Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 352: Bowing in Respect with a Toast

At the Alvarez family gathering, Julian was preceded by his older brother, Hayden, and Susan, both holding wine glasses to toast to the couple.

"Here, this is for you," they each said, presenting a gift box. After Hayden finished his toast, he prepared to leave, prompting Julian to scoff, "My dear nephew, your uncle is right here."

"Mr. Barnet, haven't you already severed ties with the Alvarez family? Since you're not a member of the Alvarez family, it seems I shouldn't be toasting to you," Hayden interjected, as if anticipating Julian's intent.

"You're exactly right, it's just that your grandfather just mentioned that the blood of the Alvarez family runs through my veins," Julian replied indifferently, revealing his main reason for attending the event.

The real drama was just beginning, and Julian wouldn't dream of missing it.

"Grandfather, Mr. Barnet himself has said he has no relation to the Alvarez family, so I think this toast should not be given," Hayden said, looking towards Joaquin.

Joaquin, however, still wanted Julian back. This son was both loved and despised by him; despite his deep affection for Julian, his son naturally had a rebellious streak, always opposing him.

"It was merely a moment of anger. How could you take it seriously? Unless he legally disowns me, you should toast to him," Joaquin insisted.

Julian knew Joaquin's character well; Joaquin would never admit there was no relationship with the Alvarez family. In fact, with just a slight nod, Joaquin would side with him. However, due to issues with his mother, Julian harbored resentment towards Joaquin, with more hatred than love, making it impossible for him to yield.

"Yes, Grandfather. Bring me another glass of wine," Hayden reluctantly agreed, not daring to contradict Joaquin's wishes. He knew that once the day was over, Joaquin would formally transfer the shares to his name, and any loss today could be reclaimed later.

"Hold on," Julian interjected.

"Uncle Julian, what more do you want?"

Hayden asked with visible irritation.

"Isn't your Aunt Aurora here too?"

Julian glanced at Aurora nearby.

toasting Aurora," Hayden could hardly imagine himself toasting in front of Aurora. It would be even more unthinkable for Susan; she would probably go mad! "Although we're not yet married, we are engaged, and

Achilles' heel was his own words. Whatever Joaquin said would be most effective, and Joaquin knew Julian's intentions well; not following them would only push Julian further

so Joaquin complied, "Since they're engaged,

Hayden but also to force Joaquin to acknowledge Aurora, making it harder for

Hayden gritted his teeth; Julian

that so? You don't have to toast if you don't want to," Julian stated lightly. Susan still thought such good things

"Really?"

she asked.

you can skip it," Julian said, finding Susan's Achilles' heel as her expression went

you," Hayden said, knowing he couldn't avoid

in his hands, anything could change, no matter what humiliations

held her drink, her face

taken Hayden from her years ago,

Hayden stood in front of

"Uncle Julian, please."

tried, Mr. Alvarez only ever favored Julian, who seemed to solve difficult

the drink, just looked at Susan

to toast.

up," Hayden glared coldly at Susan, who had never faced

"Aunt Aurora..."

at her, and Susan's eyes brimmed with tears that soon fell into her glass, rippling the

thought joining the Alvarez family would upset

guests might think this

trying to smile, Susan said, "Let me toast you,

a glass with tears in it? Get another

a pickiness Aurora had never seen