Chapter 786: Chapter 252: A Fool Says, “I Am Invincible at the Same Tier_3


    “`


    But he had to leave.


    Vera Williams glanced away, not daring to meet anyone’s gaze, afraid to reveal the shimmering tears in her eyes.


    The gentle breeze on her cheeks, so light and uplifting before, now felt heavy.


    Yet the somber mood lingered only for a moment. She turned back to face Leonard Churchill, her smile returning, her grip on his hand tightening.


    There was no way to stay.


    It wasn’t that she didn’t want to stay.


    Thinking this, Vera smiled happily, as if nothing had happened.


    Leonard Churchill clearly sensed the fluctuation in her air, but he couldn’t understand the reason behind her emotional shift.


    As if guessing what he was thinking, Vera said seriously, “Because meeting Mr. Leonard Churchill has been the greatest fortune of my life.”


    She was that kind of girl – a little bit of luck could keep her happy for a long time.


    Especially since meeting Leonard Churchill was, to her, an immense stroke of luck.


    ...


    The Song Family’s banquet was bustling with activity.


    The notable figures from all across Black Gold City were invited, including many nobles from the neighboring city-states.


    Upper-class society’s balls are all about networking and resource exchanges.


    This time, the Song Family’s higher-ups also had plans to introduce the Rose Chamber of Commerce to high society’s field of vision.


    Of course, there was also the matter of Vera’s marriage.


    After all, she was a girl.


    No matter how much wealth she accumulated, it ultimately had to be entrusted to someone.


    The older generation wanted Vera to meet the young talents.


    The Song Family’s elders all wore sour expressions at this grand entrance.


    While in upper-class society, embracing and holding hands were common gestures of courtesy, not considered intimate,


    the unhidden radiant smile on Vera’s face clearly indicated something more between them.


    Especially to the carefully dressed young men, their jealousy could scarcely be concealed.


    Yet they couldn’t help but feel outdone, as none could claim a presence superior to that of the young man in the white suit.


    Leonard was like a drawn sword, its gleaming blade brilliant and arresting.


    One look, and the onlookers felt an inevitable sense of defeat.


    The younger men were full of resentment.


    The Song Family elders looked on with displeasure as well.


    But what no one noticed was, in a corner, an old man with white hair exclaimed in admiration, “This is what young men should be like! Such demeanor is truly rare. Didn’t you say he was just an insignificant card master?”


    Beside him, a middle-aged man replied with an embarrassed expression, “Father... We’ve investigated, and that ‘Leonard Churchill’ indeed has no significant background.”


    The old man waved his hand dismissively, “Hmph! If you lot had half his demeanor when you were young, you wouldn’t be so pitiful now. It seems your judgment is even poorer than your ability!”


    “...”


    The middle-aged men by his side shared a collectively awkward look.


    None of them knew that besides Vera, the old gentleman was the only one aware of the Rose Chamber of Commerce’s innovative ideas.


    ...


    As soon as they entered, Vera was whisked away by her mother to meet the matronly elders.


    Temporarily separated, Leonard had no interest in dancing and found himself alone at the buffet, enjoying some food.


    It wasn’t his first time at such a high-society event, and there was nothing novel about it for him.


    The people here clearly didn’t welcome him, and no one sought to make his acquaintance.


    Besides, with all eyes on Vera, Leonard enjoyed his solitude in the corner.


    “`