The guests no longer watch the feud. Instead, they minded their own business.

At least that's what it looks like on the surface. Inside, everyone was aware of how the Winterburn family was humiliated, which brings pleasure to their enemies.

Everyone made a mental note to never associate themselves to Harry who've shown poor manners.

After all, he was just humiliated by the matriarch of the LeCoultre family. That matriarch is Maria Belle LeCoultre, a red-haired woman in her early 50s.

She was so beautiful that Blare had thought that the woman was only in her early 40's.

"She's my mother, Maria Belle LeCoultre." Ace told Blare who was sneaking a glance at him.

Blare's eyes widened and her mouth slightly parted in surprise,

'I thought they were... Oh gosh, good thing I haven't voice out any of my thoughts!' 

She was silent on the surface, but her widened eyes quickly told Ace that she had thought something to his mother.

"I hope you haven't think of anything inappropriate" Ace smirked, while Blare instantly shifted her attention to the glass of water.

"I haven't" she mumbled indifferently.

While Ace was teasing Blare, the other three awkwardly glanced at their surroundings.

Harry and Matilda turned back and returned at their table, even if their posture was straight, their eyes slightly glint in anger. They were embarrassed.

Harold looked at his daughter who was drinking a glass of water. She never gave him a glance. Harold then left and headed where his wife and son are sitting.

Ever since Lilith reached the age of 15, the woman never pestered him again.

Harold would sometimes initiate a conversation by asking about her day, but Lilith would look at him with disdain in her eyes.

Lilith had always treated him with hostility. Therefore, his act of initiating a conversation was forgotten and never given much thought.

Harold's chest always tightened when his daughter looked at him with her cold eyes.

Harold never understood Lilith. It was a shame that he didn't try to understand his daughter. Or rather, both sides didn't try to understand each other.

He took her in because he knew that the poor state of his mistress wouldn't provide their daughter with a good life. He also didn't support the mistress financially because he had known his mistress as a lavish woman.

True to Blare's description, Matilda is a rose with thorns - who had brainwashed her husband into thinking that his mistress was isn't what he thought.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Although Blare and Lilith were not aware of these, they wouldn't have cared. It was too late after all.

That mistress, Lilith's biological mother, is Lindsey Calpurnia. A French immigrant who possessed the same blonde hair as Lilith.

Lindsey was Harold's first love.

He pampered her and the woman happily accepted his expensive gifts.

He loved her.

But Harold was already engaged to Matilda. So when the Winterburn elders knew his adultery, Harold was forced to back off and leave Lindsey.

He was blind.

Matilda's |×|white lotus act made Harold guilty at his infidelity. So he repaid Matilda with affection and forced love.

Harold never believed Lilith in return. Lilith was aware of this because Matilda and his son would always act like they're the ones who got wronged.

The gala proceeded as Blare and Ace would always be together, being greeted by powerful businessmen. Blare was stiff at first but quickly force herself to adapt.

"My son! How are you faring?" Ace's mother, Marie greeted and gave her son a hug.

Ace hugs his mother back, "Same as always." then both break the hug.

Aaron soon followed his wife and eyed Blare. Blare flinch and respectfully greeted, "Good evening, Sir LeCoultre and Madam LeCoultre."

Maria hummed in acknowledgement, "Hm. The dress truly suits you."

Blare's cheeks glowed but still flash a smile at the woman, "Thank you, Madam. This dress from Maribella would truly make anyone dazzling." 

Being complimented by other people genuinely always make Blare shy. But would always accept it wholeheartedly and would praise the other in return. It was never good to refute compliments, especially if the other party genuinely said it.

Maria smiled deepened at the woman's shyness and genuine praise. Ace saw this and silently glared at his mother.

Maria saw her son glared and only chuckled. Then she looked at Blare, "My, to hear that you've taken a liking to the dress I designed greatly pleases me. Well, my son chose it for you so strictly so it would suit you..." She then glances at his son who's eye twitches.

Blare only smiled in response to her words. She couldn't say that she had hated Maria's son for making her wear 11 dresses.

Aaron looked at Blare who exhaled softly and regained composure. Their eyes met and Blare bowed her head in respect.

"Come home if you're set on her," Aaron said as he walked away with his wife.

Blare who heard this, look at Ace with confusion and fear in her eyes.

"What was that, Sir?" Blare frantically said. The words of Aaron was held a double meaning. As Blare studied his words, it was either work-related or she was a girlfriend candidate for Ace.

But she quickly shoves the latter assumption at the back of her mind. There was no way that the LeCoultre will arrange a marriage to their enemies. She was still a Winterburn.

Ace looked at the woman who still addressed him respectfully. "Who knows," he said as he continues staring at her frantic eyes.

Blare sensed this and quickly looked away. Her lips almost turning into a frown.

'What does he mean "set on her"? Are they trying to matchmake us? Or is it work-related? Which is it?!!' she kept her bitter feelings inside.

"It's... work-related... Right Sir?" Blare peak at Ace, who was no longer staring at her.

Ace looked at her in the corner of his eyes for a second. "Who knows" he replied.

Blare's eye twitches in annoyance. "Fine" she mumbled angrily. Then turned her attention to the elites who are chatting.

Aiken, all this time, was only looking at Blare and Ace. He never dared approach her. Aiken was waiting for Blare to cool down so they can talk.

But Blare was set on ignoring the man for the rest of the mission.

Aiken tightened his hold on his glass of wine. He was irritated that Blare looked unbothered while holding onto Ace's arm.

Clara sensed this and followed Aiken's line of sight. There, Clara saw Blare and Ace who seemed comfortable at each other's hold. She looked solemnly at Aiken.

"Do you love her?" was the words Clara uttered. Aiken seemed to wake up and shot Clara a surprised look.

Clara smiled, understanding Aiken's feelings. Her smile was forced but she tried to make it normal.

"It's never too late."

She muttered, encouraging him with her sad amber eyes.