The engagement can be delayed, and public opinion can be manipulated.
As long as Hayden Croft doesn't completely turn against us, there's still room for negotiation.
"How could I, an ungrateful villain, ruin someone's marriage?"
Hayden Croft continued his mocking sarcasm.
He knew what Tristan Lowell cared about, so he targeted the most painful spots.
Tristan Lowell's face darkened.
But he forcibly restrained himself, his nails digging deeply into his palm.
He used the pain to remind himself to stay calm.
The plan must not go awry!
The Lowell Family's fate rested on this engagement.
Any deviation could lead to a catastrophe.
"Bring her to me!"
The moment the order was issued, the surrounding security took a step forward.
"Unless..."
Hayden Croft lifted his chin.
Tristan Lowell followed his gaze.
Wherever he looked, a man wearing a black trench coat stepped out of the shadows.
Landon Lockwood took a step forward and firmly stood in front of Cora Lowell.
He didn't speak, but his actions showed his stance.
No one could take another step forward.
The security guards were at a loss, standing still, unsure whether to act.
The man before them had a powerful presence, not like an ordinary bodyguard.
If they acted rashly, the consequences were unpredictable.
If they failed to execute the order, they feared offending Tristan Lowell.
Tristan Lowell's lips curved slightly upward.
"My disobedient daughter, clearly engaged to Mr. Croft, yet still entangled with another man."
He deliberately raised his voice.
This was to tarnish Cora Lowell's reputation.
"Even if she got a scratch, even if she lost her life, what difference would it make?"
In his eyes, his daughter was nothing more than a pawn.
Living or dying was just part of the strategy.
He shifted his gaze to the unfamiliar man before him.
He scrutinized him, sizing him up.
Who was this man who appeared so suddenly?
What right did he have to meddle in the Lowell Family's affairs?
And could it be that...
He had already discovered some secrets he shouldn't know?
There were a few cold laughs.
The situation seemed to be slipping out of his control.
"You barging into my home, if you're really looking to die, no one will stop you."
The words were spat out coldly.
The one speaking had cold eyes and a contemptuous tone.
The threat in the words was unmistakable.
The security guards immediately understood, pointing their batons directly at Landon Lockwood.
He took a step forward, assuming an attack stance, muscles tense.
Upon the command, he would charge without hesitation.
Hayden Croft stood by, a smile on his face, quietly watching the farce.
His smile was gentle but insincere.
The corners of his eyes slightly lifted, revealing a bit of schadenfreude and smugness.
He didn't know Landon Lockwood's background.
He only thought he was unlucky to be caught up in the Lowell Family's matters.
In his view, a young guy daring to break into a wealthy mansion alone was either a madman or a fool.
And such a person was destined to be crushed by power, not even leaving bones behind.
This kind of overconfident character was nothing but a clown for entertainment.
Seeing Landon Lockwood pushed to this point,
made this trip worthwhile.
Hayden Croft felt a surge of satisfaction.
He anticipated the moment Landon Lockwood would kneel and plead for mercy.
It was not just a humiliation but a psychological victory.
But Landon Lockwood remained composed, his long fingers gently pinching a black and gold card.
He raised an eyebrow.
"We can't say for sure who will be out of luck just yet."
The card flashed in the sunlight, the golden light dazzling.
A blinding reflection cut through the air.
Everyone's attention was drawn to it.
On the card, a number was embroidered in gold thread.
The lines were incredibly intricate.
No.1.
It was the ultimate symbol of prestige.
Everyone who saw it had their breath taken away.
Tristan Lowell's pupils constricted sharply, his breath halting for a moment.
He stared intently at the card, not daring to blink.
He knew what this card represented.
It was an existence capable of overturning the entire social elite hierarchy.
The Black Brilliance Card, issued by the Apex Consortium, was a top-tier status symbol.
More than just a card, it was a key to The Pantheon, representing unlimited resources and absolute speech rights.
The holder could gain unhindered access to the world's most exclusive clubs.
Only five are issued globally!
Its rarity comparable to royal treasures.
Even heads of state haven't had the privilege of owning one.
Every recipient was stringently selected, individuals of unparalleled power and influence.
Legends say that only those in the top five of the world billionaire rankings were eligible to own it.
Even the Croft Family, claiming dominance with AI innovations, never obtained this card.
The Croft Family controlled the world's leading smart technology network.
With a trillion-dollar value and immense power.
Yet even they have never made it to the recognized list of the Apex Consortium.
Their applications were repeatedly denied.
Let alone the Lowell Family.
Tristan Lowell's face turned ashen.
Though the Lowells were regional oligarchs.
In the face of true elite power, they were nothing more than local tycoons.
Not to mention No.1, they had never even seen an ordinary VIP card, much less such a treasure.
Who would have thought he'd witness the No.1 Black Brilliance Card in his lifetime?
A flicker of madness passed through Tristan Lowell's eyes.
He wanted to see more clearly.
This man was certainly no ordinary person!
He suddenly realized how foolish his previous attitude had been.
He was trying to use worldly power to suppress a true pinnacle figure?
It was sheer self-humiliation!
Damn it!
He roared inwardly.
A surge of intense regret washed over him.
If he had known.
He would rather welcome the man on his knees than show the slightest disrespect.
Hayden Croft had used him as a tool!
Hayden Croft was watching coldly from the shadows, waiting for this moment.
Initially, Hayden Croft still wore a composed expression.
But upon seeing the card, his face turned pale.
His pupils contracted violently.
He gasped sharply.
"Just because you have some family backing, what right do you have to act all ostentatious here?"
But everyone could tell it was his last struggle.
Landon Lockwood observed all their reactions.
"Well, some people, in the future... might not even know if their family assets can stay intact."
That wasn't a threat, but a statement of fact.
"Otherwise, they wouldn't treat such trinkets as something to flaunt."
Having said that, he casually put the card back in his pocket.
The wind lifted the hem of his coat, his silhouette standing tall like a pine.
Tristan Lowell listened in a daze, his mind a chaotic mess.
Just watching it being casually handled by someone else made him sweat with anxiety.
Suddenly, Hayden Croft seemed struck by a thought.
"I've just remembered, there's an urgent matter at the company that needs my attention, extremely important, I can't delay any longer, I'm leaving now!"
After saying this, he didn't dare linger another second, swiftly turning and heading for the door.
Once Hayden Croft left, the scene fell into sudden silence.
Only the low hum of the central air conditioning remained.
The previously noisy private room was plunged into an eerie silence.
Tristan Lowell's face alternated between shades of red and white.
His face burned with embarrassment.
Hayden Croft was the highest connection he could currently reach.
He had gone to great lengths, using all his connections, to secure this alliance.
Yet this man, with just a few words, scared Hayden Croft off in a panic.
If he had known it would turn out this way, he would never have scheduled the matchmaking and this event on the same day!