Seeing that, Astrid and Damian quickly made their way to the doors, signaling for everyone to stand.
As such, I turned to see what the fuss was about and spotted a group of seven or eight people walking in.
They were all young—men and women—but carried themselves with an air of quiet authority.
The one at the front stood out the most. Barely in his twenties, yet his presence commanded the room.
“Vernon, you’re finally here!” Astrid beamed, rushing forward to greet him. She extended a hand, clearly eager to make an impression. “Your arrival makes this engagement party truly complete.”
But Vernon Kirk didn’t take her hand. In fact, he didn’t even spare her a glance.
His sharp eyes locked on Damian instead. After a long, scrutinizing look, he finally spoke. “You’re Damian Harris?”
Damian hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Vernon’s demeanor softened slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “She hid herself well. Otherwise, we should’ve met long ago.”
I saw Astrid’s expression falter for a moment, confusion flickering across her face. She probably thought he was referring to her, but couldn't I figure out what she had hidden.
Nonetheless, she didn’t dwell on it for long.
Turning to the rest of the room, she announced proudly, “Everyone, this is Vernon Kirk from Washington—a true prince among men. His family has been our greatest ally in Denver!”
The room erupted into exaggerated applause, the guests eagerly putting on a show of excitement.
But Astrid’s eyes locked onto me, still seated on the sofa. Her face twisted with anger as she spat, “You wretched girl! Who gave you the audacity to stay seated?”
Damian immediately chimed in, “Harriet, stand up. Now!”
