"Everyone, please forgive us."
My father raised his wineglass, not sparing me a glance as I sat on the floor. His smile was practiced, impeccable.
"My son grew up in the mountains and doesn't understand proper etiquette. Please don't take offense."
Seeing my father's attitude, Cedrick immediately followed up with a cooperative smile.
"My brother has already been arranged to work in the company's cleaning department. He'll get used to things soon. Please don't worry."
"Heh."
Adeline stood nearby, arms crossed, her tone light but pointed.
"Our Zamora family wouldn't let just anyone come back and disrupt Evermont Corporation."
With the three of them working in seamless coordination, the shareholders who had been watching closely began to relax. One by one, smiles returned to their faces.
I stood up slowly, gripping the phone in my hand—the device now no different from a brick—and spoke coldly.
"You'd better think carefully about how you're going to explain this later."
My mother shot me an annoyed look.
"Why are you being so stubborn? We were just joking with you. Aren't you overreacting?"
"I've said everything I needed to say," I replied flatly. "If you won't listen, there's nothing more I can do."
At that moment, an elderly man with graying hair but a straight, imposing posture stepped forward.
"I heard your young master works in scientific research," he said calmly.
"His qualifications shouldn't be low. And judging from what just happened, it was actually Mr. Cedrick and Miss Adeline who went a bit too far."
"Mr. Chandler, it's not what you think."
My mother immediately moved to his side, smiling warmly.
"This child is too unruly. Cedrick and Adeline were just trying to help him integrate into the family. Who would've thought he couldn't take a joke? He's far too sensitive."
Mr. Chandler chuckled lightly.
"Well, it's your family's matter. As long as it doesn't affect our cooperation, I won't interfere."
"Of course, of course." My father hurried to explain. "Children will have their disagreements. Don't worry—it won't affect the group in any way."
With that, the farce was quickly brushed aside.
No one cared anymore—except me, the one who had been toyed with like a dog.
I returned to the corner, phone in hand, watching coldly as the Zamora family wove effortlessly among the guests.
The segment that had originally been meant to introduce me was quietly canceled.
Instead, the announcement that Cedrick would soon be appointed Deputy Director of the CEO's Office made him the undisputed protagonist of the banquet.
People crowded around him, flattering smiles plastered on their faces. Cedrick's cheeks were flushed with excitement, his laughter sharp and grating as it rang through the hall.
After finishing a round of socializing, Mr. Chandler walked over to me.
He hesitated, then lowered his voice.
"Young man... are you from the Life Research Institute?"
My heart tightened.
I instinctively straightened, then shrank back slightly, studying his face more carefully.
It looked... familiar.
Before I could respond, a sudden wave of cheers erupted from the center of the hall.
"Thank you all for your trust!" Cedrick raised his glass high.
"I promise we'll live up to expectations! Come—this toast is to everyone!"
Applause and praise followed immediately.
"Chairman Zamora really raised a fine son."
"At such a young age, he's already sharing the burden."
"We'll be relying on Director Zamora's care from now on."
My parents and Adeline stood to the side, watching Cedrick with undisguised pride and satisfaction.
Just as everyone lifted their glasses—
Clatter.
The sharp sound of glass shattering rang out, followed by heavy, synchronized footsteps from upstairs.
Bang!
Before anyone could react, the villa's main gate was violently forced open.
A group of special agents in black combat uniforms stormed in, weapons raised, their presence cold and overwhelming.
The banquet hall fell into dead silence.
"The signal jammer is functioning normally!"
"Target located and confirmed—Senior Researcher Julian. Target is safe. Requesting protection authorization!"
