As he going downstairs, the butler was already waiting on the first floor.

Brian paused mid-step. The butler turned around, “Mr?”

Brian glanced at the brightly lit garden outside the window and suddenly smiled, “You go ahead.”

The butler was about to say something, but Brian decisively turned and headed toward the maid’s quarters.

...

Ashley was watching a foreign dance video, so she did not notice the door opened.

She remained frozen until Brian stood before her.

Blinking, she stood up, “Mr? Weren’t you supposed to go to the garden, why are you… Mm!”

Before she could finish, Brian grabbed her chin with one hand and kissed her fiercely.

The kiss was intense and aggressive, as if he were venting something.

The air thinned, making it hard to breathe.

After a long kiss, Brian wiped her lips with his finger, and seeing the mist in her starry eyes, some of the frustration in his heart eased.

He lazily asked, “Not jealous?”

Just a wall away, the garden was ablaze with lights, and joyful cheers echoed.

Ashley’s eyes were slightly red, and she looked at him with a confused gaze, subconsciously repeating his words, “Jealous?”

Her innocent and bewildered expression amused him.

Brian chuckled softly and kissed her on the lips again, “Don’t go out.”

Ashley nodded.

Brian grabbed a tissue to wipe off the lipstick, then turned and headed for the garden.

...

Since dusk, guests had been arriving one after another.

By the time the lights were fully on, the Quinn Family’s backyard was already filled with people.

The elders of The James and Quinn families were busy socializing, while Olivia sat in the pavilion chatting with a few young relatives.

As soon as Brian appeared, the entire backyard fell silent, and all eyes turned to him.

the dazzling lights, the man’s handsome face was striking.

His bold features, which usually appeared sharp in the daylight, now carried a hint of tenderness under the night sky.

The shadows made him even more sexy.

Olivia had only ever seen his relaxed, lazy allure, but seeing him like this, she felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and certainty.

Her heart pounded, and she couldn’t help but smile broadly.

Hearing the gasps around her, her smile grew even brighter.

“This man is mine!” She thought.

This certainty filled Olivia with confidence.

She straightened her chest and walked toward Brian. “Why are you so late?”

She hooked her arm through his, as if she were holding the entire world.

Brian smiled faintly, “I was changing clothes, took a bit longer.”

The two walked toward Thomas.

Seeing them approach, her father looked very pleased.

Brian raised his hand to cover Olivia’s, his smile deepening, “Good evening, Uncle.”

“Still calling me ‘Uncle’?” the elders around them teased, “After tonight, you’ll be family.”

Brian’s smile grew more meaningful, “I still have to call you ‘Uncle.’ I haven’t received the engagement gift to change the call.”

Her father frowned.

Worried that he might refuse, Olivia quickly said, “Dad, isn’t that tradition? It’s not a big deal.”

“How can that be the same? You—”

“Dad,” Andrew, who had been flirting with a maid in the corner, noticed the commotion and walked over, “What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing,” Thomas laughed, playfully hitting Brian’s shoulder, “The wedding isn’t even over yet, and you’re already eyeing my fortune!”

Andrew chuckled, “We’ll be one family soon anyway. What’s my brother-in-law’s will be mine too.”

Thomas glared at him.

He glanced at Brian.

Brian smiled and raised Olivia’s hand, which was holding his, “See? I’m using your daughter to threaten you.”

The people around paused, then burst into laughter.

Thomas’s expression softened slightly, and he joked, “Alright, what do you want?”

“As the younger generation, I wouldn’t dare ask for anything,” Brian looked at Andrew, “Right, brother?”

Andrew laughed and swore at him.

Watching their familiarity, Thomas felt increasingly satisfied.

The james Family was only in its second generation under his leadership, and though they had amassed some wealth, the source wasn’t clean.

He knew his son well; Andrew wasn’t reliable.

To clean up the james Family and set it on the right path, a good son-in-law was crucial.

Brian was exactly who he had in mind.

With this thought, Thomas’s expression softened further, “How’s the project with Andrew going?”

“Going well,” Brian replied, “According to plan, construction will start by the end of the month.”

Thomas’s face lit up, “That’s great! Today is a special day for you and Olivia, and with our families about to collaborate... How about this? I’ll give you an extra 5% share as a gift to celebrate your engagement!”

Andrew’s face changed, and he was about to say something, but Brian spoke first, “Thank you, Dad.”

His swift change of address left everyone stunned, and the surrounding elders burst into even louder laughter.

Thomas placed his hand on Brian’s shoulder, patting it twice with a sincere expression, “As long as you treat Olivia well, the james Family’s assets—”

“Mr. James,” Daniel suddenly appeared out of nowhere, handing over a contract, “Please sign this.”

Thomas froze, his hand suspended awkwardly as he stared at Brian in disbelief, “This…“

“You just mentioned giving up 5%,” Daniel pushed the contract closer, “This is the agreement. Please sign.”

Thomas was shocked, and his brow furrowed deeply as he glared at Brian, “You set me up?!”

He had only said it casually, but Brian had already prepared a contract?!

His voice instinctively rose, tinged with anger.

The people around them began to look over.

Olivia’s fingers tightened as she turned pale, looking at Brian with fear, “Brian, please don’t joke with my father.”

Her heart raced as she looked at Brian’s calm smile, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease.

In an instant, the delightful atmosphere vanished.

Brian sighed, “Well, after all, the only son of the Quinn Family. I can’t just call him ‘Dad’ for nothing.”

The James were gonna freak out, but they could not.

Olivia bit her lips, “Brian, what are you doing?!”

His tone, with its hint of mockery, made her fear he might be planning to back out of the engagement.

Brian smiled at her, “Building wealth for our future family.”

His tone was half-teasing, half-reassuring.

His dark eyes held her gaze firmly, and when she looked into them, she saw no trace of joy.

Instead, the elders, hearing this joking remark, sighed with relief, and the tense atmosphere dissipated in an instant.

“Ah, you, why so dramatic today?” Thomas shook his head with a smile, clearly indulging the younger generation, “Come on!”

He then looked at Daniel, “Give me the contract. I’ll sign it!”