The implication was crystal clear.
Old Mr. Blackwood almost exploded on the spot.
The Montgomery family was practically shoving their scheming faces into his!
The audacity.
Trying to steal the Blackwood family's woman right in front of him?
His fiery temper flared up.
Old Mr. Lancaster raised a hand, quietly pressing down on Old Mr. Blackwood's arm.
Tonight was Serena's gala.
He refused to let these reckless fools ruin his granddaughter's special night.
Old Mr. Lancaster's voice went flat. "Thank you for the kind offer, Mr. Montgomery. However, my Serena is still young. She just returned home and has no plans in that regard for now."
Sebastian's smile didn't waver. "Being young is fine. Feelings and relationships can always be nurtured over time."
He looked at Serena with a senior's scrutinizing gaze. "Miss Lancaster managed a lucky achievement in Severia on behalf of the Elyndorian team. It's quite impressive."
"She truly has Lancaster blood. To grow up so outstanding despite being lost on the outside since childhood is rare."
"However..."
He changed his tone, lacing his words with profound meaning. "Miss Lancaster just returned to the family and her footing isn't stable. She carries too many titles now, and she's young. Without a solid foundation and someone to support her, climbing too high makes it easy to fall."
"It isn't always a good thing for young people to be put on a pedestal."
"If she slips, she won't just embarrass herself. She'll embarrass the Lancaster family."
Lucky?
A little achievement?
Put on a pedestal?
Fall?
The smile vanished from Old Mr. Lancaster's face.
Old Mr. Blackwood frowned deeply.
And Dominic smoothly chimed in. "My father is right."
"That's why Miss Lancaster needs someone to pave the way for her in high society."
He offered a faint smile. "Our Montgomery family happens to have that capability."
Those words dropped heavily.
The smile froze on Dominic's face.
The surroundings fell silent for a second.
Then, someone couldn't hold back and let out a low snicker.
Dominic's face turned slightly green, but he tried to maintain his composure, forcibly suppressing his humiliation. "It's normal that you haven't heard of the Montgomery family, since you just returned to Vaelion City."
"After all, a hidden aristocratic family like ours is different from ordinary wealthy households."
"We rarely move in the public eye, but our true foundation cannot be matched by common rich families."
As he spoke, his gaze intentionally swept over the Lancaster family.
His implication was clear: no matter how wealthy the Lancasters were, they were just an ordinary rich family.
And the Montgomerys were a deeply rooted, hidden aristocracy.
Serena arched an eyebrow and let out a soft laugh. "Are you hidden so deeply because you're literally nobodies?"
"Pfft, hahaha!"
Jasper was the first to burst out laughing, giving Serena a massive thumbs up.

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