Was her disgust for him because of Urs?


    Or was it because of that man squatting in her house?


    In that moment, Yorick realized with a chilling rity that Ste might truly not want to marry him. The thought of her reluctance suffocated him.


    He gripped Ste''s wrist tighter, "Come with me."


    "I''ll say it again, let go!" Ste demanded.


    Yorick turned to face her.


    In that brief moment their eyes met, Yorick saw an endless coldness in the depths of her gaze.


    Her eyes were so cold... devoid of any warmth.


    "Do you want to end up in the hospital like Jaxon?" Ste challenged.


    Yorick was speechless.


    That was when Finley stepped in, grabbing Yorick''s wrist, "Mr. Quarry, you really need to let go of Ste."


    "And who are you?" Yorick growled.


    Justst night, he had encountered a stranger at Silk-River Residences, and now another?


    The moment Yorick saw Finley''s face clearly, his pupils shrank in shock.


    Finley Yoder!? What was he doing here?


    This medical prodigy from Ferrond, especially renowned for his wless heart surgeries, had billionaires lining up for his services.


    Yet, mysteriously, two years ago, Finley had abruptly ended his medical career, turning away all patients. Still, his surgical prowess was often spoken of in high regard.


    "The specifics of who I am don''t matter. What does is if you keep manhandling her, I assure you, Mr. Quarry, you won''t leave this banquet alive tonight."


    Finley''s eyes narrowed dangerously. At the time, his usually gentle gaze radiated an unprecedented danger.


    Even Ste tensed at Finley''s unusual disy of menace.


    Hearing those words, Yorick felt an unfathomable chill but eventually loosened his grip on Ste''s wrist.


    Once freed, Ste was immediately pulled behind Finley.


    "You okay?" he asked softly.


    "I''m fine."


    She massaged her sore wrist.


    Finley shrugged off Yorick, turning to Ste with a tender gaze, "Had enough to eat?"


    Ste only managed a bite. Watching this bunch of people, she couldn''t stomach any food anyway, only nodding, "Yeah."


    "Let''s get out of here then. This ce is filthy," Finley dered without a hint of courtesy and led Ste away.


    The entire room was in shock, particrly Yorick, who couldn''t fathom Finley''s protective stance towards Ste.


    What was their rtionship?


    And what about the armed man at Silk-River Residences?


    Clearly, Ste was aligning herself with some very influential figures. If that was the case, he had to admit that she was clever, the backing she found was seemingly nothing but powerful. Meanwhile, Jaxon was still on the floor, reeling from Ste''s kick.


    ...


    Walking downstairs, Ronald and Jeremy Patel were greeted by a chaotic pastry section.


    Tonight''s party, hosted by the Patel family, was supposed to showcase Jeremy''s meticulous nning.


    During the time when he was discussing business with Ronald, the assistant went in with a report of his sister causing a scene with a member of the Larkin family, which made Ronald visibly upset. Upon hearing the assistant''s words, he instantly stood up and was about to leave.


    Their business wasn''t done. Could this incident reflect poorly on the Patel family''s reputation? The thought deepened Jeremy''s irritation.


    With narrowed eyes, Ronald scanned the room for Finley and Ste but didn''t find them.


    Jeremy''s head ached, "Mr. Quinn, it''s not something serious. My sister''s always been so petnt, acting like a child. Why don''t we go back to the study and sign the..."