Edward, clearly annoyed by the sudden intrusion of the father-daughter duo, glared at Gilford, who was just watching the situation unfold.

Feeling somewhat guilty under Edward’s fierce gaze, Gilford knew he had done his best. Despite his efforts, there was little he could do about such stubbornness. After all, he couldn’t just act on his own temper, as they were investors.

Gilford shook his head and gestured towards the back, indicating they should move there.

Edward, not bothering to hide his displeasure, said, “It’s not difficult to verify your concerns. But since Gilford seems to have brought some news, let’s finish that discussion first.”

“But… look here, Allen!”

Sir Gerard, realizing he was being put second, raised his voice in wounded pride.

“Do you understand that your research is funded by investors like me? Don’t you know it’s because of us that your projects even move forward?”

“I’m aware, which is why I’m accommodating your visit. If you’re not satisfied, you’re welcome to seek other engineers. Goodbye.”

Edward briskly turned and headed towards an office next to the lab.

Gilford, maintaining his composure, quickly followed. The only one who stayed put was Jeffrey, who had hit rock bottom in terms of courage.

“Ah, please come this way. I’ll briefly explain the recent developments of our research institute.”

“And who are you?”

“I’m Jeffrey Curtis, the head of Allen Research Institute.”

Leaving Jeffrey sweating and explaining, the two men quickly moved on.

As soon as Edward stepped out of the institute, he growled, “I didn’t hire you to bring guests like this, Gilford.”

Gilford, twisted up with guilt, responded with a bowed head, “I apologize. The news of our recent patent completion spread among some nobles. I intended to send a telegram but ran into them on the way out.”

“I see. But it’s difficult for me to be harsh with my father-in-law.”

Edward snorted and looked irritably behind him. The flashy red paint of the car they arrived in caught his eye.

“And what about that woman? I told you to keep them in line, not to parade them in front of me.”

Gilford, guilty but trying to maintain a neutral expression, replied, “I’ve made it clear that any disrespectful remarks towards Mrs. Allen won’t be tolerated in the future.”

“And why is she acting like that?”

“I’m not sure. I can’t read people’s minds.”

“That eloquence should have been used on them, not me.”

Gilford had no response to that. He simply bowed his head again.

“At least they came through me, so that’s some courtesy.”

“Courtesy? They show up unannounced and that’s courteous?”

Edward sharply retorted, clearly not appeased.
“Just trying to maintain what needs to be maintained. Somewhere, a commoner like me gets the same treatment, and it wounds my pride. Yet, if I confront you directly, it might seem like I’m disrespecting you,” Edward mumbled to himself. “You lack backbone, don’t you?” he added, sighing deeply.

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“First, give a brief overview of this high-power controller, its expected effects, and future research directions.”

“You can do that yourself.”

“They won’t trust me as much as an expert.”

Edward clicked his tongue, “Fine, just blabber something with a serious face for about 30 minutes. I have no intention of dealing with them directly.”

“So, we’ll showcase this at the exhibition and gauge the reaction,” Edward stated, resting his hand on a large device. It was a magic stone engine capable of powering military vessels.

“By then, we’ll rake in the money, and it’ll surely be a golden goose. Just wait a bit.”

Sir Gerard Ernst, lost in thought, glanced down. He then stroked his chin and said, “Indeed. Even the royal family would be interested. Any thoughts on collaboration with Winston for domestic submarine production?”

“We’re considering it, but it depends on their terms. Continuing under Allen’s name in the shipbuilding industry isn’t a bad choice.”

Edward replied with a slightly arrogant tone. Emily, sitting beside Gerard, clapped her hands softly, covered in lamb leather gloves.

“Amazing. True reputation isn’t gained easily.”

She lightly touched her lips with her fingertips, leaning in his direction.

“A man with ability is impressive. Regardless of status, he has charm.”

“That’s not a value system I’d recommend.”

Edward’s reply was cold, but Emily cupped her cheeks with her hands and said, “The world is changing. As you know, Mr. Allen, it’s not a place where one lives on status alone. People with abilities deserve corresponding treatment, right?”

She narrowed her eyes and smiled, clearly trying to flatter him. Gilford, aware of Emily’s motives, barely held back a laugh at her blatant and naive attempt.

Predictably, Edward grew even more silent and looked at her coldly.

He spoke with a strained voice, “If you’re going to be hypocritical, better to learn to do it properly, Miss Ernst.”

“What?”

“My advice. Better to be like Sir Gerard, who openly sees this as a golden goose. There’s no need to expect more from a transactional relationship.”

He looked down at her almost with contempt.

“If you’re going to pretend to care, start by fixing that condescending gaze and tone, Miss Ernst.”

“I, I mean—”

Emily stuttered, confused. Gerard, disapprovingly looking at her, clicked his tongue and took over the conversation.
“Stop it. My daughter is still young. I’ve been raising her to marry into the bourgeoisie, so her words, though clumsy, were sincere. Let’s leave it at that,” Sir Ernst said.

“There’s nothing more to say, Sir Ernst,” replied Edward, looking frustrated as he roughly pulled at his tie and slumped into his chair.

Emily, with tear-filled eyes, said, “I’m sorry. I always seem to make mistakes.”

Her words brought back memories Edward did not want to recall, hardening his expression further.

“I’m truly sorry,” she continued sincerely.

Despite her ulterior motives, she was in the presence of her father. Gilford, suppressing a sigh, handed her a handkerchief.

Taking the handkerchief, Emily dabbed her tears and said, “I just came here to apologize to you, and my earlier words were genuinely out of admiration. I’m sorry for my clumsy expression.”

“There’s no need to apologize.”

“Look here, Allen! Neither my daughter nor I came here to be ignored!”

Edward massaged his temples, wondering why he had to endure this situation due to Gilford’s inability to manage the nobles’ egos.

‘No. It’s because I’m not a noble.’

Finally realizing this, his mood soured even more.

What good is it to show arrogance to nobles? After all, he was just a swindler’s son, a commoner.

They looked down on him so easily, with condescending eyes and patronizing tones.

Therefore, he couldn’t afford to lose the title of a successful engineer.

He decided to proceed with the next project, which had only been a topic of discussion until now.

“Jeffrey.”

“Yes, Mr. Allen.”

“Remember the amplifier we discussed?”

Surprised by the sudden question, Jeffrey responded, “Yes?”

“The next project will be focused on that. It’s a decision, no arguments needed.”

“What?”

Jeffrey couldn’t believe it. He wanted to protest, but couldn’t in front of the investors.

“And you, Sir Ernst and Miss Ernst,” Edward said, turning his head slightly.

“If you really want to apologize, recommend a good opera before you leave.”

He needed to maintain both his reputation and his wife’s happiness. This meant working harder than ever before. His job required extracting maximum efficiency in the least amount of time, and he had to strive for quality time with his wife.

However, opera and drama were leisure activities he couldn’t afford, only accessible to nobles with abundant time. Therefore, he had to make use of the nobles present, especially those trying to please him.
“So, if there are nobles in front of me, especially those who are mindful of me, I should make use of them.”

He chose a successful date with his wife over his own pride.