Adolf’s gaze turned downward toward the stage, where the orchestra’s melody echoed through the venue. And there, at the center of it all, was the one person who could shake Julius Sebastian Schneider.
"By the way, Mister Schneider," Adolf said casually, eyes still fixed on the orchestra, "I heard your engagement with Lady Vergissmeinnicht was annulled. You have my sympathies and my well wishes."
Julius maintained his smile, though the faintest gleam passed behind his eyes.
"Ah, news travels fast, doesn’t it? But don’t concern yourself, Lord Deutschmann. I assure you, the matter was resolved amicably."
"Of course. Still, it’s quite the shame. The Schneider and Vergissmeinnicht families made a remarkable pair. Lord Johannes was rather elated at the thought of grandchildren."
"My father tends to be elated about many things, Lord Deutschmann. Especially when they serve the family’s image."
Adolf gave a low chuckle. "Ah, ever the pragmatist. But tell me, was it truly an amicable split? Or was there more to it than that?"
Julius turned his gaze toward the orchestra. "There’s always more to it. But some things are better left unspoken."
"Haha. Indeed so."
An intellectual exchange. One that required caution from both sides. Neither could afford to let their guard down, not even for a moment.
From what Julius knew, Adolf was a snake through and through. His father, Johannes, had once supported the man when he was nothing more than a bright-eyed college graduate.
Yet when Adolf rose to power, he had repaid that loyalty with betrayal, throwing Johannes to the wolves, or rather, to the Glasshearts.
It was true that Julius hated Johannes, but Adolf was something else entirely.
Even so, the present situation called for hierarchy. For all his wealth and influence, Adolf was beneath Julius at the moment.
After all, Julius was a Schneider.
And Adolf, no matter how powerful he fancied himself, would always be a step lower.
After their exchange, the two men descended the grand staircase. For a moment, Julius’s gaze met Aiseline’s across the room. Her fingers froze on the violin for barely a second before she turned away, pretending to focus on the orchestra.
"I hope you don’t mind that we hired her for tonight," Adolf said. "The investors were quite taken with her performance last year."
Last year, she had attended as Julius’s plus one, not as a performer. The same had been true for every anniversary since their engagement.
"If I had minded, Lord Deutschmann," Julius replied calmly, "I wouldn’t have let her go in the first place. You worry too much."
Adolf chuckled. "Ever composed, as always. I sometimes wonder if anything ever shakes you, Mister Schneider."
Julius smiled faintly, though his eyes remained fixed on Aiseline. "You’d be surprised, Lord Deutschmann. Everyone has their limits."
The orchestra reached its crescendo. To the others, Aiseline looked like a picture of grace, but Julius could see the tremor in her wrist.
She was nervous.
He wondered if it was because of him.
Adolf gestured to the main floor, where the guests had begun gathering around the stage.
"Let’s not keep the crowd waiting. It’s time for the opening toast."
"Of course."
Next up for introductions were, naturally, the executives and investors. Julius made his way back through the crowd until he returned to Isolde’s side.
"Apologies for leaving you alone, Doctor," Julius said. "There were far too many hands that needed shaking."
Isolde offered a smile. "It’s alright, Mister Schneider. I can manage. I was just admiring the venue. It’s... overwhelming."
"Understandable," Julius replied, handing her a fresh glass of champagne. "Events like these are all for show anyway. Nothing more than an exchange of smiles and hidden intentions."
He poured himself a drink, his eyes moving toward the stage where the executives were being introduced one by one.
Then, without looking at her, he asked, "Anyway, a bit off topic. But which one of them is your ex-husband?"
"That one."
Isolde pointed subtly toward the podium. Standing before the cameras and waving confidently, as if he owned the room, was a tall, neatly dressed man with slicked-back hair, Frederick Aschoff, according to the Executives’ list.
Julius’s eyes followed her gesture. "Him?"
"Yes."
Frederick looked every bit the image of a corporate aristocrat. An expensive suit, perfect posture, and a face that belonged on the cover of a business magazine. Even from a distance, Julius could see the arrogance in the man’s smile.
When the photographs concluded, Julius set his glass down. "Why don’t I go and introduce myself—"
At that moment, Isolde reached out and caught his wrist.
"...Mister Schneider."
"...."
Julius glanced at her hand, then back at her.
"I’m technically one of the sponsors of this event, Doctor. It’s only right that I greet the guests."
Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing.
A moment later, Julius gently withdrew his wrist, gave her a reassuring nod, and made his way through the crowd toward the podium.
Frederick Aschoff was still surrounded by reporters and executives. When he noticed Julius approaching, he quickly dismissed the people around him.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mister Aschoff, is it?" Julius said.
"Y-Yes, sir," Frederick replied, offering his hand quickly. "Frederick Aschoff, Executive Director of Operations at Dream Industries. It’s an honor, truly, to meet the Schneider family’s heir in person."
Julius took his hand without haste. "Likewise. I’ve heard your name mentioned quite a few times. Your performance in the last quarter’s development report was... commendable."
"You flatter me, Mister Schneider. But we’re only able to achieve such results thanks to the Schneider Group’s continued support and vision. Dream wouldn’t be what it is today without your family’s foundation."
"That’s a generous way to put it," Julius said. "Though I’m sure your contributions hold weight as well. Every machine needs its gears, after all."
Frederick laughed. "You’re too kind, sir."
Judging from the way Frederick spoke, it was clear he hadn’t noticed Isolde yet. That was for the best.
While Julius had half a mind to start an incident, he could see the discomfort in Isolde’s eyes earlier. She didn’t want a scene, and out of respect for her, he decided to let it go.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Julius turned to leave, only to find someone standing in his path.
"Hello, Juli~ Why have you been ignoring me?"
A familiar, teasing voice.
Julius froze for a second, then let out a sigh. Standing before him was Sabine Schneider, his sister-in-law and Jeremy’s plus-one for the evening.
He had noticed her the moment she entered the venue, but he had gone out of his way to avoid her ever since.
Every time she tried to approach, he conveniently disappeared into the crowd or struck up conversation with the nearest guest just to keep her at bay.
"Sister-in-law. I thought you’d be busy accompanying my brother tonight."