Elton took Maria's silence as a sign that she was overwhelmed by her sudden good fortune, and continued to prod her with his usual arrogance.

At this point, everyone was all ears, their eyes fixed on Maria. Most of those gazes, however, harbored a great envy. If she accepted this opportunity, she would be set for life. No, perhaps she would flourish even further, and live a Life of abundance.

“I refuse," Maria said in a flat tone, jolting everyone out of their trance.

Elton was understandably displeased by her response, and his expression darkened. "Why? What in the world would make you refuse my offer?"

In less than an hour, this young woman had not only questioned him and his qualifications in front of a crowd, but she had also said no to him right to his face.

If it hadn't been for her incomparable beauty, Elton would have flown into a rage by now.

"You are far too inferior and lacking," Maria said matter-of-factly. "You do not deserve me as your assistant.

“What did she just say? "Is she serious?"

“Has she Lost her mind?"

The other guests were appalled by Maria’s words, yet at the same time, they felt gratified.

They all knew that the Jenkins family had been spending a lot of money just to keep Elton in their ranks.

He was the only alchemist the Jenkins family had for the past two decades, though his abilities were barely enough to sustain the Jenkins, let alone help them restore their name to its former glory.

And yet, the matriarch did everything to keep Elton. She had even tightened the budget for the other family members just to sustain Elton's extravagant lifestyle.

It didn't take long for resentment and discontent to fester in their hearts, especially when they saw how lavish Elton lived, while they struggled with hand to mouth circumstances every day.

But of course, no one dared to say anything, not when Elton was their sole alchemist.

And so, they had to live vicariously through Maria and take momentary satisfaction in her mockery of Elton.

“You say that I do not deserve you? Me?! Go on, then! Give me your reasons and prove that you are better than me!" Elton was roaring as he sprung up from his chair.

Only for him to flush with embarrassment a second Later, when he found that Maria actually towered over him.

He had found her tall figure extremely appealing just a while ago, but now he realized that he didn't quite like having to look up at her. It made him feel ashamed, somehow.

“Because you are just a third-level alchemist," Maria said, her tone still as nonchalant as ever.

“What do you mean by that?" Elton demanded with a sneer.

“Do you think there's an alchemist of a higher-level around? I'm the only alchemist your family has had for years!"

Maria ignored him and went on to say, “Alchemists are ranked into nine levels, first-level being the Lowest, and ninth the highest. And you are a mere third-Level. Do you honestly think that's so great?"

Hearing this, Elton cooled down slightly.