The moment Edgar strode into the rooms, Den''s face flushed a shade of crimson


    The history between the ir and Odom families was no secret, and the ir family''s recent actione had left the Odoms smarting from public humiliation.


    Den''s smile was more a grimace, but with all eyes on him, he steeled himself and extended a hand. Before he could grasp Edgar''s, thetter withdrew and asked." Where''s Jade?"


    To the casual observer, Edgar still cut the figure of a man hopelessly in love. The room buzzed with whispers as Shelia descended the staircase.


    d in a couture gown that shimmered under the chandeliers, and dripping in jewels that could fund a small nation, Sheliamanded attention.


    Guests flocked to her, their congrattions echoing through the marbled hall.


    Having attended many events with Juan in the past, she smiled politely in poise, as if she were already the future Mrs. Nichols.


    "Dad," Shelia cooed, sidling up to Den.


    He beamed with pride, patting her hand. "You''re the picture of elegance."


    Shelia''s gaze shifted to Edgar, her lips curving into a triumphant smile. "Edgar, how kind of you to join us!"


    Edgar''s eyes narrowed as he noted the change in her demeanor. Gone was the terrified girl he once knew, reced by this confident, calcting woman. With Juan now backing her, she wasn''t afraid of him exposing her identity. "Congrattions! You''ve finally gotten what you wanted," Edgar said, taking her outstretched hand.


    He gave it a slight squeeze, his eyes conveying a silent warning.


    Shelia, feigning ignorance, smiled sweetly. "Yes, isn''t it wonderful? And I have you to thank, Edgar. Without your help, my path to marrying Juan wouldn''t have been so smooth."N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Turning to Den, she added, "Dad, we should thank Edgar properly, don''t you think?"


    "Of course, Edc like a son to me," Den agreed.


    He patted Edgar on the shoulder. "Now, if you''ll excuse us, there are other guests we must greet."


    The dismissal was clear, and Edgar bristled. "Den, have I fallen out of your favor?"


    Over the years, he had treated Den like a father. Others expected Edgar to be Den''s sessor. But now that Jade had been found, Den had turned around and arranged for her to marry Juan, essentially abandoning Edgar. Den waved a hand dismissively. "How so? You''re overthinking things."


    Despite saying that, he led Sheli toward the other side of the hall.


    Chace grunted, "Mr. ir is a piece of work. He left us to clean the mess, and we helped find his daughter. Now he''s cozying up to the Nichols family and tossing us aside."


    "Where is the real Jade?" Edgar asked.


    Chace replied, "She''s on standby. She''ll make her entrance when Juan announces his engagement to Shelia."


    A cold, calcting light flickered in Edgar''s eyes. "Den, if you insist on ying the heartless card, don''t me me for showing no mercy. The gloves are off, and no one is walking away unscathed."