Anna turned back to Gabriel, her tone softening. "Please, come inside. My father is eager to meet you."Gabriel nodded, the tension in his posture easing. "Thank you, Anna."As he took a step forward, Gabriel stopped. "Anna, the butler needs to be punished for his disrespect."Anna's face hardened. "I agree. I will handle it right now." She reached for her phone, ready to call her father, but a voice interrupted her."What's going on here?" Chris, her elder brother and heir of the Springfield family, strode forward, his presence commanding immediate attention."Chris," Anna started, "there was a misunderstanding, and—"The butler, seizing the moment, interjected, “Young master Chris, this man—Gabriel—caused a commotion. He disrespected us and assaulted our guards."Chris's eyes narrowed. "Is that so?"Gabriel, maintaining his composure, said, "Your butler and guards attacked me first. I was invited here by Mr. Mac, and I expect to be treated with respect."Chris sneered. "Invited or n

Mr. Mac took a step forward, staring at Anna in disbelief. “What did you just say Chris did?"Anna flicked a gaze at Chris and repeated. "He ordered for Gabriel to be thrown away and Gabriel angrily left." Mr. Mac's face darkened with anger as Anna reluctantly confirmed Chris's actions. His disappointment in his son was palpable as he took a step closer to Chris, his voice laced with fury."You did what?" Mr. Mac's voice boomed, echoing in the quiet corners of the club. "I told you to welcome our guest, not drive him away!"Chris, unrepentant, crossed his arms defiantly. "Father, he was nothing but a troublemaker. I did what I thought was best for our family's reputation," he retorted, his tone defensive.A thunderous slap from Mr. Mac landed on Chris' cheek as he silenced him."Shut up!” Mr . Mac's eyes narrowed, his disappointment turning into frustration. "You've embarrassed us," he chided sharply. "You judged him by his appearance alone, without understanding who he truly is."C

The butler, simmering with jealousy, couldn't bear the special treatment Gabriel was receiving. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he cleared his throat loudly, drawing the attention of the gathered guests."Ladies and gentlemen," the butler began, his voice dripping with disdain, "I must question the integrity of this young man, Gabriel. Do we really know who he is? From what I can tell, he's just an opportunist who’s managed to worm his way into the good graces of the Springfield family."Gasps echoed through the crowd, and all eyes turned towards Gabriel. He stood there, unflinching, his eyes locked on the butler."Look at him!" the butler continued, pointing a finger at Gabriel. "He’s probably using deceitful means to get close to our respected Master Chen and Mr. Mac. We can't let such a charlatan roam freely among us!"The guests murmured among themselves, uncertainty rippling through the room. Jackson, seeing an opportunity, nodded in agreement, adding fuel to the but

Master Chen ordered the best drinks to be served to Master Duon and his people, and then he asked, "So, Duon, what are you proposing?"Understanding the question, Master Duon smiled. "Ah, Chen, your household is indeed blessed with remarkable women. One could say the finest in the city." His eyes glanced toward Anna, causing Mr. Mac to narrow his eyes, sensing where this might be heading.Master Chen nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Yes, Anna and Zendaya are both exceptional. They carry the Springfield name with pride and dignity."Master Duon continued, "It’s rare to see such grace and strength combined. Anna, in particular, has a certain charm and intellect that is quite rare."Mr. Mac’s unease grew as he listened to Master Duon's veiled compliments. He exchanged a worried glance with Anna, who shifted uncomfortably in her seat.Finally, Master Duon leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a proposition."Here’s what I suggest, Chen. If I win the duel, I propose that Anna marries

Master Duon, eager to know if his offer was accepted, demanded, “So, what do you say about my offer to you, Chen, in reward if you win this duel?"Master Chen, knowing Gabriel's true identity, smiled smartly. "Duon, I appreciate your generous offer, but I must decline. I don't wish to accept anything that would undermine Greenovation Gardens. They are an important asset to our community and their owner is a man I hold in high regard."Master Duon’s eyes widened in surprise. "Why would you refuse such an advantageous deal, Chen? Surely there’s more to this."Master Chen gave a measured response. "Greenovation Gardens has been instrumental in many local developments. Undermining them for short-term gain would be counterproductive in the long run."Master Duon, sensing there was more to the story but unable to pinpoint what, accepted the explanation reluctantly. "Very well, Chen. I understand your point even though I don't buy it."Mr. Mac, seizing the opportunity to counter Master Duo