“That’s right. That girl must be Scarlet. I saw her at a banquet two years ago,” Peyton said after a moment of recollection, nodding lightly.
The busty, fair-skinned socialite’s face turned pale. Her wide eyes filled with shock as she exclaimed, “No way! That girl was Mr. Gray’s fiancee?”
Felix Langford’s expression was icy as he clarified, “Not quite a fiancee yet, but both families have agreed. It’s essentially a done deal.”
“Two years ago, the Gray family already hinted at their intentions, but Scarlet was still young then. Now, it’s been confirmed,” Felix added. “According to Rolando, they’ve even set the date for their engagement.”
“Oh my God! This is insane!” The socialite clapped a hand over her mouth, disbelief written all over her face.
Rolando’s fiancee, in the bustling streets of downtown, had been seen being affectionate with another man-who even dared to slap Scarlet on the rear.
If word got out, both the Wong family and the Gray family would be humiliated.
After all, the Gray family was the third most powerful family in Pelens. Mr. Gray’s uncle was none other than Mr. Richardson.
Since Pelens was the capital of Shipmeda State, Mr. Richardson held a vice-provincial rank-a position of great prestige.
Rolando himself was the leader of Pelens’ “Four Young Masters” and a prominent figure among the city’s younger generation.
This title wasn’t self-proclaimed; even Lysander King Zion Watson, a man of immense influence, had affirmed it. Zion Watson had repeatedly praised Rolando, stating he was a hundred times better than his own disappointing son, Jace Watson.
Both the Wong family and the Gray family had deep political ties. A scandal of this magnitude would send shockwaves through their circles, leaving everyone uneasy.
“Tomorrow is a holiday. Rolando and his grandfather are scheduled to visit the Wong family to discuss engagement details,” Felix said coldly. “But now, something like this happens? The Wong family is practically slapping the Gray family in the face!”
The Wong family was merely a billion-dollar household, led by the eldest brother who served as city secretary. It was enough to maintain appearances, but the Gray family had already extended a hand of friendship by proposing the engagement.
If it weren’t for Rolando’s obsession with Scarlet, would the Wong family ever have such an honor?
How dare they?
“This must be Scarlet’s doing,” Peyton said thoughtfully. “Holger would never allow this.”
“But that bh has already brought the man to Pelens. She’s deliberately trying to humiliate Rolando!” Felix’s face was as cold as frost.
The car fell silent after his remark.
The muscular man in the passenger seat clenched his jaw, his thoughts unreadable.
Felix let out a chilling laugh, his eyes filled with malice. “Those two scumbags think they can shame Rolando like this? We won’t let them off easy!”
“And as for the Wong family, I’d love to see how they explain themselves tomorrow!” Felix declared. “I’ll call Rolando in a bit.”
He then turned to the muscular man. “Jiri, we need to find an opportunity to teach these two a lesson!”
The muscular man, Jiri Langley, sat straight in the front passenger seat. His voice was cold as he replied, “Rolando and I grew up together. Of course, I’ll help him with this.”
Peyton’s face changed immediately upon hearing his words.
As a friend, she knew Jiri Langley’s background and temperament all too well.
This hulking man, despite his calm appearance, was only twenty-five years old and a former soldier known as the “King of Soldiers” in the Shipmeda State military district.
He had been a shoo-in to join the elite Blade Special Forces, but his explosive temper had cost him dearly. The day before his induction into The Edge, he had gotten into a drunken brawl in Pelens and injured the son of a high-ranking official.
Although the matter was ultimately hushed up, Jiri was disqualified from The Edge.
His older brother, Ethan Langley, on the other hand, was exceptional-having joined the Blade Special Forces early, rising to become a team leader within The Edge, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel, and recently advancing to the peak of Grandmaster level. Ethan was a true prodigy of the younger generation.
The Langley family, ranked tenth in Pelens, was no small force. Their uncle was a major general stationed in the Haralu military district.
Jiri himself was a Semi-Grandmaster. If he made a move, Scarlet’s boyfriend would be as good as dead.
