Chapter 12: Danger

"Our family really has some clout, managing to invite someone from the Ericksons." Murmurs began spreading through the room. "Please, it's all thanks to Ella's savvy. She landed a great son-in-law. Rumor has it that Ms. Erickson attended solely because of the Roberts' influence." The room was buzzing with chatter. Theo Roberts and Ella Mitchell were beaming with pride. The Erickson family, with its three generations in the antiques business, had expanded its empire in this generation. Now, they were on the verge of entering the ranks of King City's top families. Everyone dreamed of associating with a premier family like the Ericksons, and now Theo Roberts was hoping to flaunt his connection. "Ms. Erickson, it's an honor to have you at the Mitchell's celebration. You've truly graced our occasion," Joseph Mitchell said, approaching with a cordial demeanor. "Your flattery is noted, Elder Master Erickson," Rowan replied, her voice tinged with politeness. She hadn't really planned to attend, but out of respect for Theo's influential father, she'd made the exception. "Ms. Erickson, let's dine first and discuss business later," Joseph Mitchell gestured towards the main table, but Rowan's gaze drifted towards Henry's. "I'll sit here," she said, indicating the table near the entrance where Henry was seated. Henry, seemingly disinterested until now, looked up with a spark of curiosity. Henry, berated by Joseph, was about to stand, but Rowan intervened, "No need. I'll sit next to him." "But Ms. Erickson, wouldn't that be beneath your status? He's just a son-in-law who married into the Mitchell family," Theo interjected. Rowan's eyes narrowed, "Mr. Smith, aren't you also a son-in-law here? How are you any different?" The room fell silent. Theo was a prominent figure within the Mitchells, but now he'd been publicly chided twice by Rowan. Red-faced, he managed, "Ms. Erickson is right, of course. Please, as you wish." Rowan gracefully took her seat beside Henry. Her elegance and poise were palpable. Many in the room couldn't help but stare, envy evident in their eyes. But Sophie Mitchell felt a pang of jealousy. Why did Rowan choose to sit beside Henry? Did they know each other? Sophie Mitchell pondered for a moment. How could Rowan possibly know Henry? She was well-acquainted with Henry's background. As Joseph Mitchell began his animated speech filled with welcome and gratitude, Rowan turned to Henry, "I recognize you." Henry's seeming disinterest was slightly irksome to Rowan. Most men usually fawned over her, but Henry was proving an exception. After a brief pause, Rowan pulled out her phone, scrolling through a video, then showed it to Henry, "That's you in this video, isn't it?" "People these days post anything online when they're bored," Henry replied nonchalantly after a glance. "Do you have expertise in jewelry and antiques?" Rowan inquired. "Just a smidgen," Henry replied casually. Rowan assessed him, finding it hard to reconcile his appearance with that of a jewelry expert. "I heard that the jade pendant around Gavin Smith's neck, the one you claimed was a flea market find, really was a bargain. But you don't strike me as someone knowledgeable in appraisals." Rowan was straightforward, "Indeed, I'm just a poor country boy. I made a wild guess that happened to be correct," Henry responded with a light chuckle. Unbeknownst to Henry, as he conversed with Rowan, a pair of eyes sharply fixed on him, filled with an intensity that could pierce. Those eyes belonged to Sophie Mitchell. For some reason, seeing Henry with another woman irked her immensely. Unable to contain herself any longer, she approached them. "Ms. Erickson, hello. I'm Sophie Mitchell, Henry's wife..." Introducing herself with a confident smile, Sophie reached out for a handshake, emphasizing the word 'wife' with a significant depth. Caught off-guard, Henry sensed that turbulence was on the horizon. While Sophie smiled on the surface, an unmistakable aura of hostility emanated from her.