The large monitor at the side of the stage suddenly lit up, instead of displaying the company logo as before or a slideshow about the achievements of the company where Arlo worked, but a disgusting recording with the sound of moans clashing with the clicking of tongues.

A roar of cheers filled the grand hall. All the guests stood, cheering, and even applauding. Rui, who had initially been elated by the success of his plan, was now frozen. The smile that should have been etched on his lips vanished, replaced by confusion.

Instead of being embarrassed, Arlo smiled awkwardly, even explaining that he had a habit of immortalizing every moment with his girlfriend—Amber.

“Honey, come here,” he called from the podium in a confident tone.

Rui was barely able to stand or sit still. His knees were shaking, his chest was tight. How is that possible? Instead of breaking down, Arlo instead called Amber up on stage, right in front of everyone. Even more painful, the reaction of the cheering guests seemed to be celebrating a happy announcement, not a disgusting scandal.

"Pa, Ma, do you know what happened? Arlo and Amber betrayed me, why are you just keeping quiet?" Her voice broke, half holding back tears.

But Dena just smiled. A cold smile that hit harder than any words.

“Amber and Arlo are a perfect couple, Rui. They’ve been together for almost two years. Arlo only kept it a secret to maintain Amber’s image as an actress. You know, two years ago, your sister’s career was on the rise. Arlo didn’t want Amber to look embarrassed by having a boyfriend who was just an ordinary employee. Now they’re on equal footing. There’s no reason to hide it anymore, so please understand.”

Rui fell silent, her breath hitching. The words were like poison seeping into her body, paralyzing everything. “Then why did he approach me, Mom? You knew I’d been in a relationship with Arlo for almost a year, and you, my own family, hid all of this from me? Are you playing a trick on me, Dad?” Her voice rose slightly, sounding like a hurt scream.

Dena gently patted Rui's hand, as if calming a child. "Come on, Rui. There are so many men out there. Arlo is just using you, that's all. Are you at a loss? No, he isn't. Arlo is just trying to keep his relationship hidden from the media to protect Amber's reputation."

Rui's heart felt like it had been stabbed. His breath hitched, his eyes burning.

Philo approached Rui with calm steps, lowering his head slightly so that only she could hear his voice. "If you dare reveal or cause trouble by leaking this farce to the media, Papa won't hesitate to match you with an old man." The threat pierced Rui's ears, making her chest feel tight. Her breath hitched, and all she could do was grip her dress tightly to contain the shaking.

The party truly began. The guests spread out, sampling the buffet, raising their wine glasses, and engaging in serious business conversations or lighthearted banter. The music played softly, as if nothing had happened. Only Rui felt like his world had collapsed.

Arlo and Amber's footsteps could be heard getting closer. Rui lowered his head, holding back his tears so they wouldn't fall in front of them. When he arrived, Philo greeted him first. "Arlo, congratulations, son," he said sincerely, followed by Dena who followed suit. Rui remained silent, biting his lower lip. After that, Philo excused himself to chat with Snell and the other business associates, leaving the three of them alone.

Amber spoke up. “Sis, thank you… for the video you recorded.”

Rui looked up, hardly believing what he was hearing. “You… say thank you?”

Amber nodded firmly, smiling confidently. “Thanks to you, Arlo has a reason to open up about our relationship to everyone.”

Rui's dress was being squeezed tightly again. She turned to Arlo with a gaze that almost burned. "And you…" She stopped, her voice breaking in her throat.

Arlo pulled Amber closer, wrapping his left arm around her waist while his right hand slipped into his pocket. “I truly owe you, future brother-in-law.” His tone was sweet, but it was clearly a hint of mockery.

He continued with a sardonic smile. "I'll never forget how you guided and helped me until I was promoted to deputy director. Your brain is truly remarkable, Rui. But I wonder why you're still sitting in a regular employee's chair? Why not try being the director's secretary?"

Rui held back her anger, trying desperately not to slap him across the face. Her heart was pounding, her hands almost trembling.

Amber took a half step forward, taking Rui's hand with a gentle smile. "Sis, thank you so much. And... I'm sorry."

Rui could barely hold back her tears. She felt her body shaking, but she remained strong.

“I’ll find you a man instead. How about it?” Amber offered innocently, as if offering a small gift.

Rui slowly turned around, staring at her sister with a look of disbelief. "Really?"

Amber nodded enthusiastically. “Of course. You can’t be alone.”

Rui gently pulled her hand away, his voice soft but firm. “You’re so kind, Amber. But… I don’t need that.”

Arlo suddenly raised his hands high, his smile wide as if the whole world belonged to him. “Uncle!" she shouted cheerfully, her voice high-pitched with joy. Her footsteps broke into a jog before her tiny body collided with the figure of the man who had just arrived.

Amber and Rui immediately turned their heads together, reflexively following the direction of the call. However, as soon as Rui's gaze fell on the figure called Arlo, his body instantly lost all strength. His legs went limp, nearly boneless, leaving his face ashen. His breath hitched, and his eyes widened, as if the world around him had stopped spinning.

“Uncle Zero!” Arlo exclaimed, throwing himself into the arms of the half-blood man.