?Chapter 565:


    With a teasing glint in his eyes, Ethan spared Rosie a fleeting look but said nothing, pretending he didn’t know her. He then turned smoothly to greet the man.


    “Hello, Prince Maxley. It’s an honor.”


    Prince Maxley, a distinguished figure in his thirties, was a known member of Plieca’s royal lineage and the sessor to the crown. A flicker of recognition crossed Brenna’s face. She might not have known Maxley personally, but his reputation certainly preceded him. She shared a nce with Rosie.


    Rosie, slightly red-faced, had failed in her attempt to unt her connections. Originally, she had hoped to make Brenna feel outssed for not knowing a member of royalty. However, the tables had turned when Maxley acknowledged Ethan first. Rosie was taken aback—how had she not known of Ethan’s rapport with Maxley?


    With a soft touch, Brenna rested her hand on Ethan’s arm.


    Ethan responded with a tender smile, his gaze warm, as he introduced her to Maxley.


    “This is my girlfriend, Brenna.”


    Unfazed by her earlier difort, Rosie attempted to undermine Brenna in front of Maxley.


    “This is my parents’ biological daughter, who was only recently discovered after being lost for over twenty years. She has endured quite a bit.”


    Maxley, initially reaching out to shake Brenna’s hand, paused midgesture and withdrew his hand, his actions speaking volumes. Clearly, he deemed Brenna unworthy of a simple handshake with him.


    Maxley’s attitude shifted to one of arrogance, his gaze toward Brenna cold and dismissive.


    Brenna kept her silence, knowing she couldn’t control how others saw her. A brief exchange of nces with Rosie revealed more than intended—Rosie’s carefully chosen words had inadvertently reopened Brenna’s old scars.


    Given Rosie’s adeptness in social circles, Brenna couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion that Rosie had said those things on purpose earlier.


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    Ethan’s demeanor cooled significantly as he caught Maxley’s tant disrespect toward Brenna. The friendly smile that had been ying on his lips vanished.


    Maxley, however, seemed indifferent to Ethan’s stiffening expression. In Brenna’s presence, he boldly stated, “Mr. Mitchell, honestly, she doesn’t quite match up to someone of your stature. With your prominence, you should aspire to marry someone as esteemed as a Fortune 500 executive’s daughter. Her modest upbringing andck of noble heritage hardly align with someone of your elevated rank.”


    Assuming Brenna didn’t understand thenguage he was speaking, Maxley continued to belittle her, his wordsced with condescension and sarcasm.


    He then shifted his haughty look to a more neutral expression as he faced Ethan, suggesting earnestly, “Consider my sister—royalty by birth and a sessful businesswoman. She would undoubtedlyplement your distinguished status far better. In three days, the royal family of Plieca will host a grand business gathering. Mr. Mitchell, it would be my honor to have you join us. I am eager for you to meet my sister, whose striking beauty and sharp intellect are sure to enchant you.”


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