Alex's fingers tapped lightly against the desk as his eyes darkened. "Oh?" He immediately understood the reason behind the Winters family's invitation.

They didn't invite him because they respected him as a person. They invited him because of his status as the CEO of Reid Industries and to make a full use of his status.

The Winters family had done this many times before, using his presence to gain credibility, to attract investors, and to elevate their social standing to much higher and higher till now.

And yet, despite knowing their true motives, the old Alex had always eagerly attended those like a good dog… why? Because of Rose.

Like a fool. Like a biggest fool.

Mr. Waters carefully observed Alex's expression before asking again, "Sir, do you still wish to go or should I send a reply to them from you?"

Alex let out a low chuckle.

"They want to use me as a stepping stone for their own success and then use me today in this so-called their party to attract more investors and gain more favours and credibility from my presence ?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Waters, is the official announcement about severing ties with the Winters family ready?"

"It's been drafted and finalized, sir." Mr. Waters replied to the question in an instant with his graceful manner.

"Good." Alex stood up from his chair, buttoning his suit with smooth, deliberate movements. His eyes gleamed with something like he wants to play a dangerous game now after all the things he had done till now.

"Bring the announcement with you." Alex said. "We're going to the banquet." With that, Alex strode toward the door, his steps steady and his expensive shoes making clicking sounds indicating the silence he left behind..

….

Time skip:

Winters Family Mansion

Banquet Hall:

On the other side of the city, the Winters family remained blissfully unaware of the storm about to descend upon them.

The grand banquet hall was brightly lit, the atmosphere lively with laughter and conversation.

At the entrance, Rose's father, Harold Winters, stood with a confident smile, personally greeting all the guests as they arrived.

But despite his outward composure, impatience flickered in his eyes.

"Where the hell is this bastard Alex?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at his watch. "The banquet starts at five, and it's already three. Shouldn't he be here early to prepare?"

Beside him, Rose's mother, Lillian Winters, crossed her arms, her expression equally displeased.

(A/N: For those who think that Charles or his wife is Rose's mother or father. It is like a big family where you can call Charles and his wife like an uncle or aunt. But for respect they call each other like that so they feel like family or whatever. So don't get confused by this. Hmm yes like a goddaughter, godfather or etc… )

"Really! I mean really. What's wrong with that boy?" she scoffed. "We invited him to support our event, and he doesn't even have the shred of decency to arrive early for this important matter?"

Their words were filled with dissatisfaction.

Despite being the ones benefiting from Alex's status, they treated him as if it were an obligation, as if they owed Alex and everything he has and will have, for them Alex was like a dog. If they said sit, he should sit from their perspective and if said come here he sould come here with respect… An obligation or as they like to think of it.

And why wouldn't they?

After all, they knew their daughter had Alex wrapped around her finger fully. No matter how they treated him, no matter how dismissive they were, Alex had always come running back to them no matter what and that is what solidified this perspective in them.

He had no family alive, no real support system… to help him… from their point of view everything Alex owned is already theirs and it will be finalised… once he married Rose, wouldn't this already make his company belong to the Winters family?

Using Reid Industries resources to support their household? That was to be expected.

….

Inside the Banquet Hall

"Mr. Winters! It's been so long… you're looking hmmm… as young as ever every year!" Said one of the guest reaching the heights of flattery.

"Mr. Winters, you've made quite the fortune these past few years. You've been keeping all the good deals to yourself, haven't you?" Another followed the suit in the scheme.

"Mr. Winters, I'm honored that you personally came to welcome me." came another flattering and why wouldn't it come though?

Laughter and compliments filled the hall as countless businessmen and influential figures arrived, exchanging pleasantries with Harold Winters.

But deep down, they all knew the truth.

These people weren't here for him.

They were here because of Alex Reid.

Because of Alex status and his Industries.

The man who would… supposedly… become Harold Winters's future son-in-law… aka Rose Husband.

To disrespect the Winters family meant to risk offending Alex. And no one in their right mind would want to burn that bridge as long as they do not want to risk losing in their life.

But as the banquet's starting time inched closer, Harold's patience began to grow tense.

More guests arrived, yet the man of the hour… Alex… was nowhere to be seen.

Harold's brows furrowed in frustration.

"Where is that boy?" he muttered under his breath. "Don't tell me he's not coming…"

"Impossible!" Lillian Winter's voice immediately dismissed the idea. She glanced around the banquet hall and frowned.

"Rose isn't here either," she muttered, realization dawning upon her.

"They went out together at noon… Could it be," Her eyes widened as a horrifying thought crossed her mind.

"Oh no… They wouldn't have," Panic surged through her as she turned to her husband.

"This won't do! I need to call Rose right now! I cannot let that bastard Alex take advantage of her!" Harold Winters raised an eyebrow at his wife's sudden agitation.

(A/N: Hahah did you guys liked mass release Chapters of yesterday!!! if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don't forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)