Chapter 372

Eleanor Langley smiled faintly. "Adrian is exceptionally capable. Haven't you always admired him? Let's finalize the engagement by year-end. It'll put Isabella's mind at ease. The poor girl has been so anxious lately."

Vincent Langley's gaze flickered. His preferred son-in-law was Sebastian Cortez.

But it didn't matter. He had his own methods.

After all, what man could resist the twin temptations of beauty and power? Even the most principled were merely mortal.

After exchanging pleasantries with the host, the couple entered the banquet hall.

At six-thirty, the birthday celebration commenced.

The elderly Mr. Macmillan took the stage with his granddaughter's support. Dressed in a deep red traditional jacket, he radiated vitality and dignity.

Nathan Aldridge stood among the guests, a cold glint in his eyes. He wouldn't swallow the insult Mrs. Macmillan had publicly hurled at his boss.

Applause erupted as well-wishes filled the air.

When Nathan's turn came, he proclaimed, "May your fortune be as boundless as the ocean, and your years as enduring as the mountains."

Mr. Macmillan's brow furrowed slightly before he smiled. "Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, Mr. Aldridge. Please enjoy the festivities."

"You're too kind." Nathan's smile remained. "I'd hate to disrupt your celebration, but Mrs. Macmillan accused me of gatecrashing earlier. Since you personally issued the invitation, I find myself in an awkward position."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Mrs. Macmillan, who had just entered, paled.

Isabella's stomach clenched. Nathan's move had derailed her plans completely.

Her gaze involuntarily landed on Evelyn Roland. The woman stood quietly beside Nathan, yet shone like a rare pearl. Even Adrian's attention seemed drawn to her.

Mr. Macmillan's expression darkened. "My daughter-in-law speaks without thinking. I beg your indulgence."

"With all due respect," Nathan scanned the room, "that explanation doesn't satisfy me. Your family halted our contract negotiations over a single remark. Now I understand who truly holds power in the Macmillan household."

He pivoted sharply. "For the herbal medicine partnership, we're offering double market price. We need your decision tonight—our production line can't wait."

A calculating gleam entered Mr. Macmillan's eyes. The young man had come to make trouble.

"You exaggerate, Mr. Aldridge. Business requires mutual consent. Our limited inventory leaves us unable to accommodate."

The double offer had been Mr. Macmillan's original demand—one Nathan had previously refused. His sudden concession now raised suspicions. What game was he playing?