After Ste and her group finished their performance, the four of them took the stage to take a bow.


    Just as they were about to leave, the host signaled for Ste to stay.


    Although she was confused, Ste didn''t ask any questions right then and there.


    The host smiled at the audience. "Today, we''re celebrating Mr. Burton''s seventieth birthday. Now, let''s wee the man of the hour!"


    Karl helped Mr. Burton onto the stage, steadying him as he made his way up the steps. As they passed, Karl shot Ste a subtle nce before looking away.


    Mr. Burton was dressed in a sharp suit, looking every bit the distinguished gentleman. He gave Ste a reassuring nod and a gentle smile before taking the microphone.


    "Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to attend my birthday celebration," he began cordially, exchanging a few pleasantries with the crowd. Then, his tone shifted.


    "I''m sure you''ve all noticed this youngdy just now. Allow me to introduce her properly-her name is Ste, and she''s my one and only apprentice. Today, I want to make it clear to everyone: just because Ste has no parents and no family to back her, doesn''t mean anyone can take advantage of her. From this day forward, I am her family. And if anyone-anyone at all—tries to mess with her, don''t me me for not ying nice."


    As he spoke, Mr. Burton nced—almost casually—toward Jasper and Haynes, making his meaning unmistakable.


    A shocked murmur rippled through the crowd.


    Everyone knew Mr. Burton had withdrawn from public life years ago. Now, to see him reappear at such an important asion, introducing Ste with such formality —it was clear just how much she meant to him.


    Whispers began circting: Who was this girl? Was she his illegitimate daughter? His granddaughter? But even if she was family, wasn''t this all a bit too public?


    Jasper looked like he''d seen a ghost the moment Mr. Burton stepped onto the stage. But he wasn''t the only one-Haynes and Rachel stood frozen, utterly stunned.


    Rachel managed to stammer, "Is... is that really the founder of the Burton family?"


    She wanted to say there must be some mistake, but who else couldmand such a gathering of the city''s elite if not the legendary Mr. Burton?


    At Rachel''s words, Deanna''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Rachel, you know who Mr. Burton is? He''s


    incredible. They say that when met


    was young, he could work miracles-he cured countless people, even those other doctors had given up on. Some of his patients came from the most powerful families, and they were so grateful they showered him with priceless gifts. But, even more important than the treasures was thework he built by saving so many lives. That''s how the Burton Group came to be."


    The Burton Group started out as a pharmaceuticalpany-hardly anyone needs to be told how profitable that is. Everyone gets sick. Everyone needs medicine.


    In just thirty years, the Burton Group had skyrocketed to the top, bing a


    powerhouse among the country''s elite families.


    Their rise was so rapid that envy


    was inevitable-but no one dared to


    stand in their way. After all, who


    could guarantee that their own loved ones wouldn''t one day need Mr. Burton''s help?


    Within high society, Mr. Burton was more than just respected-he was practically a legend. To be


    connected to someone like him


    couldpletely change a person''s station in life.


    As Deanna spoke, cold sweat broke out on Jasper''s forehead, trickling down his temples. His shirt clung to his back, damp with fear.


    He never imagined that the person whose store he''d trashed was someone with such power and influence.


    Suddenly, the purpose of the Burton family inviting the Wilkinsons—especially him -became crystal clear.


    How could an airhead like Ste possibly know someone as formidable as Mr. Burton?