?Chapter 415:


    “What’s that grin for?” Karen snapped.


    Malcolm shrugged innocently, his smile unwavering. “That’s just how my polite smile is.”


    Karen was left speechless. What kind of nonsense excuse was that? What a smug jerk! She hade to pick a fight but ended up storming off in frustration.


    Wesley stepped closer, and Malcolm quicklyposed himself. “Wesley.”


    Wesley nodded but kept his eyes locked on Elena.


    Elena lifted her chin slightly in acknowledgment.


    At that moment, her phone rang.


    Stepping aside to take the call, Elena saw it was Lydia. Lydia informed her that the Phantom Market would open in three days.


    The Phantom Market, thergest underground ck market in the world, opened its doors only once a year—a treasure trove where rare artifacts and forbidden goods were freely exchanged.


    Elena’s mentor made a pilgrimage to the Phantom Market every year.


    Elena hung up, resolute not to let this golden opportunity slip through her fingers.


    As Elena turned around, her steps faltered at the sight of the two men’s sses of wine.


    Before Wesley and Malcolm stood a neat line of red wine sses.


    Wesley’s face was hard to read—icy and distant—while Malcolm wore a polite grin that concealed his true emotions.


    Elena approached and asked casually, “What are you two up to?”


    Just as Malcolm was about to respond, Marlon entered the scene.


    Beaming kindly at Elena, Marlon abandoned his usual stern demeanor. “Miss Harper, I’m so d you could join us. Kiera’s been talking about you.”


    “I already saw Kiera earlier,” Elena replied calmly.


    Marlon’s eyes flicked to his silent son before adding, “Kiera isn’t the only one. We’ve all been hoping to see you here, right, Malcolm?”


    Caught off guard, Malcolm stiffened for a moment, then sighed inwardly as his expression faltered. His father never missed a chance to make things awkward.


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    Gauging Wesley’s expression from the corner of his eye, Malcolm replied cautiously, “Miss Harper helped Kiera recover. Our family is deeply grateful to her.”


    Marlon subtly shot his son a sharp look. For someone usually quick-witted, Malcolm was surprisingly dense at key moments. It was the perfect opportunity, yet Malcolm let it slip away.


    Determined not to give up, Marlon pushed further. “The vi’s been updated. Malcolm, why not show Miss Harper around?”


    Malcolm felt a frigid aura beside him. His usual facade nearly cracked as he clenched his jaw. “Dad, there are still plenty of guests waiting. Shouldn’t you be with them?”


    Malcolm silently wished Marlon would stop provoking Wesley here and now. If his father kept going, Wesley might freeze the whole room with that icy stare.


    Marlon believed his message hadnded and left with satisfaction.


    An awkward silence nketed the trio.


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