Chapter 34 - 6.6 : Your Status Isn’t Higher
Al arrived at the sitting room but didn’t enter immediately. His mother, Sandra, approached him first—wearing an elegant pastel gown with the aura of a powerful matriarch. She glanced at Al from head to toe, clearly unimpressed by his casual outfit: just a t-shirt and long pants. But given the urgency of the situation, she let it go.
"Al, our guests today are the Valendra family. They’ve already arrived," Sandra said firmly. "Tonight, your engagement annulment with Nayala will be discussed. But to honor the bond that’s still technically active, your father and I want you to accompany them throughout the day. Don’t cause trouble, don’t speak out of line, but also don’t be too silent. Remember to uphold our family’s image. Understood?"
Slaying a giant dragon would probably be easier than this. Why does breaking off an engagement have to be this complicated? Being rich is exhausting... Al complained silently.
"Yes, Mother," he replied with a smile.
His footsteps echoed softly along the marble hallway. As he entered the sitting room, a lively scene greeted him.
Dozens of people filled the space, some still busy arranging suitcases and large bags—clearly having just arrived that morning. A mix of expensive perfume and fine incense filled the air.
In the center of the room, Nayala sat gracefully next to a middle-aged man and woman, clearly her parents. Around them, other relatives of various ages—mostly adults and elders—dressed casually, yet still exuded wealth and status.
On the Virellano side stood Edward, Sandra, Aurielle, Sarah, Vianna, Lysha, and of course David, who was seated not far from Nayala.
Edward stood up and took control of the room.
"Thank you to the Valendra family for coming all the way from Vali Island. And this here... is our son who was switched at birth, and the original fiancé in this engagement—Al... Al Virellano."
Everyone in the room was taken aback. It was the first time the Virellano name had been officially attached to Al. Some family members looked visibly uncomfortable hearing it.
All heads turned as Al stepped into the center of the room. Without much expression, he gave a slight nod and said,