75: Dean's thoughts

“Dean, who was the person David went to see? You seem to dislike him quite a bit.”

Hearing this, the hostile expression on Dean’s face was completely undisguised. He said somewhat viciously:

“That person is Olivia’s fiancé, Arthur, a lucky brat!”

“Olivia’s fiancé?”

When they heard this, the people next to him didn't immediately catch on. What did this have to do with Dean’s hostility toward Arthur?

Furthermore, Arthur’s reputation in the Kate Kingdom was quite significant.

Although they didn't recognize Arthur immediately, as soon as Dean said his name, they instantly realized who he was, and expressions of envy and jealousy appeared on their faces:

“He is the lucky baron!”

But everyone still didn't understand why Dean was hostile toward Arthur, as the two were completely unrelated.

This was actually Dean’s secret. Since Dean already had an engagement with Duke Bilan’s daughter, Jemma Bilan, he had never dared to openly pursue other women before.

Doing so would ruin the marriage alliance between the two dukes. If the alliance failed because of him, his status as the Duke's heir might become unstable.

After all, not everyone could be as willful as Arthur, who had a cheat/system.

There were three major dukes in the Kate Kingdom: Duke Bilan, Duke Corruk, and Arthur’s maternal grandfather, Duke Gryphon.

When Olivia was studying in the capital, she was considered the most beautiful flower in the academy; Arina was even half a step inferior to her.

As the recognized most beautiful person in the academy, she naturally had countless admirers, and Dean was one of them.

Due to the engagement, Dean never dared to express himself openly, but he had privately hinted his feelings to Olivia.

He indicated that after marrying Jemma Bilan, he would be willing to marry her as well, but he never received a response.

Given his previous experience, it would be strange if Dean gave Arthur, Olivia’s current fiancé, a good look.

The people present were all smart, and they quickly figured out why Dean was hostile toward Arthur.

After all, the only connection between the two of them was Olivia.

But since even Dean didn't dare to bring this matter into the open, they similarly didn't dare to speak carelessly. Furthermore, they didn't plan to tell anyone about their speculation regarding this matter afterward.

Afterward, Dean didn't openly answer why he was hostile toward Arthur, but everyone understood the reason and displayed expressions of shared hatred.

However, that was all there was to it, because they were only there to curry favor with Dean, meaning they were at most the children of Marquis Families.

Since Arthur’s own power was already equivalent to that of a top Marquis, they dared not do anything that would offend him.

Otherwise, Dean would likely be fine, but they would suffer terribly if they faced Arthur’s retaliation!

Dean also understood this, so he didn't talk much about Arthur with them.

Time slowly passed, and soon it was noon, the time for the birthday banquet to begin.

First, The Marquis and Marchioness appeared with Olivia and made a speech.

It was nothing more than thanking everyone for coming to congratulate their daughter on her birthday and hoping that the gathering would satisfy everyone. There were no highlights.

Olivia, however, was wearing a purple sheer dress at this time, which showcased her perfect figure while also exhibiting a unique charm.

Like a magnet, she repeatedly drew the attention of many young men present.

Arthur was also admiring her with a look of astonishment.

Then came the cake-cutting segment. Arthur noticed that it was Arina who excitedly pushed in a ten-layer cake that was two meters tall.

After the cake was cut, they arrived at the main event of the banquet: the dancing segment.

Arthur also planned to take this opportunity to dance with Olivia to get to know her better.

But Arina was more eager than Arthur. Just as Arthur was about to move, Arina ran over to urge him:

“Third Brother, why aren’t you hurrying to ask Olivia to dance? Look how lonely she is standing there! And if you don’t go now, someone else might beat you to it!”

In fact, Arina’s words were originally a joke, as everyone present knew that Olivia was Arthur’s fiancée.

No one would be so tactless as to ask her to dance first; if they did, it would be a provocation to Arthur.

Arthur’s influence was already considered top-tier among the people at this banquet, and hardly anyone would invite trouble.

But things always happen unexpectedly.

To the astonishment of the guests, Dean walked up to Olivia, bowed, and extended his hand, inviting her to dance.

Seeing this, Arthur only frowned, but Arina immediately cursed furiously:

“I knew that guy came here with ill intentions!”

As Olivia’s best friend, Arina knew some inside information. For example, she had heard Olivia mention Dean secretly confessing his feelings to her.

That was why she spoke these words.

Then, seeing that Arthur was somewhat puzzled by her words, Arina continued to explain:

“That Dean guy secretly pursued Olivia back at the academy. I didn’t expect him to still not give up!”

Hearing this, Arthur immediately understood. It turned out that this guy had long wanted to poach his woman, and now he was even trying to do it right in front of him.

Thinking of this, Arthur immediately sentenced this guy to death!

David, who was with Arthur, also heard the whole story and secretly sighed at his bad luck. He hadn't expected Dean to have such a grudge with Arthur.

Although his relationship with Dean was only average, they were still part of the same Family and even shared the same father, which made him feel awkward now.

He didn't want to lose Arthur, a friend with boundless prospects, and quickly explained:

“Arthur, I wasn’t aware of this matter. If I had known Dean was here with ulterior motives, I would definitely have told you!

Speaking of which, he hid it too well. I never realized he harbored such intentions! You know he has an engagement with Duke Bilan’s daughter, right?”

Hearing this, Arina replied with a look of disgust:

“What does having an engagement matter? Dean is only inviting Olivia to dance; he isn't confessing his love.

And inviting someone to dance is normal behavior among nobles; it doesn't count as betrayal! It just sounds a little unpleasant!

I think he’s deliberately trying to disgust you, Third Brother!”

“That must be it!”

Arthur believed David’s words, so after replying to Arina, he turned back to David and said:

“Don’t worry, David, I believe you didn’t know Dean’s intentions.

But none of that matters now. Since he dared to provoke me, I will make him pay the price!”

After speaking, Arthur walked directly toward Olivia.

As Arthur moved, everyone’s attention shifted to him, and their gazes flowed between the three people, as if trying to discern something.

On the other side, since Olivia had rejected Dean before, she naturally wouldn't accept his invitation to dance now.