Chapter 28: A Friendly Challenge

"That's me, Henry," he replied, casting a fleeting glance at Larry Anderson. No sooner had Larry Anderson made his appearance than Sophie Mitchell and Lily Turner approached, concern evident on Sophie's face. Given the power dynamics in King City, she knew that offending any of these men could have consequences for her family. "So you're the infamous son-in-law of the Mitchells. A penniless, worthless hanger-on, I hear?" Larry Anderson sized up Henry with a mocking smirk. "Larry, watch your tongue," Rowan interjected before Henry could respond. It was no secret to the attendees that Larry had long pursued Rowan. The Ericksons, with their auction house and burgeoning jewelry enterprise, were a strategic match for Larry's own family business. But Rowan had always rebuffed his advances. Now, her defense of Henry only deepened his irritation. "Larry," Rowan retorted coldly, "even if I've rejected you, it doesn't mean you can belittle Henry. And to insinuate that he's not worthy of bei