After leaving the villa, Frederick jogged to Anya's sports car and opened the passenger door."Sweetheart, it's not easy to drive in those heels. Let me drive."Frederick's gentlemanly act caught Anya off guard, but she shook her head helplessly. While she acknowledged his charm and good looks, Anya couldn't help but feel a twinge of disdain for him.What good was a handsome face without ambition and career?Frederick took the wheel and sped off toward the restaurant. As they walked in, their striking good looks immediately commanded attention, a seemingly flawless pair that turned heads wherever they went.At that moment, a man in a high-end suit with glasses approached. His pale complexion and slightly sunken cheeks couldn't hide his excitement as he called out from a distance."Ann, over here!"This was Wynne, Anya's senior.Hearing her name, Anya turned and was taken aback. Wynne looked nothing like she remembered.When Anya was a freshman, they had met a few times and Any
Wynne's eyes flew open in bewildered confusion. Instead of Anya's dainty hand, his lips had met with a large, black shoe caked in polish.He recoiled instantly and spat repeatedly as black residue clung to his mouth. It was an utterly repulsive experience.Anya couldn't suppress her laughter at the scene. She hadn't anticipated Frederick's swift intervention. In a moment of uncertainty, Frederick had tossed his shoe to her rescue.Witnessing Wynne's predicament, Frederick decided to escalate the situation further. He slipped the shoe back on, then retrieved a fresh dollop of polish from a nearby complimentary shoe-shining machine. With exaggerated motions, he began vigorously buffing his shoe.He then lamented in a dramatic tone, "Oh dear, my shoe is filthy!"Wynne observed Frederick's antics and was incensed. Not only had this man ruined his romantic gesture, but he was now openly mocking him.It was a provocation beyond tolerance!"Hey, who the hell do you think you are?"F
Frederick's words struck a nerve, and Wynne struggled to contain his mounting fury. He was on the brink of losing his temper when Anya intervened, stepping forward to address Frederick."Enough with the nonsense. Let's go inside."She then turned and walked away, with Frederick following close behind.Seeing Anya's nonchalant demeanor and lack of support, Wynne watched their retreating figures, his face twisted with anger."Just wait until I get my hands on you!"Anya's nonchalant response to Frederick's words and her lack of rebuke stemmed from her traditional upbringing. The notion of a hand-kiss greeting was utterly foreign and unpalatable to her.However, she assumed Wynne's familiarity with this custom was due to his extensive travels abroad and chose not to fault him, unaware of his predatory intentions.The trio settled into their seats. Wynne feigned cordiality and extended his hand toward Frederick."Hello, I'm Wynne Chandler," he said with a practiced smile. Sensing
Wynne's eyes widened in surprise. Frederick's nonchalant tone revealed that he wasn't actually in pain.A sense of unease crept over Wynne as he summoned all his strength to squeeze harder, only to feel as though he were gripping a solid steel bar. On the other hand, Frederick remained no response. A sharp pain shot through Wynne's hand as Frederick squeezed harder, a smirk playing on his lips."Despite the intense pressure on my hand, I must bear the pain like a man, right? Isn't that what you said?" Frederick taunted him.Wynne's face paled. Determined not to appear weak in Anya's eyes, he gritted his teeth and endured the agony, sweat beading on his forehead.Frederick's smile widened as he applied even more force. Wynne's hand felt as though it were caught in a vice, and the pain was truly unbearable.He struggled desperately to free himself, but Frederick's grip remained unyielding.Finally, Wynne collapsed to the ground as he was still desperately pulling at his trapped h
Wynne returned. His eyes, burning with hatred toward Frederick, were hidden behind a facade of cheer."Well, Mr. York, you're much stronger than I expected. I must say, you're truly exceptional!"Frederick wasn't fooled by Wynne's act. It was clear Wynne was putting on a show for Anya to maintain a gentlemanly facade in front of her. Wynne was playing a shrewd game. Anya remained cordial toward him, and Wynne continued to treat her with gentlemanly respect.Wynne sat back in his chair as if nothing had happened and called for the waiter. "Let's order," he declared, then turned to Frederick with a sly smile."Don't hold back, Mr. York. After all, it's not every day you get to dine at such a prestigious establishment."This wasn't bragging. This particular Fancenia restaurant was the epitome of fine dining in Jenaire City. The ingredients, flown in fresh from Fancenia itself, ensured a hefty price tag. A meal for the three of them would easily cost thousands, which was far beyon
A blush crept across Anya's face as she said softly, "Wynne, you always know how to tease me."Now, all eyes were on Frederick.Wynne didn't believe this country bumpkin, who didn't even understand the hand-kissing gesture, could know Mothian."Just a heads-up, Mr. York. Westargian cuisine is served in separate courses, so everyone orders their own dishes. But no worries, if Mothian isn't your forte, just tell me and I'll be happy to translate for you."Anya was well aware of Frederick's background and knew formal education wasn't his strong suit. She worried he wouldn't understand Mothian and wanted to intervene, saving him from embarrassment.Surprisingly, Frederick took the menu, scanned it slowly, and then let out a scoff."Do you even know where you are? Ordering in Mothian? How unsophisticated."Anya and Wynne braced themselves for another rant about Salmasian customs. Anya couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment washed over her.This man simply lacked refineme
Anya's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected the seemingly unreliable Frederick to be fluent in two foreign languages, and with apparent skill as well.She couldn't help but smile slightly at his teasing remark to Wynne.Wynne was twice defeated by Frederick and felt a pang of annoyance. First his strength, then his Mothian—two areas Wynne prided himself on. This left him feeling quite disgruntled.There was something off there.His eyes narrowed. It seemed he would have to rely on his family's influence and connections to best this fellow. Surely he couldn't lose on that front as well!After all, he knew a considerable portion of Jenaire City's elites. Those he didn't know personally, he had at least heard of. Frederick couldn't possibly be a significant player in high society."Who would have thought, Ann, that you'd find yourself such a talented husband."Anya was caught off guard by Frederick's unexpected talents as well. Though they were engaged, being referred
Observing Anya's frown, Wynne mistook her displeasure for disappointment in Frederick's meager salary, which would barely cover the cost of their current meal.Feeling self-satisfied, he continued his relentless verbal attack. "Mr. York, would you be interested in working at my company? If you're competent enough, you could be a supervisor earning over ten thousand dollars a month. "A man should find ways to provide for his woman, especially a goddess like Ann. She deserves a capable man who can take care of her."As Wynne spoke, he puffed out his chest, subtly signaling to Anya that he was the man who could truly provide for her. However, Frederick only smiled faintly. He recognized Wynne's fundamental misunderstanding of Anya. These words would only serve to undermine Wynne's efforts. With a tone of righteous indignation, Frederick responded, "Men and women are equals. Women aren't mere accessories to men; they have the ability to find their own happiness. My sweetheart is a