Giving Face and Losing Face

Leo did not continue on the topic, smoothly changing the subject with a gentlemanly demeanor. "Do you know him?"

They both knew who "him" referred to.

"Yes," Zuri replied honestly.

Lying in front of smart people is the most foolish thing to do.

Leo was somewhat surprised; he had expected her to be evasive.

"This person is unscrupulous and has blood on his hands. He's not a good person," Zuri said deliberately, word by word.

She had said this on purpose to interrupt him from delving deeper into the topic. Unexpectedly, Young Master Ye cooperated so well, indicating that he too disliked the person in question.

Leo raised an eyebrow. "How do you know?"

"You socialites have your own circles and sources of information, and we common folk have ours. Brother Ye, it's best not to do business with such unscrupulous people to avoid being dragged down by them."

Although she wasn't sure what Miles wanted with Leo, she aimed to disrupt his business dealings. Whether Leo would listen or not, she had to say and do everything she could.

Leo smiled and said, "Alright, I'll take your advice."

Azura, who had just arrived, overheard this and almost dropped the plate she was holding.

When did her uncle become so obedient and agreeable?

If Zuri really became her aunt, wouldn't that mean her uncle would have to listen to her from now on?

The thought excited Azura.

Zuri as her aunt didn't sound too bad! At least she could walk with confidence in front of him.

Haha!

Just as Azura was reveling in her thoughts, someone lightly flicked her forehead, shattering her daydream.

"Ouch," Azura complained, rubbing her forehead and glaring at her uncle.

"What are you thinking? Your mouth is practically watering. Wipe it off quickly."

Azura hurriedly wiped her mouth, only to realize she had been tricked.

"Uncle, you're so mean, tricking me."

Leo had taken a short break and was called aside by Mr. Ling to the elite circle. Zuri and her companions found a quiet place to rest.

Meanwhile, Lila saw Miles and his companion leave Leo and immediately instructed Rhea, "Go quickly. You won't get a better chance before Adam arrives."

She had to handle the task assigned before Adam showed up.

Rhea, under Lila's urging, took a glass of juice and approached Miles. As she neared them, she felt anxious, but she suppressed her nerves and continued.

Miles sensed someone approaching and turned to find juice spilled on his clothes.

Rhea was stunned; she had mistaken him for someone else.

She panicked, genuinely panicked this time.

"I-I'm sorry," Rhea stammered, clumsily trying to wipe the juice off.

Miles, ready to scold, looked up and met her fearful, nervous eyes. Instantly, his sadistic tendencies were awakened.

"It's fine," Miles said softly, his large hand naturally gripping her small hand as he gave her a gentlemanly smile.

Rhea was captivated by his gentle demeanor and refined manners. Although the man in front of her was in his forties, close to her father's age, he looked well-maintained and youthful.

Miles noticed the shy expression on Rhea's face and his smile grew wider, his gaze now resembling that of a predator eyeing its prey.

The female companion nearby felt a chill at the look in Miles's eyes and began to tremble slightly.

"I'm really sorry," Rhea said, her eyes brimming with tears.

Miles didn't release her hand but instead squeezed it tentatively. Seeing her shyly look down with a flushed face, he smiled even more.

"Could you accompany me upstairs to change clothes?"

"It's my fault, I should take responsibility," Rhea offered the best excuse to cover her own intentions.

One with an agenda, the other with a purpose, and the two quickly reached an understanding.

The female companion nearby watched in horror but also breathed a secret sigh of relief, glad to be replaced and finally able to leave the perverse man behind.

Lila, watching from a distance, was about to curse.

This idiot, she had the juice spilled on Miles instead of the intended target. Seeing the two of them heading upstairs together, Lila gritted her teeth in frustration.

She had intended to sabotage them, as instructed, but now it seemed she had to think of another plan.

Just then, her phone pinged with a new message. It was from the assigned contact.

Anonymous: [Well done. The items you requested have been delivered to your home.]

Lila breathed a sigh of relief upon reading the message.

With Rhea's task complete, Lila felt much lighter. All she had to do now was wait for Adam's arrival.

Leo, having some free time, left the main table and looked around but didn't spot his little hamster. He exited the banquet hall and walked into the garden, where the neon lights made it hard to see.

"Brother Ye."

A cheerful voice came from behind.

Leo turned around to see a graceful figure approaching, her face adorned with a sweet smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

"Brother Ye, what a coincidence. Are you out here for some fresh air too?" Saira spoke in a familiar tone.

"Miss Lin, I can't accept being called 'Brother' by you. Please address me as Mr. Ye, like everyone else," Leo's voice was cold and distant.

Saira's face flushed. Why could Zuri call him that, but she couldn't?

"Brother Ye, you didn't say that at the entrance. I thought…" Saira said with a hint of grievance, biting her lip and looking at him pitifully.

Leo sneered inwardly.

Playing dumb while being aware!

Those little tricks to try and manipulate him were hopelessly naive.

If the other party refuses to take the hint, Leo was not one to show pity. He stated directly, "Miss Lin, one must have self-awareness. 'Brother' isn't something everyone can casually use. Miss Lin should really brush up on etiquette."

With that, Leo turned and walked away, ignoring Saira's mortified reaction.

As he left, a few light-hearted laughs came from the nearby VIP seats.

Saira turned to see a group of wealthy second-generation heirs and heiresses from Oceanic City lounging behind the flowerbed.

The group looked at her with mocking expressions, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

"Some people really have no shame, willing to abandon all dignity just to ingratiate themselves."

"Ha ha ha, what dignity? She's already lost it."

"'Brother Ye'? Haha, she's got some nerve to call him that. Is she dreaming of rising to the top?"

Faced with their taunts, Saira wished she could disappear into the ground.

Unable to endure their ridicule, Saira covered her face and hurriedly left, her departure accompanied by derisive laughter from behind.