Chapter 214
In this chapter, it becomes evident that certain characters are using a social gathering as an opportunity to discuss business, deliberately ignoring Autumn’s presence, which frustrates Simon deeply. Despite knowing Autumn’s connections with these influential people, Simon chooses not to confront them, understanding that it would only cause unnecessary trouble. Autumn herself quietly leaves the room with Ethan, showing her disinterest in engaging with those who dismiss her.
Meanwhile, Ryan expresses disbelief and resentment over Autumn receiving a coveted expo slot, something usually difficult to obtain without strong industry ties. He questions how Autumn, a housewife with no industry knowledge, could have gained favor with Ethan and the Sinclair heir, both of whom seem to support her openly or subtly. Grant adds to the speculation, suggesting that Autumn’s invitation might have come from Keith Sinclair, who had to leave town, as companies typically receive only one invitation to the expo.
Hector, Autumn’s second brother, harshly criticizes her presence at the expo, viewing it as a waste of resources and predicting that she will embarrass herself among the country’s top talents. He recalls her past academic failures and doubts her abilities, eagerly anticipating her downfall and subsequent rejection by Ethan and others. Julian, meanwhile, is internally conflicted about Autumn’s attendance, suspecting her invitation might indeed have come from Keith, which unsettles him deeply. Despite his turmoil, he maintains a calm exterior as he orders food, while Luma notices his distracted demeanor.
Chapter 214
It was clear as day that they were seizing the moment to discuss business with him. There was no way he could be naive enough to miss that.
What irked him even more was their deliberate act of ignoring Autumn’s presence, as if she were completely invisible. That kind of dismissiveness grated on him deeply.
He was fully aware of the connections Autumn had with these people.
Sure, he understood their little games and schemes, but he chose not to confront them directly. It wasn’t worth the trouble.
Autumn quietly set down her fork, grabbed a napkin, and rose to follow Ethan out of the room. She had no desire to linger or waste her time with them either.
Simon watched their retreating figures, wanting to say something, but ultimately held his tongue.
He summoned a waiter, had the remnants of the meal cleared away, and finally sat down himself.
Ryan let out a sneer as he watched the two leave.
“Expo slots are practically impossible to get, and yet Mr. Sharp actually handed one to Autumn—someone who knows nothing about this. Has he lost his mind just because she’s pretty? Do you really think the core team at Vanguard will accept that p>
Ryan knew his own slot was only secured because of family ties. He had expected Vanguard to be invited, but he never imagined Ethan would bring Autumn along.
How much influence did that woman possess to win favor from both Ethan and the Sinclair heir?
Not only that, but both men were openly and subtly supporting her.
He simply couldn’t wrap his head around it. Autumn was just a housewife who could cook.
How on earth had she managed to captivate two such remarkable men?
Grant couldn’t resist adding his thoughts. “I heard Mr. Sinclair got an invitation but had to fly overseas for urgent business, so he won’t be attending.
“I’m beginning to think each company only got one invite. Could it be that Autumn’s invitation actually came from him p>
He’d heard earlier that Keith had left town early, too soon to make it to the expo.
In Northhaven, every major company received at most one invitation, with only the strongest managing to secure two.
The Lewis family had barely gotten two, planning for Luna to accompany them.
As for Hector’s invite, that was just luck—someone else had canceled due to illness, leaving a spot open for them to grab.
Hector snorted coldly. “As if Autumn had the kind of influence to make Mr. Sinclair personally hand her an invitation. Does she even deserve it?
“So what if she has one? Coming to the expo without knowing the industry is just a waste of resources—she’s only here to embarrass herself p>
He was her second brother.
If anyone understood Autumn’s abilities, it was him.
Back in college, she hadn’t even studied seriously, failed to get into grad school, and that was why she never pursued further education.
This expo was packed with the country’s top talents. With Autumn here, wasn’t she just setting herself up for humiliation?
He was eager to see exactly how she would disgrace herself and how Ethan and the others would discard her afterward.
Julian held the menu in his hands, his eyes shadowed and unreadable. For Autumn to show up at an event like this was no small matter.
Even he had only received a single invitation. Could hers truly have come from Keith?
The mere thought tightened his grip on the menu. His face remained calm, but inside, his mind was in turmoil.
Just then, Luma leaned over with a curious look. “Julian, what’s wrong? Don’t you like the food here? You’ve been staring at the menu forever without ordering p>
Julian pressed his lips together, offering no reply. He casually selected a few dishes that Luma favored, then finally closed the menu and handed it to the waiter.
The chapter delicately unfolds the tension simmering beneath the surface, highlighting Autumn’s unexpected presence amidst a sea of skepticism and judgment. Despite the dismissive glances and whispered doubts from those around her, Autumn’s quiet strength and the subtle support she receives from Ethan and others hint at a deeper, unspoken bond that transcends mere appearances. The emotional undercurrent reveals a poignant struggle between perception and reality, as well as the courage it takes to step into a world where acceptance is not guaranteed.
As the characters navigate their complex feelings and ambitions, the story gently reminds us that true worth is not measured by external validation but by the quiet resilience within. Autumn’s journey, marked by silent determination and the unwavering faith of those who stand by her, resonates with the timeless theme of finding one’s place against the odds. This chapter leaves us with a tender sense of anticipation, inviting us to witness how these intertwined lives will continue to evolve beyond the shadows of doubt.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the swirling tensions surrounding Autumn’s unexpected presence at the expo. As whispers and doubts circulate among the elite, the true nature of Autumn’s influence and the reasons behind Ethan and the Sinclair heir’s support will begin to unravel, stirring unease and intrigue. The subtle power plays and unspoken alliances hint at conflicts that could challenge loyalties and reveal hidden motivations.
Emotions will run high as Autumn faces the daunting environment of the expo, where skepticism and judgment threaten to overshadow her every move. Meanwhile, the reactions of those closest to her—whether protective, dismissive, or conflicted—will add layers of complexity to the unfolding drama. Readers can anticipate moments of quiet strength and vulnerability, as well as the subtle shifts in relationships that could redefine the dynamics between these key players.