Felix Langford, a first-tier socialite in Pelens, came from the Langford family, ranked fourth-just behind the Gray family.
Even so, Felix still called Jiri “brother,” because the brute had helped him out of countless difficult situations.
If Jiri and Felix joined forces, with Rolando and other socialites from their circle, Scarlet’s boyfriend was doomed.
“Great! Jiri, your brother is coming over tomorrow morning too, right? Invite him along,” Felix said with a grin. “It’s been a while since we’ve all gathered. Let’s take advantage of his day off to have a proper drink!”
Felix smiled easily, as if dealing with Flynn was just a side task. The real priority, to him, was dining with Ethan Langley.
Peyton, however, grew worried. “Felix, Jiri, I think we should be cautious about this,” she urged.
“Leave it to the elders to handle. This is a serious matter.”
Though she wasn’t close to Scarlet, Peyton knew both families’ elders had a longstanding relationship. It would be better to let them sort this out.
The Wong and Gray family patriarchs had weathered decades of storms and would undoubtedly handle things with precision.
If this was left to these reckless young men, Scarlet’s boyfriend might not leave Pelens alive.
Felix scoffed. “Peyton, those two scumbags humiliated Rolando. How much more ‘cautious’ should we be?”
“Scarlet marrying Rolando is like her family hitting the jackpot. Instead of behaving, she dares to fool around with another man?”
Peyton fell silent.
As the daughter of Bobby Sheppard, president of the Dragon Creek Society, Peyton came from the Sheppard family-the second wealthiest family in Pelens, with assets of over $2 billion.
But everyone knew that, in terms of real power, the Sheppard family ranked no higher than fourth. The Gray family was truly second, followed by the Langford family.
The Sheppard family’s supposed second-place title was merely a facade, as the other two families didn’t want to stand out too much.
With Felix Langford and Jiri Langley firmly supporting Rolando, Peyton realized she couldn’t persuade them any further.
As Felix called Rolando, Flynn and Scarlet had already arrived at the Wong family estate.
The Wong family’s mansion was located in the western suburbs of Pelens, a lakeside estate spanning over ten acres.
The property featured a series of traditional-style buildings, all part of the Wong family’s assets.
Every corner of the estate exuded an air of antiquity and elegance. While the Wong family wasn’t among the top-tier families in Pelens, their residence was undeniably impressive.
Holger, the family patriarch, was a traditionalist who refused to split the family assets while alive. As a result, Scarlet’s uncles and her immediate family all lived on the estate.
The large household created a lively atmosphere, with family banquets held frequently.
However, Scarlet’s father, Eduardo, had been born with a disability and was often marginalized by his two brothers.
When the family divided rooms, Scarlet’s family was relegated to the northeastern corner of the estate, where their courtyard was much smaller.
Holger had never held high hopes for Eduardo and wasn’t particularly fond of him. Since the other two sons were often busy managing affairs and entertaining guests, Scarlet’s family was left to live in the farthest reaches of the estate.
Flynn parked the car outside the mansion. He and Scarlet stepped out, carrying bags of gifts, chatting and laughing as they headed toward the back of the estate.
This sight left the Wong family servants stunned.
Eduardo’s daughter had brought a man home-and the two seemed very close!
“Ms. Scarlet, you’re back! And this is…?” one of the servants asked hesitantly.
Scarlet smiled faintly and introduced, “This is my boyfriend, Flynn.”
“What?!” The servant nearly collapsed, staring at Flynn in disbelief, her eyes bulging.
“But, Miss, isn’t your grandfather arranging your engagement to Mr. Gray?” she stammered, trying to suppress her shock.
Scarlet replied calmly, “Yes, I know. I’ll explain it to my grandfather later.”
With that, she and Flynn continued walking toward the inner courtyard.
“My God! The Gray family is coming tomorrow to propose, and Ms. Scarlet brought her boyfriend home?!”
“I need to tell the patriarch immediately!” The servant stumbled as she rushed toward the main courtyard.