She had believed she would be the center of attention at tonight's banquet.

After all, she was here to meet the family formally.

Yet the Levines barely glanced her way.

Being ignored like this was utterly intolerable.

Still, she couldn't show her frustration.

For the first time in her life, she felt completely insignificant among these people.

After Henry and Charles exchanged greetings, they moved into the grand hall of Levine Manor.

They proceeded directly toward the opulent dining room.

Everyone found their seats around the massive table according to their status.

Servants stood attentively nearby, ready to assist with the meal.

The conversation flowed mainly between Henry and Charles.

They reminisced about old times and shared recent news.

"I intended to attend Levine Holdings' 60th anniversary celebration," Charles expressed regretfully. "But urgent business called me to the capital. My apologies, Henry."

"No need for apologies between us," Henry responded graciously. "Though I hope you don't mind that we announced William and Victoria's engagement in your absence."

"Not at all," Charles assured him. "We agreed upon this match long ago. Having their engagement announced during such an important Levine family occasion honors Victoria."

Henry smiled warmly. "It's William who's honored to marry Victoria. And our family is equally honored by this union."

They continued exchanging pleasantries about their families.

Elizabeth glanced toward her brother. With all the elders present, she hadn't found a private moment to speak with William. His expression remained unreadable. She couldn't tell if he truly accepted this engagement with the Stuarts. The uncertainty made her anxious.

"Since your family rarely visits Crestwood," Henry suggested kindly, "why not stay a few extra days? William can show you around. The city has developed rapidly in recent years. Much has changed."

"Fortunately, my schedule is clear this week," Charles agreed. "I only need to travel to the capital next week. Though my health prevents extensive sightseeing, I'd enjoy sharing tea and chess games with you."

"Excellent," Henry approved. "As you can see, my mobility is limited to this wheelchair. While we elders remain indoors, the young people should explore the city together. They've spent considerable time abroad, and William has been back only six months. They might appreciate reconnecting."

Henry turned to William. "Starting tomorrow, spend time with Victoria. Samuel can manage your office responsibilities."

"Of course," William acquiesced.

His response held neither enthusiasm nor resistance.

"Victoria," Henry addressed her.

"Grandfather," she responded cordially, setting down her spoon with perfect poise.

Her manners reflected her upper-class upbringing flawlessly.

"Enjoy tomorrow with William. Tell him where you'd like to go—anywhere you choose. If he dares mistreat you, inform me immediately," Henry told her benevolently.

"Thank you, Grandfather," Victoria replied with a light laugh. "Though William would never treat me poorly. He always took excellent care of me when we lived abroad."

"Splendid." Henry nodded, visibly pleased.

"Incidentally," Victoria inquired suddenly, "where is James tonight? I used to see him daily. Now that he and William have returned home, I haven't seen him in ages. I miss him terribly."

"James has evening classes now that he's in grade school," William explained.

"Does James require extra tutoring?" Victoria sounded surprised. "He's such a bright child!"

"His spelling needs improvement," William clarified.

Victoria couldn't suppress an amused chuckle.

James had grown up overseas. That he spoke English so well was accomplishment enough.

"I considered offering to tutor James if you're too busy," Victoria offered. "But my own writing skills aren't exceptional. Like you, I spent much of my youth abroad."

She expressed this with charming helplessness.

"That won't be necessary," William stated evenly. "We've engaged a tutor for him."

His tone matched his general demeanor toward Victoria—neither eager nor opposed.

Elizabeth watched, frustration simmering within her.

That infuriating man.