After hearing Rnd''s words, M merely offered a polite smile without saying much.


    Ryan''s behavior wasn''t just erratic; it was downright reckless and arrogant. He treated people as if they were beneath him. Back when he locked M up for over a week just to ensure she wouldn''t interfere with a birthday party for Giselle, so that Lysander could smoothly leave the country, it was clear he was nothing short of a madman.


    However, M knew how to distinguish between friends and foes.


    The eldest of the Lockwood family seemed to have given Ryan a good beating as a form of apology to her, but M knew it was more about putting on a show. By striking first, he made it difficult for others to criticize their family.


    After all, they were true brothers.


    The grievances between her and Ryan would have to be settled by her alone.


    With a polite smile, M remarked, "Mr. Lockwood, your fairness is truly admirable."


    "Fairness might be an overstatement," Rnd replied with a chuckle. "It''s clear Ms. Suthend was frightened, and of course, this isn''t enough. I''ll ensure that a generouspensation follows, something that will satisfy Ms. Suthend."


    His words were smooth and left no room for error, making it difficult to find fault. And with that, the issue was brushed aside.


    Finally, M took the opportunity to ask about the real reason she was there. "Mr. Lockwood, I must admit, we don''t have much of a personal connection. Why exactly did you invite me to this family dinner?"


    She had been pondering this for days.


    ...


    Shortly after receiving the invitation to the Lockwood family dinner, M called a friend who had introduced her to this business opportunity.


    She asked for details about the origins of this deal.


    She assumed her friend''s connections in the industry had facilitated it, but her friend rified that it wasn''t her doing. Rnd had approached her directly, expressing admiration for M''s design style upon seeing her work elsewhere.


    Given the Lockwood family''s prestigious status, this was a significant opportunity, so her friend had made the introduction.


    On the surface, it seemed straightforward.


    However, it wasn''t just about a custom dress order. Rnd had continued to


    contact her for reasons outside of business, and his demeanor was odd throughout.


    Something felt off to M.


    Finally, she had a chance to ask directly today.


    Seeing him smile without answering, M pressed on, "Have we met before?" But she genuinely couldn''t recall any previous encounters.


    Someone like Rnd would leave asting impression if they had met.


    As expected, he shook his head, "No, we''ve never met before, but I''ve known


    about you for quite some time, Ms. Suthend."


    M was taken aback, surprised by his words.


    "Of course, it''s from what others have told me."


    "Who?" she asked curiously.


    Rnd smiled, "An old acquaintance."


    M was even more puzzled and slightly exasperated, "Please, Mr. Lockwood,


    you must be clear. I truly don''t understand."


    Rnd sighed lightly, his face showing a hint of helplessness, "You were supposed to meet him today. However, my friend was dyed by some matters and couldn''t make it to the dinner."


    With that revtion...


    M asked, "Did you invite me because of him, so he''s someone I know?"


    "Indeed. In fact, given my rtionship with this old friend, I should have a reason to despise you."


    Rnd''s smile remained, but his tone was indifferent.


    M froze, listening as he continued, "After all, my friend was quite devastated by your deception. Your marriage to Lysander was a significant blow to him, one he hasn''t really recovered from even after many years."


    At this point, M understood all too well, her face turning pale.