Chapter 3

You can never wake someone pretending to be asleep, and logic only works on those who understand it.

Looking at this group with no basic moral values, I felt powerless. I didn't want to bother, but thinking of my current girlfriend, such an outstanding and kind girl, I couldn't let her become their topic of gossip. I had to speak up.

"Sorry, I already have a girlfriend. She's amazing, doesn't judge by wealth, our relationship is stable, and we're planning to get engaged soon."

They didn't believe I had a girlfriend. Even if I spoke the truth, they acted like they couldn't hear, fixated on the idea that I couldn't afford a wife.

"Anyone can brag. I could say I have a wealthy fiancée too."

But my soon-to-be fiancée, Genevieve, is indeed wealthy, and this hotel we were sampling dishes at belongs to her family’s business.

I checked my watch, it was almost time for my meeting with Genevieve.

I shouldn’t have stepped into this room today; it brought unnecessary trouble.

"Believe it or not, that's the truth. I have things to do, so I’ll be leaving."

I turned to go, but was blocked a few steps in.

"Don't rush off, Caspian. Since you're Esme's old classmate, let me introduce you to someone."

Disregarding my frown and refusal, Declan called his assistant, who soon arrived with a respectful young man.

"Young Master Declan, the person is here."

He nodded to Declan, then stepped aside to reveal a cleaning lady who looked about 40 or 50.

Declan placed a hand on my shoulder, speaking as if we were good friends.

I turned to leave, but after just a few steps, someone stopped me.

"Don't be in such a hurry, Milo. Since you're an old classmate of Esme's, let me introduce you to someone."

Despite my frown and refusal, Declan took out his phone and called his assistant. Soon, a young man entered, showing respect and deference.

"Mr. Declan, the person is here."

He nodded slightly to Declan and then stepped aside to reveal a cleaning lady who looked to be in her forties or fifties.

Declan placed a hand on my shoulder, speaking in a patronizing tone.

"This is an employee at this hotel. Don't be fooled by her age; she has a stable job and probably earns more than you do each month. Plus, she has a son. If you marry her, you'll have someone to look after you in your old age."

"Hahaha, suddenly becoming a dad is not something everyone gets to experience. Class leader, you're really lucky. You should thank Mr. Declan."

Jude couldn't handle it anymore and started cursing at them. He stood up for me today and took quite a bit of heat.

I shrugged off Declan's hand and stepped forward to stop Jude from getting into a fight. I also sent the embarrassed cleaning lady away.

"As old classmates, I don't want to make a fuss with you. But if you keep pushing it, don't blame me for not being friendly."

"Oh, such big words. We're so terrified."

"What, are you going to kick us out? Do you even know that Mr. Declan reserved the whole venue today? With your broke look, you probably couldn't even afford a fraction of the cost."

They weren't wrong.

I did want them to leave. A high-end hotel had been turned into a mess because of them. High-end service sometimes needs high-end guests.

"So what if I want to kick you out?"

Declan snorted disdainfully at this.

"Milo, don't be ungrateful. Do you even know the status of the Declan's family around here? You can't afford to mess with the Declan's family!"

Although I've been busy with my projects these past few years, I'm not oblivious to the world.

Genevieve's family, where my girlfriend Genevieve belongs, is truly the leading enterprise locally. I've accompanied her to several local business banquets. Although we often just made brief appearances, I never heard of anyone with the last name Declan among those qualified to greet us.

"If you can't afford to mess with the Declan's family, do you think you can handle Genevieve's family?"

A cool female voice rose behind me. I turned to see my girlfriend standing at the entrance of the private event room in a casual suit. Her bright eyes, behind gold-rimmed glasses, looked coldly at Declan.

I'm sorry, it looks like the document you're referring to is missing. Could you provide the text that needs translation?

Genevieve caught my eye and walked over to me, gently entwining her fingers with mine and offering a warm, concerned smile.

"I didn't see you at the door. I only came over when I heard the commotion. Is this person bothering you?"

"It's just a small issue," I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Genevieve and I met through an introduction by my superior. Although it was a blind date, she genuinely admired my commitment to scientific research and supported me wholeheartedly.

I, in turn, respected her decisiveness in business. From the moment we met, we found ourselves kindred spirits, able to talk about anything.

"Let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancée, Genevieve, Miss Genevieve."

Genevieve greeted everyone graciously and leaned in to whisper teasingly in my ear, "Oh, big scientist, aren't you embarrassed to call me that?"