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    They all looked at As with apprehension, unsettled by his sudden change in expression. Celine quickly caught on, maintaining her peacemaker persona.


    With a rare smile, she preemptively spoke before As could. "As. It''s been years since youst visited. Naturally, things are a bit unfamiliar to you


    now.


    "I just invited everyone here to reunite us all. Over the years, everyone has been busy with business, not to mention the upheavals in the Pierce family..."


    Her voice trailed off, sounding mncholic.


    "The upheavals in the Pierce family?" As''s tone carried a hint of mockery, his already cold gaze turning even colder. "Indeed, the upheavals in the Pierce family were quite significant. Even those who are here have be traitors."


    Celine hurriedly interjected, "Don''t be rude. Everyone who''s here today are all dear friends of the Pierce family, and they all..."


    "I don''t see any friends here," As snorted, cutting off Celine. "Every word they said to criticize us earlier was venomous. I saw no trace of affection for me!"


    His words made it clear to me that he had been observing those radical individuals. I was sure that the one who had challenged me earlier must have been Celine''s staunch ally.


    "Are you trying to tell me you turned a family banquet into a scene for no reason?" As nced at Celine.


    Celine''s expression changed, and as she was about to speak again, a well-dressed elderly man stepped forward from the crowd. His sparse brown hair was neatlybed, emitting a peculiar sheen, and his features indicated his Nocturnian heritage.


    His eyes betrayed his cunning nature. He nced at me briefly before fixing his gaze on As. saying, "Mr. As, you''re mistaken."


    Everyone turned to look as the old man approached us.


    "We are all old friends of the Pierce family, and our rtionship with your family goes back almost a century. When the Pierce family was in turmoil, we were deeply distressed. Your father''s passing was regrettable. He was such a talented young man. What a pity..."


    He feigned a sorrowful expression, seeming like quite the actor.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    "But in recent years, we all knew his death wasn''t so simple, which has also caused hardship for your aunt Back then, she was just a powerless girl who took on the mantle of the Pierce family in a crisis. It wasn''t easy for her either."


    A few murmurs of agreement apanied his words.


    Celine''s expression instantly softened.


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    Encouraged by the approval, he continued, "At that time, you were still young, and your grandfather, who was mourning the loss of his son, was lost in confusion every day. It was tough for your aunt to manage the family business while investigating your father''s case, and she faced immense external pressure. We didn''t expect her to be so resilient."


    It was clear he was trying to praise Celine.


    et


    "You''ve been away these past few years, so you don''t know the details. But now, as we all can see, you''ve inherited your father''s genes, and you''ve be a leader among the younger generation. However, you must remember to repay others for their kindness."


    After speaking, he nced at Celine, clearly seeking her approval. His expression was quite lecherous, which made me feel extremely disgusted.


    Celine immediately returned his encouraging look.


    The old man became more excited, continuing, "I have to say, both ATL Empire and Pierce Corporation owe your aunt for her perseverance and efforts.


    "Remember to be kind, young man. Don''t let love blind you. Your father''s vendetta remains unsettled, so please stay vignt!" He looked meaningfully at As.


    "Well said. I do need to stay vignt. Fortunately, I always have been," As said, taking the cue.


    "It looks like you''re the spokesperson for these people today, Johnny But." As''s tone was disdainful.


    The But family''s former patriarch, Moses, had a close friendship with the Pierce family. But''s business dealings with the Pierce family were mutually beneficial too.