Despite his age, Elton had never married, and chose instead to satisfy his urges in with a plethora of women. He spent most of his money in various high-end bars and clubs, and was even a patron in discreet brothels all over Broome.

He had seen his fair share of beauties, but none of his past entanglements could hold a candle to the young woman approaching them.

“Her?" Mr. Gonzales asked blankly, his face inscrutable.

“Actually, Mr. Acosta, she... Well, she is Maria. The one you had just blacklisted in front of everyone.”

So, the alchemist hadn't met Maria before...

“Oh?" Elton's sallow face twitched, and a faint flush came over his cheeks as his eyes twinkled with anticipation.

He immediately straightened in his seat. He raised his chin high and smiled benevolently as he waited for Maria to pay her respects to him.

Most of the guests present at the event had only come to curry favor with him, which was why they had brought gifts, even though they didn't really have to. Naturally, Maria was expected to do the same.

Elton didn't care whether she presented him with something valuable or not.

As long as she was obedient and docile toward him, he was willing to rescind his previous order and shower her with all the favor she wanted.

His mind was racing with debauched images that he planned to do with her.

As Maria got closer, his face turned even redder.

But then...

As soon as Maria got into the heart of the hall, she quickly made a turn and hung back in the far wall of the room.

Not once did she even glance in the direction of Elton or Vivian.

Yes.

She had deliberately ignored the main stars of today's ceremony

“Mr. Gonzales, exactly who is that woman?"

Shocked and outraged by Maria's behavior, Elton purposely raised his voice so that it carried over to those who stood near him.

Mr. Gonzales was at a loss for a few precious seconds, and then he stammered out, "M-Mr. Acosta, her n-name is Maria Jenkins, and she is Miss Vivian's cousin."

“Is that so?" Elton's eyes sparkled with malicious intent.

“In that case, bring her over and make her pay her respects."

Mr. Gonzales dreaded the task, but he still waved Maria over. "Please come here, Miss Maria. Let me introduce you to Mr. Acosta."

Maria rolled her eyes and didn't bother hiding how unhappy she was as she sauntered through the crowd.