---- Chapter 4 Charles walked up to me. Not a speck of dust could be seen on his white suit, and though his presence was quiet, it carried an undeniable sense of authority. He gently took my hand-the motion so natural it was as if we'd known each other for years. "Apologies. I was delayed on my way here."' His voice was clear, and his gaze solely rested on me as he asked, "And these three are..." Michael froze momentarily before anger colored his expression. He stalked forward, demanding, "Who are you? Ariel is my fiancee!" "Is she?" Charles asked with a faint smile, but the derision in his expression was clear. "T only know that greedy men aren't worthy of standing beside her. Please show some self-respect." Just those few words were enough to make Michael feel like he had been struck by lightning, and his face ---- instantly paled. Right then, another wave of commotion stirred on the other side of the banquet hall. Grandpa was walking toward us with the help of his assistant. Though his complexion was pale, he still looked spirited and well. "Everyone, it seems like there are some misunderstandings that need to be cleared up," Grandpa said, his voice soft, but enough to silence the entire hall. "Michael Leight, Howard Wilkins, and Jeremy Zadinski are merely underprivileged students whom I sponsored. I've never promised to make Michael my grandson-in-law." Hearing this, the guests all broke out into a flurry of whispers. The smug expressions on the three men were instantly wiped off, replaced by shock and disbelief. "Mr. Kingston Senior!" Michael gasped out as he took ---- a step forward, his eyes pleading. "You promised! You said that as long as I could win Ariel's heart, then I could marry into the Kingston family!" Grandpa's gaze turned sharp. "You betrayed Ari, and you still have the nerve to say that?" Suddenly, Tahlia darted out from behind Michael and flung herself at Grandpa's feet. "Mr. Kingston Senior! This was all my fault! I shouldn't have seduced Mr. Leight! Please... Don't kick him out!" However, her actions only cemented the fact that she and Michael were in a relationship, and the guests' expressions instantly shifted. Without even looking up, Charles slowly walked over to Tahlia. "Miss, the wounds on your wrists look more like a mix of lipstick and foundation. You didn't even clean under your nails properly."