Chapter 4

Harriet's Perspective

The crowd surrounding me chuckled openly, their jeers unrelenting.

I remained focused on my phone, disregarding them. Engaging with such individuals wasn't worth my time.

However, one thing became evident amid the chaos.

Damian was, in his own unique way, attempting to shield me.

The betrothal ceremony concluded swiftly. The customary socializing followed—attendees sipping drinks, savoring food, and engaging in casual conversation.

Astrid led Damian from one table to another, toasting with each guest. Everyone seemed to adore her, their grins appearing almost unnaturally wide.

I'd taken the opportunity to research the Holden family's history. Labeling them as Denver's most affluent family wasn't inaccurate, but they lacked genuine roots—typical of the newly wealthy.

Their ascent was linked to Washington connections, which had facilitated major Denver projects. This was their path to prominence.

Nevertheless, her family hadn't yet breached Denver's inner circle of true elites.

Today's guests were primarily opportunists hoping to curry favor with the Holdens, along with a few acquaintances from Damian's side.

As for the Harris family, they once held a prestigious position among Denver's notable families. However, those days were long past—they were now but a mere echo of their former glory.

This engagement was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

For the Holdens, marrying into an established family like the Harrises was their gateway to high society.

For the Harrises, it was purely about finances—a desperate bid to regain relevance.

Having witnessed numerous such arrangements in my upbringing, I was no longer taken aback.

Historically, marital alliances have always prioritized strategy over romance.

As I pondered this, a young girl, appearing to be around sixteen or seventeen, settled into the seat beside me.

She was charming—with gentle features and a hint of childlike plumpness—and her likeness to Damian was undeniable.

"I'm Kara," she said. "Your former flame's younger sibling."

Before I could reply, she added tersely, "Don't speak. Just come with me."

She grasped my hand, urging me to stand.

But I remained seated, instead asking, "Did your brother send you to assist me?"

"What do you think?" she retorted, her expression showing annoyance. "If you don't accompany me now, you'll miss your chance!"

By then, a group of men in dark suits had begun to approach.

Kara exhaled in frustration, releasing my hand. She sat back down, clearly accepting that escape was impossible.

"You shouldn't have attended," she murmured.

Then, with another sigh, she added, "If it weren't for you, my brother wouldn't be marrying that boorish Astrid!"

For me?

Her words caught me off guard, but I had no time to inquire further as a disturbance erupted near the hall's entrance.

Noticing this, Astrid and Damian promptly made their way to the doors, gesturing for everyone to rise.

Consequently, I turned to observe the cause of the commotion and noticed a group of seven or eight people entering.

They were all youthful—both men and women—yet carried themselves with subtle authority.

The leader stood out most prominently. Despite his youth, barely in his twenties, his presence commanded attention.

"Vernon, you've arrived at last!" Astrid exclaimed, rushing to greet him. She extended her hand, clearly eager to make a good impression. "Your presence truly completes this engagement celebration."

However, Vernon Kirk ignored her outstretched hand. In fact, he didn't even acknowledge her.

His piercing gaze fixed on Damian instead. After a prolonged, evaluating look, he finally spoke. "You're Damian Harris?"

Damian paused briefly before nodding.

Vernon's demeanor softened slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "She concealed herself well. Otherwise, we should have met much earlier."

I observed Astrid's expression falter momentarily, confusion crossing her face. She likely assumed he was referring to her, but couldn't decipher what she had supposedly hidden.

Nevertheless, she quickly moved past it.

Addressing the room, she proudly announced, "Everyone, this is Vernon Kirk from Washington—a true gentleman of distinction. His family has been our greatest supporter in Denver!"

The room burst into exaggerated applause, guests eagerly displaying their enthusiasm.

But Astrid's eyes locked onto me, still seated on the sofa. Her face contorted with rage as she hissed, "You insolent girl! How dare you remain seated?"

Damian immediately chimed in, "Harriet, get up. Now!"

Once again, all eyes turned toward me, their expressions tinged with derision.