Earl's eyes widened in disbelief. "You... want me to kneel?""I told you there'd be consequences for demanding me to kneel," Frederick replied, his voice glacial.Earl's jaw clenched. His glare was searing. "Do you understand the name I bear? I am a Monroe! Have you considered the repercussions?" Vivianne tugged Frederick's sleeve. "Frederick, perhaps reconsider..."Although Frederick was a lifesaver to the Monroe family head, the Monroe family valued honor above all. This humiliation would invite not just resentment, but potential retaliation.Frederick shook his head. "He crossed my line. This is his own doing."Understanding the futility of further defiance, Earl shifted tactics. He said softly, "Young man, I misjudged you. Please accept my apology. If I truly kneel on behalf of the Monroe family, it won't bode well for you either."Earl was cunning and shrewd. He began with a deferential bow and addressed Frederick as a "young man,". It was a seemingly respectful shift.

Priscilla's expression changed dramatically. "What? Why should I kneel too? Grace, get up! We're leaving. Let's see what he dares to do!"Priscilla pulled Grace, who was still visibly frightened and trembling, along.Priscilla held her head high and glared at Frederick, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Perhaps seeing Frederick's constant protection of Vivianne had wounded her.Frederick glanced at Priscilla and turned to leave. Despite their divorce, he didn't want their relationship to completely crumble.It was Priscilla who consistently misunderstood him. Besides, she hadn't said anything truly insulting toward him or Vivianne.The crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief after seeing Frederick leave.Grace patted her chest, visibly shaken. "Prissy, don't let a person like him get to you. I was really afraid he'd lose control.""How dare he think of hitting me!" Priscilla retorted, her eyes still red.She stormed out of the private room, with Grace trailing behind."P

Priscilla picked up one of the origami lucky stars, and a wave of memories washed over her.As a child, she'd always believed these little stars could carry her through a magical ocean of fairy tales at night. After her marriage, she had shared this whimsical childhood dream with Frederick, and he had surprisingly remembered.Priscilla shook her head gently. Yet, what did it matter now? Despite his thoughtfulness and attention, none of it could change the truth.After all, he was still a man without ambition or success.Just as she was about to toss the star away, she caught a glimpse of something through the paper; there seemed to be writing inside. Curiosity piqued, she carefully unfolded the star and discovered a line of tiny script.Priscilla unfolded several more stars, each holding a message."Honey, you leave early and come home late. It's been half a month since you've had breakfast. No matter how busy you are, take care of yourself.""It's your birthday today, honey.

Frederick had no choice but to open the door and enter the mansion with Scarlett.Once inside, Frederick quickly asked anxiously, "Do you have a plan?"Scarlett's enchanting eyes held a hint of a siren's smile. "Darling, why are you always in such a rush?""I have no time for idle chatter," Frederick retorted, his expression remaining cool and distant.Scarlett shook her head reluctantly, her voice coquettish. "You have no sense of romance."With a resigned sigh, Scarlett's playful demeanor subsided."Do you happen to know about the Stanva City auction in a few days?' she asked, her voice now serious."The auction hosted by the Smiths in collaboration with the Monroes?" Frederick replied with a subtle nod.Scarlett's eyes sparkled with surprise. "So, you do know of it?" She hadn't expected Frederick, a man seemingly focused on combat and medicine, to possess knowledge of such high-society affairs.Frederick nodded again. "How is this connected to the York family?"She expla

Jacob chauffeured Frederick, Tyger, and Scarlett to Stanva City.It took three hours for the trio to arrive. Tyger sat in the passenger seat, while Frederick and Scarlett sat in the back.Once in the car, Scarlett leaned on Frederick's shoulder and slept throughout the journey. Frederick had never been to Stanva City and knew nothing about it.Tyger and Jacob, who had spent years navigating the underworld, were quite familiar with Stanva City from their younger days. Tyger explained to Frederick, "Mr. York, once we get out of the car, we'll head straight to the Monroe Pavilion.""The Monroe Pavilion?" Frederick asked, the name catching him off guard.Tyger explained calmly, "Mr. York, do you know why the Smith family chose to collaborate with the Monroe family for the auction in Stanva City?"Frederick shook his head. "Is there a reason?"Tyger smiled. "The Monroes, while influential in Jenaire City, aren't the only powerful family there. The Smiths chose them for a specific rea