Theodore Triumph concluded his words with an air of nonchalance, effortlessly hailed a cab, and ushered Adelaide Seraphine into the vehicle.
As Adelaide was about to dissuade Theodore, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was Jeeves Johnson on the line.
"What's the matter?" Theodore inquired.
"Triumph, Aether just rang me up. He's planning a visit to Lin City."
"He wishes to meet you face-to-face, to offer his apologies."
"We'll see about that! I don't see any reason to entertain him." With these final words, Theodore ended the call.
"Who was that?" Adelaide asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"A friend. He mentioned that War Deity Aether wished to meet me personally to apologize. I declined," Theodore explained.
Upon hearing this, the taxi driver burst into laughter, casting a disdainful glance at Theodore. "Mate, could you perhaps draft your tall tales before spinning them next time?"
"War Deity Aether apologizing to you? Is that even plausible?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Theodore retorted.
Before the driver could respond, Adelaide interjected, "Alright, let's drop it! His skepticism is understandable. After all, I find it hard to believe myself!"
"Theodore, could you refrain from such behavior in the future? It's rather embarrassing."
Hearing these words, Theodore shrugged helplessly. He knew there was no point in over-explaining. The more he tried to justify himself, the less credible he seemed. The disparity in their statuses was simply too vast. He decided to let her gradually come to terms with it.
Seeing Theodore's silent smile, Adelaide looked at him with concern. "Perhaps we shouldn't visit my house today. Alexander Sterling isn't someone we can afford to cross."
"Don't worry, it's all under control," Theodore reassured her with a confident grin.
Meanwhile, at Adelaide's home, a distinguished man in a polished suit, his hair a distinguished silver, sat at the dining table, swirling his wine glass and savoring the rich red wine. Four bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses stood like statues behind him.
Across the table were Adelaide's parents, Ryan Seraphine and Liya Seraphine .
"Mr. Sterling, please wait a moment. I'll hurry Adelaide along. She should be back soon," Liya said cautiously.
Alexander Sterling waved his hand dismissively, smiling warmly. "No rush. We're about to become family; there's no need for such formality."
"You have my word, I will cherish Adelaide."
Ryan and Liya exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. "It's our Adelaide's fortune to be favored by Mr. Sterling."
"We feel at ease entrusting Adelaide to you."
As Liya spoke these flattering words, she rose to pour more wine for Alexander Sterling.
"How's your brick factory faring?"Alexander asked.
Ava nodded enthusiastically, "Thanks to your support, Mr. Sterling, our business has been thriving. The sales volume in the past month has already surpassed last year's total!"
"My husband and I have been meaning to find an opportunity to express our gratitude properly!"
Liya was excited. Alexander Sterling was like a money tree.
Alexander smiled faintly, gestured to the side, and his bodyguard understood, handing over a contract with both hands.
He pushed the contract in front of Ryan and Liya , "Are you interested in this?"
The air was thick with anticipation as Liya and Ryan Seraphine looked at the contract Alexander Sterling had just slid across the table.
Their hearts pounded in their chests, a symphony of hope and disbelief. This wasn't just a contract; it was a golden ticket to wealth and prestige.
Alexander Sterling, the head of Sterling Group, was offering them an exclusive supply deal for hollow bricks for all his ongoing construction projects. The Sterling Group was renowned in Timberwood City, handling numerous projects every year. This contract was a lifeline, a chance for the couple to turn their crumbling factory into a thriving enterprise.
"Mr. Sterling, we are deeply grateful," they said, their voices trembling with emotion. "We will never forget your kindness."
Alexander Sterling merely smiled, swirling the red wine in his glass before taking a sip. "Don't thank me yet," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I have one condition."
Liya and Ryan exchanged glances, their hearts pounding. "Please, tell us," they urged.
"I want Adelaide to accompany me tonight," Alexander said, a smirk playing on his lips. "A little pre-wedding celebration, if you will."
Liya and Ryan were taken aback, but relief quickly washed over them. They had expected some impossible demand, but this... this was manageable. They nodded eagerly, assuring Alexander that Adelaide would be more than happy to spend time with him.
Just as they were about to sign the contract, the door swung open. Adelaide walked in, followed by Theodore Triumph, who was carrying a box of gifts.
Liya's eyes widened in surprise. "Adelaide, why are you late? Mr. Sterling has been waiting for you!"
Ignoring Theodore, she urged her daughter to change into something more suitable and join Alexander for drinks. But Adelaide seemed confused, her brows furrowing in concern.
Before she could voice her confusion, Theodore stepped forward. "Mr. and Mrs. Seraphine, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, offering them the box of gifts. "I promise to take good care of Adelaide."
The room fell silent. Liya, Ryan, and Alexander stared at Theodore in shock. Liya was the first to recover, her face contorting in anger. "Who are you? Who gave you the right to take care of my daughter?"
"I am Adelaide's husband," Theodore replied calmly.
Liya and Ryan were stunned. They turned to Adelaide, their faces a mix of anger and disbelief. "What?" Liya demanded, her voice shaking with rage.
"Dad, Mom, I just want to be happy," Adelaide said quietly.
"Nonsense!" Liya snapped. "Alexander Sterling is your best match! He can give you everything you've ever dreamed of!"
Ryan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Theodore Triumph? Aren't you Eleanor Seraphine's ex-boyfriend who went to jail?"
Before Theodore could respond, Liya exploded. "Adelaide, have you lost your mind? You're choosing a penniless ex-convict over Alexander Sterling?"
Alexander watched the scene unfold with a cold smile. "Kid, are you trying to steal my girl?" he asked, his voice dripping with contempt.
Theodore met his gaze unflinchingly.
"Who are you?"
he retorted, pointing towards the door. "We have some family matters to deal with. Outsiders, please stay away."