Eden''s first reaction was that his eyes were ying tricks on him. He rubbed them hard, only to see Bet standing right in front of him.


    "You, you, you..." Eden''s voice trembled uncontrobly.


    "What''s wrong? The groom doesn''t seem very happy to see me," Bet said with a slight, humorless raise of his eyebrow.


    He then took a wine ss from a passing waiter''s tray, swirled it elegantly, and said to Eden, "Mr. Monroe, congrattions on your wedding."


    Eden lookedpletely stunned, dazed and lost. The ss in his hand slipped, shattering on the floor with a crash.


    As the ss broke, a sudden silence seemed to fall over the massive banquet hall.


    "Bet, weren''t you on your deathbed! Are you a man or a ghost!" Mrs. Thompson Sr.''s shriek broke the silence.


    Bet just smiled faintly. "It seems the old woman was hoping I would die. I''m sorry to disappoint you."


    "You!" Mrs. Thompson Sr. started to speak but was silenced by a cold re from Frank.


    To prevent her from making a scene, Frank immediately instructed his assistant, "The madam is not feeling well. Please escort her back to rest."


    "I, I''m not unwell..." Mrs. Thompson Sr. began to protest but was quickly escorted away by the assistant and bodyguards.


    Ynda''s face was ashen, her expression one of someone who had seen a ghost. If Bet wasn''t dead, what chance did an illegitimate son like Eden have of


    inheriting the Thompson family''spany and assets?


    Ynda looked helplessly toward her father.


    Vincent and Mrs. Walker were also seated at the head table.


    Vincent''s face showed shock and disbelief, even a flicker of panic. But as a man who had been in politics for years and weathered many storms, he quicklyposed himself.


    "Bet, what a rare pleasure to have you here," Vincent said, greeting Bet with a smile.


    Bet smiled back, returning the polite gesture.


    The head table was filled with distinguished guests, and Bet greeted each of them with impable courtesy. Finally, his eyesnded on Frank, and he said coolly, "Dad."


    "Yes," Frank nodded, his gaze toward Bet warm and fatherly. "Since you''re here, have a seat."


    Frank then instructed the hotel manager to add two seats to the head table.


    The hotel staff moved quickly, cing two chairs at the VIP table.


    Bet took Yvonne''s hand and sat down beside Frank.


    Bet swirled the wine in his ss. Frank noticed and couldn''t help but advise, "You''ve just recovered. Go easy on the alcohol."


    "Mm, I know," Bet agreed, for once being obedient.


    @t


    "Mr. Bet Thompson, I heard you were seriously injured some time ago. It''s good to see you''ve made full recovery," said a high-ranking provincial official who had been myited to the wedding. He smiled at Bet inquiringly.


    "Oh, him? He''s a lucky one. After cheating death, he''s destined for great things," Frank said with a chuckle.


    "Indeed. Bet clearly has the look


    of a man destined for wealth and honor," Mr. Staley continued, his gaze shifting to Yvonne beside Bet. And this must be your lovely girlfriend. She''s so charming."


    Hearing an elder praise his girlfriend, Bet''s lips curved into a slight smile. He nced at Yvonne before replying to Mr. Staley, "Mr Staley you have a discerning eye.


    "You rascal, still as immodest as ever," Mr. Staleyughed. "Bet, when are you


    going to treat us old-timers to a drink?"