"Man, having a gorgeous wife means constantly fending off admirers," Alaric thought, rubbing his temples in frustration.
"Oh! Darriel's here! Come sit by Uncle Kingsley!" Cherrie oozed fake sweetness. "You shouldn't have bothered with gifts—so formal!"
"Wouldn't miss Uncle's birthday," Darriel replied smoothly, flashing a polished smile as he claimed the prime seat beside Gavin.
The room instantly filled with sideways glances and barely concealed smirks directed at Alaric. The Kingsleys treated their actual son-in-law like furniture—banished to the worst seat by the door while an outsider got the royal treatment. The snub was downright brutal.
Cherrie practically drooled over Darriel, her eyes dollar-sign bright. "We owe this fancy dinner to Darriel! Only his connections could've score
