Chapter 126

Just then, Tristan and Arlo arrived.

The moment the Lancasters and their relatives noticed the two, they immediately approached.

After all, these men were anything but ordinary in Lucerne.

It was only natural that they were treated with such reverence.

Giselle had met Tristan before.

The moment she laid eyes on him again, a faint blush colored her cheeks, barely concealed beneath her makeup.

Sabrina smirked, noticing Giselle's reaction.

The Rutherfords were just as prestigious as the Harringtons, and with Tristan's undeniable charm, the Lancasters were more than pleased to see Giselle's interest in him.

With Damien and Selene practically a done deal, and now Giselle and Tristan potentially forming a match, the Lancasters would undoubtedly solidify their influence in Lucerne.

With that thought, their enthusiasm toward Tristan and Arlo grew even more pronounced.

Selene frowned at her family's behavior.

She found it embarrassingly obsequious.

As friends, she and Tristan were equals. Yet, her family was practically fawning over him. How humiliating.

But she couldn’t call them out in front of everyone, so she bit her tongue.

The Lancasters had climbed the ranks over the past decade, but they still lacked the deep-rooted legacy of families like the Harringtons.

To Tristan and Arlo, the Lancasters simply didn’t measure up.

They tolerated it only out of respect for Selene.

After presenting their gifts, Tristan asked, "Where’s Damien? He’s not here yet?"

Selene replied, "He’s been handling some last-minute complications with his overseas business. He worked late the past few nights. Since things aren’t fully resolved, he’ll be arriving later."

Tristan and Arlo nodded.

Since Selene was close with them, she personally escorted them to their seats.

The hour grew late—it was time to begin dinner.

But Damien, the guest of honor, hadn’t arrived. Quentin hesitated, unsure whether to proceed.

He turned to Selene and Helena for guidance.

Selene said, "We can start without him."

The guests had come all this way—it would be rude to keep them waiting, even if they were willing.

But would Damien mind?

"He won’t," Selene assured.

She spoke with such certainty, it was clear how close they were.

Seeing the Lancasters confidently proceed without Damien only reinforced how much he valued Selene. The guests took note, their eagerness to strengthen ties with the family growing.

Meanwhile—

Though many guests had left, Marianne ensured every formality was observed without exception.

After confirming all attendees had arrived, she took the stage to express her gratitude and apologize for the earlier disruption. The crowd responded with warm applause.

The moment she finished, Owen signaled the staff to begin serving dinner.