جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 130

Razen burst out laughing the moment he heard that.“Well, after everything you just said, if I kept hiding in the background, who knows what kind of stories people would start spreading about us.”His gaze swept slowly across the crowd.“Wouldn't you agree?”The icy look in his eyes silenced everyone instantly.Whether they had been gossiping or merely listening, no one dared utter another word.After all, Razen might have only recently returned to the country, but everyone present knew exactly what kind of reputation he had built overseas.The man was practically a living nightmare.The last thing any of them wanted was to become his target.Pretending they hadn't heard anything suddenly seemed like the safest option.While the crowd played deaf and dumb, Razen strode toward Vessara.A cold, commanding aura surrounded him.Wherever he passed, silence followed.Within a

Alexander Barclay had no intention of letting anyone who slandered Vessara get away with it so easily. His gaze turned even colder.“Let me formally introduce everyone to my daughter, Vessara Lau—”“B-Barclay. Vessara Barclay.”Before Alexander could finish, Vessara quickly cut in and switched her last name on the spot.Looking up at the shock in Alexander’s eyes, she explained gently,“Since I’ve finally returned to my family and acknowledged my roots, it’s only natural to leave the past completely behind. Besides, I was born a Barclay. If I continued using another family’s last name, it would feel inappropriate.”From that moment on, Vessara Laurent ceased to exist.There was no longer that timid little girl from the Laurent family.Only the cherished daughter of the Barclay family remained—a daughter they held close and treasured.Vessara lifted h

“Well, I didn’t expect things to get this wild around here.”“That guy looks kind of familiar. He’s probably from our social circle, but he can’t be anyone important. Tsk, tsk. Turns out he’s blind as a bat.”No sooner had Razen finished speaking than Nathan eagerly jumped in, shaking his head with obvious disdain.Completely oblivious to the fact that Razen had already turned to look at him.Finally, Razen spoke.“Tone down those expressions. You look kind of creepy.”“Me?” Nathan pointed at himself in shock, looking like an offended monkey.That was the last straw.Vessara burst out laughing. “You two are way more entertaining than anyone I’ve ever met before.”“Really?” Nathan instantly became shy, squirming awkwardly as he sneaked a glance at Vessara.At that moment, Vessara rubbed both arms. For some reason,

Alexander Barclay's gaze steadied. When he looked at the man before him again, there was a trace of newfound admiration in his eyes.At last, he picked up the glass that had been sitting untouched since the wine was poured. Taking a slow sip, he continued,"You are capable—I won't deny that. But you should also understand that my daughter has only just come back to us. And yet you're already in such a hurry to marry her. Don't you think that's a little too disrespectful to an old man like me?"Razen maintained the same easy smile from beginning to end."Uncle, you can rest assured. I'm effectively the one in control of the entire Valdis family now. If Vessara marries into my family, no one will ever dare make her suffer. Besides..." His lips curved slightly. "She has the Barclay family standing behind her, doesn't she? Even if you don't trust me, you should at least trust your own family."Razen remained calm and composed, meeting Alexander's

Moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft silver glow across the room.Vessara sat by the window, watching the man lost in thought. After a few moments of silence, she spoke softly."Honestly... I'm already grateful that Mr. Barclay stood up for me today. As for everything else, I don't have any expectations. Just do whatever you think is best.""I've been thinking about sending Emilia away."Alexander quickly continued, worried she might misunderstand him."Her situation has basically been settled. There's nothing left for me to worry about there." He paused before continuing, "As for you and Razen... I met him today. He's a good young man."He sighed quietly."If you truly like him... then... you can give it a try."In the end, Alexander finally relented.There was resignation in his eyes, along with the helplessness of a father.After everything that had happened with Emilia, all he wanted now was f