Howard couldn't say a word in protest, forcing a placating smile. "Mr. Cole, please calm down... Contestant Serena just doesn't know what's good for her. Don't lower yourself to her level."
Only because Serena wasn't present.
Did Howard dare to mutter a few complaints behind her back.
Adrian rubbed his hair vigorously with the towel.
Even as he scrubbed, he could still catch the faint, greasy stench of food.
His expression was thunderous. Frustrated, he threw the towel onto the floor.
The anger in his chest burned hotter by the second.
"Mr. Cole..."
Suddenly, a gentle, composed voice called out.
He looked up.
And saw Bianca and Isabella walking toward him.
Adrian froze, instantly masking his fury. "Miss Lancaster, Miss Doyle... what brings you two here?"
Isabella, the daughter of Vaelion City's wealthiest family!
Hailey had previously tricked him, claiming she was close friends with the Lancaster heiress and had even signed on as a jewelry designer for a company under the Lancaster family's umbrella.
Because of that supposed connection.
He had spent quite some time catering to Hailey, hoping to use her to secure the Lancaster family's backing.
After all, while the Cole family was well-respected in Vaelion City.
They were nothing compared to the Lancasters.
And then there was the Doyle heiress standing next to her...
The Doyle family was currently rising fast, especially with rumors of foreign capital backing them. They were even showing signs of overtaking the Lancasters.
Although he had boasted to Serena that only he could protect her from the Doyles.
The truth was, the current Cole family couldn't hold a candle to the Doyle family's new foreign investments.
It was exactly what Adrian wanted to hear.
But he wasn't oblivious.
It was obvious both women had a grudge against Serena.
And had sought him out specifically because of it.
Adrian quickly formulated a plan.
These were the heiresses of the Lancaster and Doyle families.
If he could use this opportunity to build a relationship with them.
The Cole family's path in Vaelion City would be much smoother.
With that in mind, Adrian smiled. "I did overestimate her perspective. Some people are just born for the gutter. Give them a golden platter, and they wouldn't know how to hold it."
"Miss Lancaster, you come from true prestige. I've always had the utmost respect for Old Mr. Lancaster. Your family's upbringing is impeccable, and you are truly remarkable."

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