unhappy?"

Phoebe, of course, couldn't answer; Elvis seemed to be speaking to himself.

Three Months Later. Canada (The Imperial City)

The Imperial City buzzed with excitement; it was Crystal Robert's birthday. The Roberts were Imperial's wealthiest family, with Damien Robert, Crystal's father, as its current head and the city's richest man. Damien threw a lavish birthday party for his only daughter.

Crystal's friends, children of Imperial's elite, were all in attendance. Noah White presented Crystal with a gift.

"Happy birthday, my beautiful cousin, Crystal," he said.

Crystal, in a light blue tulle dress, looked radiant.

11:58 The Solid Bute hande: Duded by My Billionaire Husband Chapter 219 Anyone but the clown from the Hart Family.

Thirty years ago, Lily Midas was Imperial's number one beauty; Annabelle, in disguise, held that title. Now, Crystal held the crown.

Crystal happily accepted the gift. "Thank you, cousin," she replied with a smile.

The Roberts and Whites were related; Noah was a White. He was notorious for his revolving door of girlfriends.

Crystal glanced at Noah. "Cousin, don't you think it's time you stopped changing girlfriends? Aren't you afraid your fiancée might be jealous?"

Laughter erupted. The Whites and Harts were betrothed. The Harts had lost their youngest daughter as a child, only to have her found recently; the marriage was imminent.

"Young Master Noah, have you met your fiancée? What does she look like? Is she beautiful?" one of the wealthy children teased, prompting more laughter.

Noah bristled at the question. The marriage was a contractual obligation; the Hart family's youngest daughter was his fiancée. While not among Imperial's four wealthiest families, the Harts were still prominent. Old Mr. White owed his life to the Hart family patriarch, prompting the arranged marriage.

Noah glared at the laughing crowd. "I won't marry that clown from the Hart family," he scoffed. "I'll break it off. Just wait and see."

The laughter intensified.

"Noah, if you dare call off the marriage, the Hart family head will use your head as a football!" one warned.

"And tear your body to pieces!" added another, amid peals of laughter.

Noah had never seen the Hart daughter but assumed a family as boisterous as the Harts couldn't possibly produce a beauty.

"Enough about me, Crystal," Noah said quickly, changing the subject. "I heard Mr. Augustine will be here to celebrate your birthday."

Everyone's attention snapped to Noah. This exclusive party only included the upper crust; Elvis Augustine had always kept his distance. As teenagers, Elvis had been focused on business, and later, his accident had been kept a closely guarded secret. The wealthy children held him in both awe and fear. Three months ago, he'd returned to Imperial and taken the reins of the Augustine family empire.

The Lorwyn From The Last Family.

Several girls pulled Crystal's hand, their voices incredulous. "Crystal, are you really with Young Master Augustine? Aren't you afraid of him?" "Crystal, is it true you're engaged to Elvis Augustine?"

Crystal's beautiful face shone. Elvis had left for Los Angeles seven years ago; she had patiently waited for him. She nodded proudly. "Yes, Elvis and I are together."

A shout rang out. "Look, Young Master Augustine is here!"

Everyone turned to see the door open, a gust of cold wind preceding a tall figure. Elvis Augustine had arrived. Belongs © to ChaPTëRs-fló.W-com.