Chapter Fifty-Eight: Humiliation in Public

Huo Lingtian exuded a heavy, oppressive aura. Even though his expression remained unchanged, everyone present was intimidated by his presence. After a brief moment, he finally took Wu Yuxin’s hand and slipped into the dance floor. Beneath the mesmerizing lights, Huo Lingtian, dressed in white, moved with effortless grace; his noble elegance made hearts flutter. In contrast, his partner, Wu Yuxin, resembled a peacock—arrogant, adorned with jewels and excessive luxury. Her garish makeup made her look more like a showgirl than a lady born to noble lineage, lacking any trace of restraint or elegance.

Wu Yuxin gazed at her prince from the dream, so close yet unreal, and the touch of his slender waist sent a burning sensitivity through her hand. She tried to suppress the wild beating of her heart, intoxicated by the masculine dominance of his aura. That stunningly sculpted face and deep, unfathomable black eyes enchanted her. Since childhood, Wu Yuxin had adored her brother, two years her senior. His composed demeanor and noble bearing had left the most perfect image in her heart, becoming the deepest pursuit of her life. But alas! Someone dared to steal Huo Lingtian from her, dared to rob her of the emotional pillar she had cherished for so many years! Unforgivable!

“Lingtian…” Her soft whisper finally drew his attention; as she looked up at the lofty master of the Huo family, her heart raced ever faster, and her cheeks burned with an incredible heat. Summoning all her courage, she let her feelings spill forth. “I… love you…”

Though the last two words were light as the wind, barely leaving a trace, they did not escape Huo Lingtian’s ear. His flawless brow furrowed slightly, but he paid it no mind.

When the music ended, Huo Lingtian released her hand almost as if he were escaping, placing it lightly on her waist. He performed the noble etiquette, then turned and departed, leaving Wu Yuxin standing alone.

“Ha, look at the boss fleeing in disgrace—having a beauty in his arms is more trouble than it’s worth,” Gu Lingfei remarked gleefully. Everyone knew that at such occasions and feasts, the name Huo Lingtian was every man’s nightmare. Young Master Huo had become the prime target for all beauties, and the rest could only settle for whoever was left.

“Hah, I bet he fears his wife. The boss’s ‘keep women at bay’ attitude must be because he’s afraid the lady of the house will be jealous,” Yan Dong said, stuffing his mouth with delicacies from the Huo mansion—such chances were rare.

The banquet reached its peak; couples glided onto the dance floor, symbolizing family joy. The grand multi-layered cake, a wish for longevity, was sliced by Huo Zhen, and the festivities soared to their highest point. Huo Zhen, cheerful and energetic, pulled the granddaughter of the Wu family close, the lively elder suppressing the noisy crowd with a wave of his hand.

All eyes gathered there. As the elder master of the Huo family, Huo Zhen addressed everyone with solemn gravity: “Thank you, each of you, for taking the time out of your busy lives to attend my birthday celebration. I am deeply grateful.”

He paused, glancing at his grandson, whose dark, commanding gaze made even this seasoned old man wary. Yet it only strengthened his resolve. He patted the girl beside him with extra kindness.

“I have invited you not only to celebrate my birthday, but also to announce a most joyous occasion for the Huo family…”

“Grandfather!” Before Huo Zhen could finish, he was interrupted by Huo Lingtian.

“Today marks the engagement of my unworthy grandson and the granddaughter of the Wu family, Wu Yuxin.” At these words, the hall erupted in astonishment. Huo Lingtian, at the center of it all, wore a dark, angry expression; Wu Yuxin was so surprised and delighted by the news that she forgot all propriety, leaping into her grandfather’s arms, full of shock and joy.

When the guests recovered, they all rushed to offer their congratulations. After all, the marriage of such prominent families touched the hearts of many young men and women present, and the union of Huo Lingtian and the Wu family’s miss was a perfect match.

“Congratulations, Young Master Huo, Elder Huo, on this auspicious union.”

“Yes, a match made in heaven—Young Master Huo is truly blessed.” The crowd vied to offer their felicitations, and the atmosphere soared to a new peak.

“I object!” The usually silent main party, Huo family’s eldest grandson and seventh-generation master, publicly challenged Huo Zhen’s authority. The congratulatory words died in the guests’ throats, leaving them awkward and embarrassed. Huo Lingtian strode to the center, radiating dominance, his demeanor calm and indifferent, as if his iron-blooded grandfather had cracked a harmless joke. “Grandfather has had a bit too much to drink today. Allow me to apologize on his behalf.” With that, he downed a glass of wine, his attitude resolute and final.

“You…” Huo Zhen was furious, gripping his cane tightly. Only this stubborn brat dared treat him so. In his prime, his word was law—yet now he was described as a drunken fool. Huo Zhen wished he could thrash this unruly rascal!

With the main party speaking thus, the spectators could hardly take the old master’s words seriously. Surely, it was Huo Lingtian who now held the reins of the family, not Huo Zhen, whose foot was halfway in the grave.

“Huo Lingtian, how could you treat me like this? How can I face anyone now!” Wu Yuxin, seeing the commotion settle, watched as Huo Lingtian openly defied Huo Zhen. If she missed this chance, she would never have anything as exquisite as that palace carved from jade. Driven by rage, she stepped forward, crying and accusing him publicly, as though Huo Lingtian were the villain who had broken his promise.

Huo Lingtian’s icy gaze swept over her tearful face, devoid of any tenderness or familiarity—like a demon from the depths of hell. His pristine white attire could not conceal his bloodthirsty dominance. He approached Wu Yuxin, and in a whisper only they could hear, he said:

“Wu Yuxin, there are things I can tolerate from you once, but never twice.” His chilling voice was a verdict from the underworld, sharp and piercing. At that moment, the demon from hell walked to the door.

———Author’s Note———

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