For the powerful ns, a person’s identity and status were paramount.


    This was particrly crucial when selecting spouses for their descendants; they sought partners from families of simr stature, preferably forming alliances through marriage for business reasons.


    Even though the wealthy could choose their lovers casually, when it came to selecting wives, they exclusively targeted women from affluent families.


    The greatest taboo for these ns was associating with those at the societal bottom, as it was considered a stain on their prestigious lineage.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    The story of Domenic’s parents had always been shrouded in secrecy by Jordan.


    Revealing that his firstborn had married a woman of humble origins would have brought shame upon the Walsh family.


    Thus, Jordan had obscured the truth about Domenic’s mother, attributing the couple’s death to an unfortunate ident.


    This secret eventually turned into gossip among the elite.


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    Library


    Lindsey, observing these discussions, maintained a stoic exterior, yet inside, resentment brewed.


    Despite their shy appearance, these rich folks were surprisingly arrogant and ill-mannered.


    To those with wealth, she was insignificant, criticized and Looked down upon for her lower status.


    Yet, she realized that there were plenty of ordinary people like her, whose hard work was fundamental for the opulent lives of the affluent.


    These rich guys exploited the working ss, profiting off their backs while looking down upon them with disdain.


    As Lindsey clenched her fists, a surge of defiance grew within her.


    She vowed never to yield to these elitists.


    One day, she would rise to the top and make them rue the day they mocked her.


    Jordan was quite pleased with everyone’s reaction.


    He nced at Domenic and muttered under his breath, “See? I’m not being unreasonable.


    It’s just that the woman you’ve chosen is too modest to win everyone’s approval.


    ”


    Domenic’s expression remainedposed, yet his eyes harbored a depth and darkness akin to the sky on the eve of a storm.


    Gently, Domenic ced his arm around Lindsey’s shoulders.


    She looked up at him, slightly startled, and noticed how he sternly surveyed the crowd around them.


    His voice was deep and authoritative, tinged with a frosty edge.


    “If anyone has something to say, step forward and say it openly.


    Judging others behind their backs, I feel like I’m standing before hypocritical snobs, not honest folk.


    ”


    His words, veiled in satire, targeted the influential nobles and tycoons, leaving them embarrassed and their mouths sealed shut.


    The crowd fell into a hushed silence.


    Nestled in Domenic’s embrace, Lindsey gazed up at his strong jawline.


    Hismanding presence radiated a charisma that seemed to belong only to those in the highest echelons, causing her heart to race.


    At the crowd’s edge, Kristy observed Domenic’s cold yet captivating regal demeanor.


    A sense of possessiveness surged within her.


    Such a man should belong to her.


    What right does Lindsey be with him?


    Afterying eyes on Domenic, no other man could catch Kristy’s interest.


    She was determined not to give up on him easily; she had to make him hers.


    Sensing the tension in the air, Jordan cleared his throat gently and shed a friendly smile to ease the mood.


    He turned to Lindsey and inquired with curiosity, “So, how did you first meet Domenic?”


    The question piqued everyone’s interest; they too were eager to learn about Lindsey’s connection with Domenic.


    However, the memory of her initial encounter with Domenic caused Lindsey’s cheeks to flush with embarrassment.


    She couldn’t possibly reveal to Jordan that their first meeting had been a one-night stand, a result of her being drugged.