The Velor Family Charity Gala was a grand success . The main ballroom was filled with guests from various walks of life- top - tier businesspeople , influential officials , public figures , and even celebrities . They arrived dressed in their finest formalwear and were immediately welcomed with classical music , soft lighting , and lavish refreshments . Although the event was held in the name of Genevra Velor , the family matriarch , she was not present , as she was still abroad . Nor was Eleanor , the first wife of the late Lucian Velor and Andrian's stepmother - she was also absent . Thus , To Genevra's directives , Andrian took full responsibility as the family's representative . He opened the evening , gave welcome speech , and personally greeted key guests on behalf of the Velor family . Andrian was accompanied by his younger brother Nathan Velor , and their mother , Veronica . However , their presence didn't attract much attention , as Veronica , being Lucian's third wife , was often overlooked by high society . Meanwhile , the spotlight remained on Andrian and Aliana , who remained side - by - side throughout the event . Their coordinated demeanor and lack of visible distance - despite recent rumors - captivated the room . They occasionally spoke quietly to one another , and at one point , Andrian gently smoothed Aliana's hair . These moments sparked speculation that the scandalous video might've been a misunderstanding after all . At one of the main tables , Ethan Zavier watched with evident satisfaction . He couldn't stop laughing proudly after Andrian finished his speech . " Excellent ! My son - in - law is the best ! " he declared , clapping loudly . " I'm proud of him ! " Olivia , seated beside Ethan , offered a small smile , genuinely happy to see her husband in good spirits . Her eyes lingered on her daughter , who was now mingling with guests and young entrepreneurs . Although Aliana had barely sat down the entire night , Olivia was content . She was especially grateful that Aliana had taken her advice and attempted to reconcile with Andrian . " Aliana looks beautiful tonight , " Olivia said softly , admiring her daughter . Ethan nodded while sipping his drink . " Of course . She's our daughter . The girl can be stubborn - but she knows when to play her cards right ." Olivia beamed at the rare praise from Ethan . It was not often that he openly acknowledged Aliana as his daughter , not even when she was a child . Not far from where Aliana stood , Nathan Velor kept watching her discreetly . His sharp gaze followed her every movement , lit with intrigue . He observed how she and Andrian maintained a careful closeness - presenting intimacy without crossing boundaries . Nathan was impressed . Aliana remained composed and in control . More than that , there was no clear sign that their display of harmony was staged . Their body language matched ; even their smiles seemed natural , masking any tension beneath the surface . Interesting , Nathan thought . I never expected my sister - in - law to catch Andrian's attention this quickly . He smiled faintly - not just impressed by Aliana's composure , but by how she had turned the situation in her favor . " It seems only Aliana can match my brother , " Nathan muttered under his breath , loud enough for Veronica , standing beside him , to hear . " What do you mean ? " Veronica turned to him , puzzled , glancing over at Andrian and Aliana . " Oh , nothing , " Nathan replied quickly . " Brother isn't exactly a man who compromises easily , but tonight … he showed up with his legal wife ." 1/4 8:18 pm SSD Chapter 33 20 vouchers Veronica nodded slowly , silently wondering the same . She had heard Bianca was hospitalized , and for years Bianca had been the center of Andrian's world . The two were inseparable . It was strange to see him shift his attention - even if it was toward his own wife . Elsewhere in the ballroom , several Titan Group board members whispered amongst themselves . Many had been convinced Andrian wouldn't show up - let alone with Aliana . Now , they were visibly unsettled by the couple's closeness . " Maybe it's time we realign , " one board member muttered . " It seems Mr. Andrian is done playing . " " Indeed . We may need to seriously consider switching sides , " added an elderly director . " Siding with the Zavier family r be more beneficial now ." " Tch ! You're all disloyal , " another older man snapped . " Have you forgotten how deeply Mr. Andrian cares for Miss Bianca ? I'm certain this display with his wife is just a show . He'll return to Bianca eventually ." " Oh ? You're still smitten with that cunning woman ? " " Shh ! Watch your words . Don't forget , we've profited quite well because of her . " Suddenly , silence fell across the ballroom . The main segment of the Velor Family Charity Gala was about to begin . The classical music stopped . All eyes turned toward the stage as the spotlight followed the evening's Master of Ceremonies , who stepped up to the podium . " Good evening , distinguished guests ," the man's calm , authoritative voice echoed . " We now invite Mr. Andrian Velor and Mrs. Aliana Zavier Velor to the stage . In keeping with Velor family tradition , the symbolic opening of our charity auction will begin with the signing of the donation agreement ." Andrian and Aliana made their way up to the stage . Camera flashes erupted - not just from the press but from guests eager to capture the moment . In his sharp tuxedo and her dazzling satin gown , the pair looked perfectly matched . Applause echoed as the two of them completed the symbolic signing . The MC once again took control of the atmosphere . " The charity auction is now officially open . Thank you to Mr. Andrian and Mrs. Aliana for their commitment to social causes . " An assistant stepped onto the stage , and the first items were displayed on the rotating podium - limited edition diamond jewelry , shoes designed by a prestigious French fashion house , a couture dress created through a European artist collaboration , and a rare watch once owned by Lucian Velor in his youth . Bids came quickly from enthusiastic guests . Some items were sold for up to five times their market value . Everything moved swiftly and vibrantly . Until finally … " And now , the next item , " announced the MC while motioning for the staff to bring a large painting onto the stage . " A classic piece , contemporary impressionist in style , with a unique palette knife technique . This is a rare work . Rumor has it the painter's identity remains unknown to this day - and this is the only one in existence . " 2/4 8:18 pm S 0 Chapter 33 A spotlight illuminated the painting now displayed upright . Aliana , standing at the side of the stage with Andrian , was curious to see the next piece . TI 20 vouchers But as the cloth covering the painting was removed , her heart skipped a beat . Her eyes widened , locked onto the canvas . Aliana recognized every brushstroke , every shade in the palette , even the slight accidental flaw on the lower left corner . This was not a stranger's work - she knew the painting . It was Alicia's . It was the last painting Alicia completed before leaving for college . Alicia had once dreamed of becoming a famous art But under pressure from Ethan , who insisted she focus on business , Alicia had buried her dream and enrolled in a ban program to meet her father's expectations . That painting had once been displayed in a small gallery and sold for a high price to a mysterious collector . Aliana remembered it vividly - because she had personally delivered it to the gallery after Alicia , disheartened , decided to let it go . At the time , Alicia had said , " If someone buys this painting … it means there's still someone in the world who believes in me . But Aliana had never found out who bought it . And now , somehow , that painting had returned - displayed right here , at the heart of the Velor family's event . But for Aliana , those words were like a blade . A private collector ? Who ? Why no name ? Why no permission ? Her eyes scanned the board members , looking for any suspicious reaction . But everyone appeared engrossed in the auction -or pretending to be . From across the room , Nathan noticed the shift in Aliana's expression and immediately sensed something was wrong . He became curious about what could unsettle someone usually so composed . " Five million dollars . " 3/4 8:18 pm Chapter 33 All heads turned . 20 vouchers Andrian stared at her , stunned - but there was no time to ask . Whispers erupted around the room - some in admiration , some in suspicion - but no one dared to challenge the offer made by Mrs. Aliana Velor herself . The MC turned toward the family's table . " Will the highest bid remain with Mrs. Aliana Velor ? " A pause . No one bid higher . " This painting … goes to Mrs. Aliana ! " declared the MC , closing the session with a round of applause . Aliana stood still . Her face showed no smile - but her eyes burned with resolve . She wouldn't let anyone else lay hands on Alicia's only remaining legacy . 8:18 pm Chapter 34