Chapter 3

3.

A few alumni quickly grabbed him. "Don't cause a scene! I heard the big boss is arriving any minute."

Someone asked curiously, "Who? The one from the Blackwood family?"

Another person lowered their voice in awe. "Who else? The head of the Blackwood empire, Everett Blackwood himself."

The air in the room seemed to freeze.

The Blackwood family was at the top of the food chain, not just in this city, but in the entire country.

Someone added excitedly, "I heard the young heir is coming too."

"The little prince? He's been kept out of the spotlight for years. This is huge."

"Do you think Everett will finally show off the mysterious Mrs. Blackwood?"

"No way! Word is he spoils her rotten and keeps her identity a total secret. Nobody knows who she is."

"True. People in high circles call him a total simp for his wife. Anyone who touches her is basically dead."

"Anyway, he must be here to see Caleb, right?"

All eyes turned back to Caleb.

"Caleb is the rising star of the industry. It makes sense for the Blackwoods to want a piece of his success."

"Don't forget us when you're at the top, Caleb!"

Caleb's chest puffed out with pride. He straightened his tie, his eyes filled with absolute confidence.

He shot me a mocking look.

"Elara, you were always short-sighted."

"A woman without vision is destined to rot at the bottom forever."

I scoffed, ready to bite back.

"Ah!"

A small cry rang out. Everyone turned to see a toddler stumbling along. He accidentally bumped into Sienna, tripping and falling onto the hem of her dress.

Her expensive gown was now stained with dirt from the kid's shoes. Sienna exploded, jumping back in anger.

"You little brat! You ruined my dress! Do you have any idea how much this costs?!"

The little boy backed away, his eyes filling with tears.

My heart tightened. I rushed forward and pulled the child into my arms.

The little boy clung to my neck, his chubby face looking up at me. "Mommy!"

The room went deathly silent.

Caleb's face shifted from pride to pure shock.

"When did you get married?!"

"We've only been apart for five years. How is the kid this old?"

Sienna's face twisted with jealousy and rage.

She shrieked, "You had a kid with some random guy and you still have the nerve to show up near Caleb? You're disgusting!"

Her anger boiled over, and she actually raised her hand to strike the child!

My eyes turned cold. I grabbed her wrist mid-air and shoved her back.

"Sienna Reed, if you touch him, I will make you regret being born."

Sienna stumbled back, caught by Caleb.

Caleb's expression was a mess of fury and jealousy as he stared at the boy.

"Elara, you really lowered your standards this much?"

"Whose little bastard is this?"

Suddenly, a deep, commanding voice came from behind the crowd.

"I wasn't aware that my son was considered a bastard in this house."

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