The commotion quickly attracted attention, and soon, a crowd had gathered inside and outside the store, eager to watch the spectacle unfold. Ashley clenched her fists tightly, her eyes full of concern as she turned to Arthur. “Arthur, don’t listen to them…” She was afraid his pride would take a hit. Many of the onlookers were from wealthy families, and with the recent scandal between Arthur and Zac making waves, they immediately recognized them. Some, eager to stir trouble, jumped in with their own jeers. “The Gray family’s own son living off a woman? No wonder they don’t acknowledge him. If I were them, I’d find it embarrassing too.” “That girl looks well-dressed—what noble family is she from? Never seen her before.” “The Gray family is really something, huh? Ignoring their biological son and letting him be some rich woman’s kept man.” “Well, he must’ve done something to deserve it. What kind of real family would ignore their own son and favor an adopted one?” “Good point…” The murmurs and laughter grew louder, each word cutting deeper. Meanwhile, a faint, satisfied smile curved at the corner of Tia’s lips. She took a deliberate step forward, her voice laced with just the right amount of sorrow. “Arthur, since you have someone you care about now, let’s call off the engagement. Zac and I truly love each other.” She intentionally emphasized someone you care about, letting the meaning hang in the air. The crowd instantly picked up on her implication and erupted in laughter, their mockery growing louder. “He should just step aside already.” “I heard Tia’s the top beauty at South High. What a waste on a loser like Arthur.” “You don’t get it. Having a campus queen as a fiancée is a status symbol. He won’t give it up that easily.”“But seriously… openly dating her fiancé’s brother? That’s just disgusting.” The opinions varied, but Arthur ignored them all. He hadn’t expected this errand to come with such a pleasant surprise. Ashley, on the other hand, was furious. She wanted to lash out, but hearing Tia talk about canceling the engagement, she found herself hesitating. A strange sense of anticipation filled her. Would Arthur agree to it? Would he… finally cut ties with this ridiculous engagement? Zac, basking in the attention, feigned a sympathetic expression. “Arthur, Tia and I truly love each other. Even though she’s engaged to you, I know you’re kind—you wouldn’t want to stand in the way of true love, right?” His words immediately swayed the crowd’s opinion. “Yeah, I mean, someone like Arthur doesn’t deserve Ms. Tia. Might as well let her be with the brother she actually wants.” “He won’t let go that easily. Tia might not come from an elite background, but she’s the campus queen. Having her as a fiancée gives him some value.” “Exactly. I heard he’s had to work part-time just to support himself. Compared to regular rich kids, he’s worse off than a commoner. This engagement is probably the only thing keeping him relevant.” “Poor Ms. Tia… stuck with such a useless fiancé. What a waste of beauty.” Zac smiled smugly. This was exactly what he wanted. He had used this tactic many times—manipulating public opinion to force Arthur into a corner. It worked every single time. “Tia?” Amidst the noise, a new voice cut in—one of surprise. Tia’s head snapped up.“Dad? Mom?” Her expression faltered. “What are you doing here?” Martin and Daisy Fraser quickly stepped inside, their eyes scanning the scene. Upon seeing Zac, Daisy immediately brightened. “Oh, Zac! You and Tia are out shopping together?” she asked with delight. Martin, however, frowned slightly. The way Zac and Tia were standing too close together unsettled him. But he didn’t say anything. Zac greeted them with his usual polished charm. “Mr. Fraser, Mrs. Fraser, it’s a pleasure to see you.” He was the picture of good manners—respectful and warm. Daisy’s fondness for him was evident as they exchanged pleasantries, both completely ignoring Arthur’s presence. It was only after some time that Martin finally noticed the familiar-looking young man standing apart from them. He frowned and asked, “And who is this?” Before Arthur could respond, Tia quickly stepped up and whispered into her father’s ear. “Dad, he’s Arthur Gray.” Martin’s expression changed instantly. Arthur Gray. That name was impossible to forget.