?Chapter 189:


    The ring-shaped de, norger than a coin, darted through the space between bystanders and jabbed directly into Derek’s calf


    “Ah!”


    The sudden stab sent Derek yelling in pain and toppling to the floor when he least expected it. Melinda, clutching his arm, was dragged down with him, and they both hit the floor hard. Hidden by a thick carpet of petals, the tiny ring-shaped de vanished from sight. Everyone around presumed Derek had merely tripped. The incident drew considerable attention. As Derek went down, his wig slipped off, exposing hispletely bald head, much to everyone’s shock


    It was his engagement day, a day when appearances were usually polished. Why, then, had he chosen to go bald?


    Although Derek was a handsome man, the bald look did him no favors. Lacking hair, he seemed somewhatical, an unfortunate image for someone known online. His fanbase was drawn not just by sympathy for his childhood ordeal of being trafficked but also by his good looks. If fans lost interest in his appearance, it could jeopardize his status as a leading inte personality—and with it, his earnings. Aware of this, Derek scrambled to retrieve his wig, attempting to reattach it in haste. But his increasing anxiety only made him fumble more, adding to his fluster. Amidst his panic, Melinda was jostled about, identally causing her veil toe off


    The situation spiraled into absurdity, transforming an engagement ceremony into aedy sketch, with both the groom-to-be and his partner suddenly bald


    I??€$? ￠??t??я? ?η ga?n?νεl?.c??


    “Ah!” Melinda’s scream echoed uncontrobly


    She might have endured wearing a knockoff dress, but showcasing a bald head at her engagement was beyond embarrassing. Already humiliated by Marissa earlier, this situation felt like a series of public ps, utterly crushing her spirit. Aelfric, who had been silently observing and hoping to witness his sister’s ring exchange, was taken aback by the unfolding chaos


    He frowned deeply and ordered his assistant, “Get Derek and Melinda out of here now!”


    “Yes, sir!”


    The assistant, along with the bodyguards, quickly escorted Derek and Melinda away. The grand engagement party was thrown into disarray in a rather humiliating fashion. Neil rushed to the stage, hoping to calm the situation, but his attempt was thwarted by a loud cry from the audience, “Oh my God, someone has posted a video of this online!”


    Neil stood frozen. Ever since he started his live-streaming emerce business, he feared the power of online public opinion the most—it could elevate or destroy apany. If the audience loved them, riches would follow; if they turned against them, it could spell ruin. That was the reality for any live-streamingpany. The crowd, curious, pulled out their phones to check the trending news, and Neil quickly did the same


    Upon seeing the escting scandal involving Derek and Melinda spread rapidly, Neil bellowed from the stage, “Who? Who dares to mess with the Daniels family? Show yourself if you’re brave enough!”


    It was clear that the video had been covertly recorded and uploaded by someone present. The crowd instinctively stepped back, wary of falling under suspicion. Marissa also pretended to retreat nonchntly. As she moved out of the crowd, she felt a hand rest on her waist. Turning, she saw Connor beside her


    After a brief pause, she raised her eyebrows yfully and teased, “Looks like someone’s bold enough to challenge your Daniels family!”


    Connor met her gaze meaningfully and whispered, “Grandma is worn out. Take her home to rest. I’ll sort this out ande fetch youter. We’ll head to the Sunrise on the private jet.”


    “Alright.”


    Marissa immediately supported Arabe and left. After settling Arabe in the car, she was about to get in when she heard someone calling her from behind. “Mrs. Daniels!”


    She looked back to find Aelfric approaching


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