Chapter 7 The Birthday Banquet

Sophia's movement stiffened as she listened to Henry's words.

Her hand lingered on the car door handle, hesitating for a moment as if she were weighing her options.

"No." She turned to look at Henry, her beautiful face showing no trace of emotion. "There's a lot going on with the Miller family right now. It's not a good time."

She brushed him off with an excuse.

Since she had said it was over, it should end cleanly.

She and Henry had always been in a transactional relationship of mutual benefit. Now that their contract had expired, it was only natural they should part ways gracefully.

"Is that so?"

Before she could react, Henry suddenly leaned closer. The scent of cedar mixed with a faint hint of tobacco washed over her. "How about now?"

With that, he leaned down and kissed her.

Unlike the kiss in the woods, this one was rough, carrying a sense of inexplicable resentment.

Sophia's breathing hitched. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and a sudden heat flushed across her cheeks.

A few seconds later, Henry released her. "Now what?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "Still inconvenient?"

Sophia abruptly turned her face away, her ear tips red as if about to bleed.

She forcefully shook off his hand and yanked open the car door. "Stop messing around."

This time, he didn't stop her.

Sophia practically fled from the car, walking briskly toward the Miller Manor's main gate.

Only after the gate slammed shut behind her did she stop, raising her hand to press against her burning cheeks.

The inexplicable flutter in her heart was quickly suppressed.

It was merely being unaccustomed to the sudden end of two years of companionship.

Between her and Henry, this was as far as things could go.

...

A week later: Gavin's birthday banquet.

The Miller Manor courtyard was decorated with lanterns and festoons everywhere, with luxury cars lining the driveway all the way to the entrance.

Those who could receive invitations to the birthday banquet were all prominent figures. Even several business tycoons who rarely appeared in public had carefully prepared gifts to attend.

Sophia stood at the entrance in a moon-white gown, greeting the guests.

The dress perfectly complemented her figure, highlighting her elegant silhouette.

As she saw familiar elders approaching, Sophia graciously went to greet them. "Zack, you finally made it. Grandfather was just asking about you."

Unlike the stiff, robotic obedience she had shown when she first arrived, her tone was now natural and her demeanor composed. Every gesture displaying proper etiquette.

This was the skill she had cultivated during her two years with the Miller family.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the entrance.

Sophia looked up to see Oliver walking in, hand-in-hand with Clara.

She let out a cold, sharp laugh laugh.

On occasion like this, Oliver had the nerve to brazenly bring Clara along, truly dragging the Miller family's dignity through the mud.

Oliver's expression was sour.

Having walked away empty-handed from the auction that day, he had been forced to pick up some jade carvings from the antique district as a last-minute gifts.

Though they were refined compared to the antiques at the auction, they were inferior by more than just one level.

In the main hall, Gavin was busy talking with several of his old comrades-in-arms.

When he spotted Oliver standing behind them, Gavin's brow furrowed slightly. "Since you're here, sit properly and don't cause me trouble."

This blatant disdain left Oliver somewhat embarrassed.

However, he didn't dare talk back Gavin; he could only pull Clara to sit in a corner.

Meanwhile, Sophia was busy nearby, helping Gavin entertain guests.

Sunlight caught in her hair, and amidst the noisy banquet, her radiant elegance made her the center of attention.

When most guests had arrived and were seated according to their positions, the crystal chandelier dimmed.

Gavin, looking sharp in a tailored suit, slowly walked onto the stage.

"Thank you all for coming. Without further ado, let me start with a toast to everyone ."

Applause erupted from below.

Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, a small commotion suddenly broke out at the banquet hall entrance.

The guests turned their heads one after another, and Oliver followed their gaze.

But the moment he saw the newcomer, his brow instantly furrowed.

How could it be him?

The man leading the way wore a dark gray suit—it was the same rich kid who had repeatedly outbid him at the auction!

Sophia also looked toward the entrance, and seeing the person beside that rich kid, her eyes widened in shock.

How had Henry come, too?

The two men stood at the entrance, radiating such a powerful aura that even making the security guards instinctively straightened their posture.

Seeing the newcomers, sharp-eyed guests instantly recognized them.

"Isn't that Declan, the Smith family heir? What is he doing here?"

"The Smiths just swallowed up that southern energy project last month. They've been working closely with the Windsor family in recent years. Their current momentum actually rivals even the Windsor themselves."

This was no exaggeration.

The Smith family was true Emerald City royalty, with a foundation three generations deeper than the Millers. They held resources the Millers couldn’t dream of reaching, even with their best efforts.

The two families weren't even in the same league. Why would Declan Smith attend the Miller family's birthday banquet?

Hearing the whispers around him, Oliver's throat tightened as a wave of panic set in.

The buyer who outbid me that day was actually Declan?

Gavin's heart also felt somewhat unsettled.

Though the Smith family were a top-tier elites, the two families moved in different circles without overlapping industries, having virtually zero interaction for decades.

Why would Declan suddenly visit?

But Gavin was a man who had weathered many storms. The surprise on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by a warm, welcoming smile.

"Declan, your presence is an honor. How has your father been lately?"

Declan walked up to Gavin with considerable composure. "My dad's doing great. He says you should really stop by for a game of chess more often."

As he spoke, he took a box from the bodyguard behind him and presented it to Gavin. "Today, I'm here to deliver a gift on behalf of a friend. Wishing you good health."

Declan's response was flawless. He offered no explanation for his arrival, nor did he use the gift as a pretext to linger, skillfully deflecting any probing questions.

Gavin accepted the box, noting its substantial weight and already having an idea.

But he had no intention of digging into Declan's true motives for coming today. The Smith family's status was unassailable, and Declan's presence alone was a rare opportunity.

The Smith family had close ties with the Windsor family. If he could use the Smith family as a bridge, perhaps he could meet the legendary heir of the Windsor family.

If only the Windsor family would relent and return the contract they’d seized, the Miller family's business could be saved.

With this thought in mind, Gavin's gaze landed on Oliver . "Go toast Mr. Smith and have a good chat."

Oliver was reluctant, but under Gavin's stern gaze, he could only steel himself and pick up his wine glass.

He walked to the main table, forcing a smile. "Mr. Smith, I may have been out of line at the auction. Please, allow me to toast to you."

Declan didn't immediately raise his glass. Instead, he glanced sideways at Henry , his eyes carrying a hint of amusement.

Oliver's hand froze, his smile stiff.

Oliver took a deep breath, about to say something more, when Henry suddenly interrupted.

"You're Oliver?" Henry's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an innate, crushing pressure.

He looked up at Oliver, his eyes filled with confusion. "I think I've heard this name somewhere. Isn't this the one who ran off with a woman for two years, making the Miller family the laughingstock of all Emerald City?"