Chapter 3

I couldn't wait for them to leave. The moment they stepped outside, I shut the door in their faces, leaving Libby and Zac stomping their feet in frustration outside.

"That arrogant bastard! No way! I can't leave Tiana with Kyle. I need to be closer to her."

As Libby and Zac looked at the small villa next door, they started scheming.

"A place like this is a bit small, but I can put up with it for Tiana!"

Libby walked up to the front door of the villa, knocked with absolute confidence, and said to the owner, "Hey, we're buying this place. Here's 50 thousand dollars."

The homeowner's eyes went wide. Staring at them like they were insane, he snapped, "Are you two out of your minds? 50 thousand dollars? A house like this in this neighborhood goes for at least a million! Get the hell out of here!"

With that, he slammed the door shut.

Libby and Zac exchanged a look, their faces full of disdain.

Zac muttered under his breath, "Is this guy nuts? Making up prices like that. We've only been out of Calveria for ten years, and this beat-up house is supposed to be worth a million dollars? What does he think it's made of, gold?"

Libby chimed in, "Seriously. That kind of price makes sense for Harvelle, but trying to rip us off in Calveria? Taking a liking to this house was doing them a favor! Pft!"

I couldn't help but laugh when I overheard their complaints. This was prime real estate in the heart of Somerset. One million dollars was a steal! Ten years abroad had turned these two into absolute bumpkins.

Libby and Zac walked away, cursing all the way.

The next day, the sun was shining as the licensing summit began right on time in the city's most luxurious banquet hall. The room was packed with high society and industry elites. Libby and Zac walked in dressed to the nines, their eyes full of smug confidence.

Just then, I walked into the hall with a steady stride. Sure enough, the person they came back to beg was me.

Libby caught sight of me immediately. A sneer instantly spread across her face. She rushed over and squeaked, "Well, well, Kyle, what are you doing at a high-end event like this? Someone like you doesn't belong here. You're just here to cause trouble, aren't you?"

I remained calm and composed. "If you two can be here, why can't I?"

Libby was as arrogant as ever. She was in for a real surprise in a minute.

She refused to let it go. Putting her hands on her hips, she yelled to the crowd, "Everyone, look! This guy is here to cause trouble.

"He's dead broke and can't even afford decent clothes, so how could he possibly have anything to do with a prestigious licensing summit like this? Security! Where are the guards? Throw him out!"

The surrounding crowd turned to stare and whispered among themselves. Hearing the commotion, a security guard quickly ran over and said awkwardly, "Sir, please cooperate with us."

Frowning, I was just about to speak when someone in the crowd shouted, "Mr. Stewart is here!"

The crowd parted, and Toby Stewart, the organizer of the summit, came striding over.

Taking in the scene, Toby immediately barked, "Stop right there! What are you doing?"

Libby hurried over, pointing at me. "Mr. Stewart, you're just in time. This guy's background is shady. He's definitely here to ruin things. You can't let him ruin today's summit."

Toby looked at Libby in confusion, then looked at me, his face turning solemn. "What nonsense are you talking about? This is Mr. Duncan, the very owner of the patent being licensed today!"