Catastrophe Card King

The notable figures from all across Black Gold City were invited, including many nobles from the neighboring city-states.

Upper-class society’s balls are all about networking and resource exchanges.

This time, the Song Family’s higher-ups also had plans to introduce the Rose Chamber of Commerce to high society’s field of vision.

Of course, there was also the matter of Vera’s marriage.

After all, she was a girl.

No matter how much wealth she accumulated, it ultimately had to be entrusted to someone.

The older generation wanted Vera to meet the young talents.

Leonard Churchill had no interest in such a time-wasting event and knew his presence would surely invite trouble.

But Vera wanted him there.

So he came.

By seven o’clock in the evening, the manor’s entrance was lined with rows of luxurious sedans, and nobles in lavish dresses steadily made their way into the estate.

The banquet began amidst a ceremonious and joyful atmosphere.

In the brilliantly lit ballroom, with the orchestra playing a lively dance tune,

Vera, in an elegant dress with a plunging neckline and exquisite silver embroidery, entered the ballroom arm in arm with Leonard Churchill.

Her dress was impeccably tailored and styled, her burgeoning sensuality undeniable.

Leonard looked at her and couldn’t help but be impressed, “You look beautiful.”

Vera beamed proudly, evidently pleased by his compliment, though she didn’t say thank you.

Looking at Leonard, dressed in an equally magnificent white tuxedo, she said with a bright smile, “Mr. Leonard Churchill looks super handsome tonight! Both gentlemanly and charming!”

With that, what began as a heartfelt compliment turned into an exaggerated mutual admiration.

They laughed together.

Their entrance immediately captured everyone’s attention.

Because everyone knew, tonight’s protagonist was Vera.

Since he was there to support Vera, Leonard naturally had to maintain a strong presence, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he strode in confidently.

Having been honed in the crucible of death, his presence was unyielding. Even under the scrutiny of hundreds of intense gazes, he showed not the slightest sign of faltering.

He was the very image of an unsheathed sword – brilliant and dazzling.

Vera, feeling Leonard’s commanding presence for the first time, showed a hint of surprise in her eyes and couldn’t help but whisper, “Mr. Leonard Churchill, you truly look incredible!”

She, too, unshaken by the crowd, confidently hung onto Leonard’s arm, eager to showcase her friend to her family and all the guests.

Under the spotlight of the splendid chandeliers, they were like actors under the stage lights, the focal point of everyone’s attention.

Walking on the red carpet, they entered with poise.

…

The Song Family’s elders all wore sour expressions at this grand entrance.

While in upper-class society, embracing and holding hands were common gestures of courtesy, not considered intimate,

the unhidden radiant smile on Vera’s face clearly indicated something more between them.

Especially to the carefully dressed young men, their jealousy could scarcely be concealed.

Yet they couldn’t help but feel outdone, as none could claim a presence superior to that of the young man in the white suit.

Leonard was like a drawn sword, its gleaming blade brilliant and arresting.

One look, and the onlookers felt an inevitable sense of defeat.

The younger men were full of resentment.

The Song Family elders looked on with displeasure as well.

But what no one noticed was, in a corner, an old man with white hair exclaimed in admiration, “This is what young men should be like! Such demeanor is truly rare. Didn’t you say he was just an insignificant card master?”

Beside him, a middle-aged man replied with an embarrassed expression, “Father… We’ve investigated, and that ‘Leonard Churchill’ indeed has no significant background.”

The old man waved his hand dismissively, “Hmph! If you lot had half his demeanor when you were young, you wouldn’t be so pitiful now. It seems your judgment is even poorer than your ability!”

“…”

The middle-aged men by his side shared a collectively awkward look.

None of them knew that besides Vera, the old gentleman was the only one aware of the Rose Chamber of Commerce’s innovative ideas.

…

As soon as they entered, Vera was whisked away by her mother to meet the matronly elders.

Temporarily separated, Leonard had no interest in dancing and found himself alone at the buffet, enjoying some food.

It wasn’t his first time at such a high-society event, and there was nothing novel about it for him.

The people here clearly didn’t welcome him, and no one sought to make his acquaintance.

Besides, with all eyes on Vera, Leonard enjoyed his solitude in the corner.

“`