Chapter 12: Party!

"Isn't that a bit extreme?" he asked, confused. "I mean, Alex has already invested billions into our family and Rose's future."

"You know nothing!" Lillian snapped, cutting him off with an exasperated glare like he didn't understand what she was referring to or the real motive.

"If he wants to be with my daughter, he better be ready to pay something worth at least ten billion! Minimum!" She crossed her arms, her voice full of arrogance and a statement that is 'true' from her and her family perspective.

"As for all the money he's already given us? That was his choice. It has nothing to do with us." Harold blinked at his wife's reasoning before nodding in agreement.

"You're absolutely right!" he said, his expression firming. 

"We cannot let that little brat take advantage of Rose for free. Hurry, call her!" Just as Lillian reached for her phone, a sleek black car pulled up at the entrance of the estate.

The heavy door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.

….

The moment Alex stepped onto the estate grounds, the entire banquet hall seemed to shift.

Conversations quieted, and eyes turned toward him. Especially among the younger women present. Despite knowing that Alex was obsessed with Rose, many of them couldn't help but fantasize.

"Why does Rose get all the luck?" one of them murmured in a low voice, staring at him with barely concealed admiration. "If only Alex liked me instead…"

"He's so handsome, so young, and on top of that, he's the perfect marriage candidate. It's such a waste that he's already taken." Even among the older women, there was a hint of regret.

For many wealthy families in attendance, Alex was the ideal husband for their daughters. Any father would have been thrilled to have a young, successful man like him marry into their family and join their family.

The murmurs of envy and admiration filled the air.

And the more Harold Winters listened to them, the more smug he felt and a smirk formed on his face enjoying the envious face and talks of others.

'You're all jealous, aren't you? Hahaha you all should be.' he thought to himself, barely suppressing a grin. 

'But oh well… what does it even matter? Alex already belongs to our family. So, all you can do is just hope and show envy on your face like always.' He cast a glance at his wife, who seemed equally pleased.

After all, it wasn't just about Alex's money, it was about control.

Alex was completely devoted/obsessed with Rose. He followed her around like a lost puppy, never questioning anything. And once they get married, his entire fortune would be tied to none other than Winter's family.

Harold's thoughts were practically dripping with arrogance.

'The best part is… Alex only cares about us. He listens to everything Rose says.' He thought but… On the outside, however, he maintained a stern, unimpressed expression as he looked at Alex.

"You're late," Harold said, furrowing his brows. "The banquet starts at five. Do you not know how to show up early to greet the guests?" Lillian crossed her arms, her expression equally disapproving like she was talking to a servant.

"Being late is bad enough," she scoffed. "But where is Rose? You left with her… did you seriously not have the decency to bring her back?" Their words were sharp, their tone filled with arrogance.

They expected Alex to bow his head, to apologize, to act as their obedient son-in-law.

But what they didn't realize… Was that Alex was no longer the so-called obsessed with Rose Alex or the Lost puppy Alex who always shimmed at their face.

….

Alex paid no attention to Harold and Lillian Winters' questioning. Without sparing them a glance, he stepped forward, passing them without giving them a single glance or reply from their earlier question, walking straight into the party with a calm yet imposing presence.

"Alex! What's the meaning of this?" Harold called out, as he saw how he disrespected him and his wife, his voice tinged with displeasure.

"You don't see us standing here?" Lillian added, her tone sharp as she moved to block his path.

But before either of them could take another step, Waters smoothly positioned himself in front of them.

"Mr. and Mrs. Winters," Waters said politely but firmly, "Sir Alex has no interest in speaking with you." His words carried a finality that made both Harold and Lillian pause.

Despite his age, Waters's posture was firm, his aura composed. It was clear he wasn't just a simple butler… he carried himself with the air of someone who had seen and handled far more powerful figures than them.

Not like they were to begin with without Alex, he had seen them rising as they took benefits of Alex nature.

Harold and Lillian, though furious, found themselves speechless. They could only watch helplessly as Alex strode into the party without sparing them a second glance.

….

"What's going on today?" Lillian muttered, watching Alex's back with an uneasy expression. "He looks… different." 

Harold nodded slowly, his frown deepening. "Something's off. Should we call Rose and ask what's happening?" Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed his daughter's number.

….

Far across the city, Rose was still trying to process Alex's bizarre behavior when her phone rang. Seeing her father's name on the screen, she immediately answered.

"Dad? What's wrong?" Rose asks as she puts a phone to her ear, she is already angry from Alex's behaviour that everything seemed like an irritation to her.

Harold's voice was serious. "Rose, what's going on with you and Alex lately? He came to the party we held and invited him, but he looked… strange."

The moment she heard those words, Rose's body stiffened.

"What did you say?" she asked sharply. "He's at the party?"

"Yes, he just arrived. Why? Is something wrong?" Asked Harold, feeling something uneasiness.

Rose's heart pounded in her chest. Alex's sudden change in demeanor, his refusal to answer her calls, the way he left her alone at the mall… 

Everything had been completely out of character.

(A/N: So, here is a new chapter, protagonist will be introduced in the next chapter or maybe after the next chapter. Some faceslapping is coming some revenge too. And lastly don't forgot to comment and add this novel to you library if you liked it. Show your support.)