Jason leaned back slightly, his expression still unreadable.“Camila didn’t tell me.”Camila’s grandfather exhaled, shaking his head.“Of course, she didn’t,” he muttered. “That girl only thinks about herself sometimes.”Jason remained silent.The old man continued, his tone firmer now.“She left this morning to join her classmates for the pre-birthday party.”Jason’s eyes narrowed slightly.She had already gone ahead without saying a word to him?Camila had always been impulsive, but something about this still felt off.Her grandfather, as if sensing his thoughts, leaned forward.“I want you to be there, Jason.”His voice was not a request.Jason met his gaze. “Why?”The old man exhaled again, this time more slowly. “Last year, when Camila’s classmates held this pre-birthday celebration, everyone came with their boyfriend or girlfriend.”His eyes darkened slightly.“Everyone… except Camila.”Jason said nothing, but he could already see where this was going.“She was the only one ther

At the Private Dinner TableThe atmosphere shifted the moment Jason stood up.No hesitation. No nerves. Just pure confidence.Camila's classmates exchanged glances, some amused, some intrigued.“Wait, is he actually serious?” someone murmured.A girl in a wine-colored dress covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. “He’s really going to play?”Somebody in a navy suit, the one who had pulled up the video, leaned back in his chair, smirking.“This should be interesting.”Jason didn’t acknowledge any of them.His movements were calm, calculated.He walked toward the sleek, black keyboard that had just been brought in.The hotel staff carefully positioned it, making sure it was properly set up.The air was thick with anticipation.Some expected him to fail.Others just wanted to see what he’d do.Camila, however, was holding her breath.Her thoughts raced.Jason had never played the piano in front of her.He had never even mentioned it.So… was he bluffing?Was this just another act of defian

At the Private Dinner TableThe air remained thick even after everyone sat back down.Jason could feel it.The way their eyes still lingered on him, waiting, expecting him to slip.Camila’s defense had stopped them—for now.But it hadn’t changed their minds.They still thought he was a fraud.A scammer.And now, they wanted proof.The guy in the navy suit smirked, tapping his finger against the rim of his wine glass.“So, Jason.” His voice was smooth, calculated. “Since you were keeping a low profile, prove it.”A few people nodded in agreement.Some even leaned forward slightly, intrigued.Jason could tell—they weren’t just asking.They were challenging him.Because if he failed to prove himself here, whatever respect he had gained would vanish instantly.Camila crossed her arms, irritation flickering in her gaze.“Seriously?” she scoffed.“You just asked him all these questions, accused him of being a con artist, and now you want proof? What, are we in court?”A few people chuckled

At the Private Dinner TableThe weight of Jason’s words settled over the room like a storm brewing on the horizon.No one spoke for a second—not because they didn’t want to, but because they didn’t know how to respond.Rio Grade Design.That wasn’t just any company.That was the company.A fortress of exclusivity.A place where money, family influence, and powerful connections meant nothing.You either earned your way in—or you were nobody to them.And yet, Jason just said he had connections there.A sharp laugh broke the silence.Dry. Disbelieving.The guy in the navy suit, who had been questioning Jason all night, shook his head.“Do you even hear yourself?” he scoffed, leaning forward.His eyes gleamed with frustration, like he was trying to convince himself Jason was lying.“No one has connections in Rio Grade Design.”A few people nodded, murmuring in agreement.A girl in gold silk folded her arms.“That company doesn’t allow outsiders to pull strings. That’s their whole reputati

The ridicule continued to spread like wildfire, but now, it wasn’t just about Jason—it was about Camila’s judgment, her choices, her so-called mistake of ever associating with him."Camila should have known better," a man sneered, shaking his head in sheer disappointment. "She was raised better than this. She could have had anyone—literally anyone—and yet, she’s here with Jason? A man who doesn’t deserve her, who will never deserve her? She just threw away her worth for a joke of a man.""Exactly!" another woman chimed in, her voice filled with mockery. "You can’t tell me there weren’t better options. She had men lined up, men from good families, rich, well-established men—and yet, here she is, standing next to Jason of all people. What a disgrace.""She’s ruined her own reputation by choosing a fraud," another voice joined in, scoffing. "If she thinks she’s making a smart choice, then she’s dumber than I thought."At that moment Camila’s face remained unreadable, but the air around