Chapter 404
Elvis is here! Crystal felt confident. This time, when her father returned, she would reconcile her parents. Alpha stood with Damien. Seeing Nora and Crystal approach, he nudged Damien, saying, “Your wife and daughter have arrived.” Damien glanced at Alpha, who looked optimistic. Damien asked, “Are you getting old and enjoying gossip?” Alpha raised an eyebrow and said in a deep voice, “I’m curious. Did you get the wrong woman? Is Nora truly the one who slept with you that night?”
They had been friends for years, but Damien knew Alpha’s personality. Alpha never spoke idly; his words always held meaning. Damien asked, “What do you mean?” Alpha replied, “The woman with you that night spoke to you. Use your conversation that night as a code, and question Nora.” Damien’s eyes darkened. How would she answer? That night, she only said she wanted to bear his child. Or was he referring to her asking about his preferences in children, or her wrapping her arms around his neck, praising his kiss? Damien’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He then looked up "friends with benefits" online, becoming furious. She'd also called him disposable. Yet, that night, they had slept together, rolling from the headboard to the footboard.
Alpha nudged him again. “Don’t worry, I know it was only once. I understand and sympathize.” Damien glanced at Alpha. Crystal and Nora approached, Crystal affectionately taking Damien’s arm and softly calling, “Daddy.”
When Nora and Crystal arrived, the onlookers praised them. “Mrs. Robert is beautiful today, like a cultivated rose, thanks to Mr. Robert.” “Mrs. Robert, your husband’s technique is amazing! You’re apart all year, yet he has no other women.” “Your relationship is wonderful! Miss Crystal is beautiful too. The three of you together—we’re envious!” Nora puffed out her chest, enjoying her moment as the highly anticipated Mrs. Robert. Even if unfavored, she was still envied, and that was enough. Crystal clung to Damien, deliberately observing Charlotte, the bride. Today Charlotte was the star, yet with her father's return, the Imperial citadel's high-ranking officials still surrounded Crystal. Crystal felt she'd stolen Charlotte’s spotlight, and she was pleased.
Then, with a “boom,” the door opened, cold air rushing in with a tall, handsome figure—Elvis! Elvis wore a black coat, removing it to give to his secretary. In a hand-sewn black suit, he entered with resounding steps, instantly capturing everyone’s attention. He had come to the wedding.
Crystal’s heart pounded. Among these powerful figures, Elvis, a rising Imperial business aristocrat, shone like a star. He was a magnet, drawing everyone’s gaze. The crowd parted. Elvis narrowed his eyes, hesitated, and then approached. The bosses around Crystal sighed, “Young Master Augustine makes us feel old. The business future rests on him.” Damien, having been abroad, looked at Elvis, then at Alpha. “Your son is most like you.” Alpha agreed, noting Elvis’s resemblance to his mother. Elvis always commanded attention, even before Damien and Alpha. This explained Crystal’s obsession. Elvis was destined for business leadership, the future king. With Damien as her father, Elvis as her husband, and Alpha as her father-in-law, Crystal envisioned a perfect life. She had been striving for it.
Elvis approached, his gaze moving from Alpha to Damien. “Mr. Robert, long time no see.” Damien patted Elvis’s shoulder. “Elvis, you’ve grown up.” Crystal gazed at Elvis’s face. “Elvis, you’re here too?” Everyone quickly chimed in, “Young Master Augustine and Miss Robert are perfect together! Mr. Robert has no son, so his son-in-law will be like a son.” Crystal looked at Elvis expectantly. Elvis remained expressionless, glancing at the bosses and then at Damien. “Mr. Robert, Crystal and I have ended our engagement. I wanted to tell you personally.”
The atmosphere froze. Crystal’s smile faltered. Damien remained calm. He said, “Love can’t be forced. You young people don't need to tell me your decisions.” Then, looking at Alpha, he added, “The Robert and Augustine families are friends. If I envy your father for anything, it’s for raising a son like you.” Damien valued Elvis highly; he never overestimated anyone. Elvis would become a business giant. Entrusting Crystal's happiness to him would give him peace of mind.
Alpha coughed, quiet as an old fox. “Elvis, the future is unpredictable. Don't offend Mr. Robert. If you want to marry his daughter, pass the father-in-law’s test.”