Chapter 43：Xavier's Test

Unbeknownst to Ursula, a shadowy figure watched from a distance, his presence unnoticed as Shen Yao carried her away. Once she vanished from sight, a cold sneer curled the corners of his lips. Matthew's concerns seemed unfounded, she was someone else's problem now.

He made his way back to the bustling party.

"Matthew, where have you been?" Dylan's soft complaint greeted him. "Dad sent me to find you."

She had worked hard to set up this evening, hoping for her father's approval, but Matthew seemed oblivious to the importance of the occasion.

"It was getting stuffy," he said simply.

"You could've told me." Dylan replied, biting back further comment upon seeing his slight frown. She didn't want to spoil the evening over trivialities.

Timothy approached with concern etched on his face. "I need to leave." He said to them. "Where's Ursula?"

"She wasn't feeling well, so she left." Timothy replied, his eyes lingering on Matthew, piecing together the evening's events.

"Why didn't you escort her out?" Dylan asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice. She had seen Matthew enter alone, which ruled out any notion of him being with Ursula.

But she quickly dismissed the thought. Ursula, her best friend, wouldn't betray her by being with Matthew.

"I'm going to check on her now," Timothy said, masking his own doubts about Matthew's indifference.

"Tell her I'm sorry we can't come," Dylan blushed, implying a private evening with Matthew.

With a nod, Timothy departed, leaving Dylan to tug Matthew toward her father.

"Dad, Matthew's here," she announced, clinging to Xavier with a coy smile.

"Dad knows," Xavier replied, detecting the chill in her voice. He wondered whether Matthew was a son-in-law material.

Matthew had made a name for himself as a lawyer in Zephyr City, but Xavier had reservations about his career choice.

The influential men around Xavier praised Dylan's beauty and Matthew's achievements, impressed by his composure.

Xavier joked about their flattery, watching Matthew for his reaction.

Matthew's ability to keep his emotions in check earned him respect.

"Father, they're right about Matthew." Dylan nudged, unaware of the tension.

Matthew's response was a subtle twitch of his mouth, betraying nothing.

"Matthew's made quite the name for himself." Remarked a man with a warm smile.

"Why not start a business instead of law?" he suggested, a hint of strategy in his tone.

Matthew recognized Kang Youwei, the 'smiling tiger,' and his mention of 'minor troubles.'

"I've always wanted to be a lawyer," Matthew replied coolly. "And it seems Mr. Kang could use a good one lately."

Kang's expression shifted at the mention of his company's legal woes.

Matthew's knowledge of Kang's situation suggested he was not easily controlled.

"Perhaps you have some advice?" Kang inquired, his tone now sincere.

Dylan listened, puzzled by the sudden shift in Kang's demeanor toward Matthew.

"To minimize losses, maybe consult Lawyer Lin," Matthew suggested casually.