"Since your family is in Seacity, I should probably visit them during our trip," Arthur suggested, feeling a bit nervous about meeting Ashley's parents. It was like he was the nervous bride about to meet her in-laws for the first time. However, since he was already there, it would be impolite not to pay them a visit. At the mention of her parents, Ashley hesitated. The thought of her parents' stern faces made her instinctively not want Arthur to meet them. "They are very serious and quite picky," she worried that her parents might make things difficult for Arthur. Seeing Ashley’s face fall, Arthur asked in confusion, "What's wrong?" "They're not easy to talk to," Ashley admitted reluctantly. Arthur rubbed her head reassuringly. "I need to meet them at some point." After a moment, Ashley hesitantly agreed, "Alright, after the auction, I'll take you to meet them." Arthur was interested in a piece of land in Seacity, and the trip was primarily for its auction. That area was projected to develop into Seacity’s largest commercial district within the next two years, making it the perfect time to invest. After resting briefly in their pre-booked hotel, Arthur and Ashley headed to Seacity's largest auction house, Opulent Haven Auctions. Opulent Haven Auctions was bustling at night, with numerous elegantly dressed men and women entering through the main doors, invitations in hand. Walking side by side, Arthur and Ashley entered smoothly, thanks to the invitations prepared in advance by Stanley. The auction hadn't started yet, and early arrivals were mingling in the banquet hall next door. This auction was not just about selling land but also served as a networking event for high society. Young people like Arthur and Ashley were usually brought by older family members to gain experience and build connections. Despite his composed demeanor, Arthur still looked his age, eighteen, with traces of youthful innocence yet to fade. The two of them entering alone soon caught the attention of many. Before Arthur could get a good look around, Ashley suddenly spotted a familiar figure. Instinctively, she wanted to lead Arthur away, but it was too late. The person had seen her and was walking towards them. Megan, arm in arm with Maris and swirling a glass of red wine, sauntered over to Arthur and Ashley. Before she even got close, Megan’s flirtatious voice carried over, "Oh, isn't this Ashley? You've been hiding for so long, and finally decided to show up?" Megan tightened her grip on Maris's arm and deliberately flaunted it in front of Ashley, as if marking her territory. Seeing the two approach, Ashley’s expression darkened. Maris, still arm in arm with Megan, looked at Ashley with a mix of unclear emotions. Ashley had matured a lot in the past two years, her allure more captivating than before. When Maris saw Ashley holding Arthur’s arm, his gaze turned sharp. Once they were close, Maris sized up Arthur disdainfully. "Ashley, I heard you have a boyfriend now, is it him?" Ashley instinctively tightened her grip on Arthur’s arm. Megan also sized up Arthur, asking flirtatiously, "Excuse me, whose little boy are you? Why didn't you have your parents bring you?" Ashley frowned deeply, her tone displeased. "Megan, show some respect!" "Respect?" Megan laughed as if she had heard a joke. "And who is he to deserve my respect?" Maris, seeing how protective Ashley was of Arthur, spoke up disapprovingly, "Ashley, it’s one thing to have a little fling, but why so serious?" Hearing the words "little fling," Arthur raised an eyebrow, taking a closer look at Maris. Unable to tolerate their insults towards Arthur any longer, Ashley pointed accusingly at them, "Maris! Watch your mouth! Even if the Gibson family is facing troubles, it doesn't give you the right to be disrespectful!" "Heh," Maris scoffed. "Troubles? You call that troubles? Don’t flatter yourself; the Gibson family has long fallen from grace!" "You!" Ashley was furious. "My family was wronged!" "Wronged?" Megan scoffed. "Every prisoner in jail claims to be innocent. Do you think they are?" "You still won't admit your family has hit rock bottom? You’ve resorted to having the women earn money to support you. How much lower can you fall?" Megan said, sizing up Arthur again, continuing her mockery.