Although this banquet didn’t include every influential figure in Evergrand City, those who did attend—whether the elders or the younger generation—were people of considerable status. Most of the attendees had brought their successors, knowing that exposure to this environment was invaluable. The moment Solivair called out the unspoken rule, those who had brought their heirs started feeling uneasy. The younger ones instinctively shrank behind their elders, trying to make themselves invisible. But Arthur’s words… His words struck a chord with them. He had voiced what many had been thinking but hadn’t dared to say. And the power of the crowd was immense. Arthur had taken the lead, giving them the push they needed. One after another, people stepped forward. Especially the elders who had brought their successors. They no longer cared that Arthur had used the term when the elders pass away. They were far more concerned with preserving their wealth and ensuring a lasting legacy. “He’s absolutely right! This rule never made sense. We old men won’t be around forever. If the younger ones aren’t given opportunities, how will they learn to manage what we leave behind?” “Exactly! Avoiding talk of life and death doesn’t change reality. We should be preparing the younger generation, not shutting them out.” “We’ve been bringing our heirs here for years. They’ve gained invaluable insights. If we keep enforcing outdated rules, we’ll end up destroying our own legacy!” “That’s the truth! My family’s worked for generations to build what we have. I want my descendants to continue that success for centuries, not let it all crumble in one generation!” “This rule hasn’t been relevant in years. Nobody’s enforced it—so why bring it up now?” Then, a voice from the crowd added something that made everyone pause. “The Tremo family has brought younger heirs here before, haven’t they?”The entire hall fell silent. All eyes turned toward the speaker—Ryder. Of course. If anyone dared to openly challenge Solivair besides Mr. Hugo, it was Ryder. Solivair’s gaze locked onto him instantly, dark and chilling. A heavy, suffocating pressure filled the room. Ryder didn’t flinch. His own eyes burned with fury and deep resentment. Their gazes clashed midair, like blades drawn in an invisible duel. The tension was suffocating. No one dared to make a sound. Not a single guest wanted to attract Solivair’s ire. Hugo watched Arthur standing firm, unwavering. Admiration filled his eyes. Then, breaking the heavy silence, Hugo let out a deep, hearty laugh. “Arthur is absolutely right!” His voice carried through the hall, shattering the unspoken standoff. “All of us here—we are only human. We will not be here forever.” “If we don’t provide opportunities for the next generation to learn, our fortunes will die with us. Our families will lose everything we worked so hard to build.” Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Hugo then turned his sharp gaze toward Solivair. “And besides—if the Tremo family is allowed to bring their younger heirs into this banquet, why shouldn’t we?” The meaning was clear.If you want to enforce the rule on Arthur, then you’ll have to apply it to your own family too. Hugo’s words sent a fresh wave of whispers through the room. This was an open challenge to the Tremo family. And the guests knew it. None of them wanted to take a side against the Tremo family. But… Hugo was looking at them. And every one of them had brought their younger heirs. Backing down now meant admitting they were wrong for bringing their successors. Whether they liked it or not, they had no choice but to side with Hugo. Quickly, voices of support filled the hall. “Mr. Hugo is absolutely right! The younger generation deserves to be here.” “That rule is outdated. If we only let the old guard attend, these banquets will become meaningless.” “We must make space for the next generation. We can’t cling to the past.” Though the words were similar to what had been said before, this time, they were directed at Solivair himself. Solivair’s cold gaze swept across the crowd. The moment he looked at someone, they instinctively clammed up. Silence crept back into the room.