The Understated Dragon Lord novel Chapter 590

Daniel concluded with a serious reminder, "You might want to think twice, fool. Quit messing around with a mere stone."

Smart's only response was a cold sneer. "Heh," he smirked, looking down on Daniel with a mix of ridicule and disdain. "Country bumpkin, I know what you're thinking; I know your plan. You probably think that once I open this sandalwood box and showcase the Divine Pearl, everyone here will be astonished. Kind will have no choice but to give Jessica to me, and you’ll be ousted from the celebration for good. You won't dare step foot in the Matthews estate ever again!"

By this time, the Matthews's servants had drawn the curtains and dimmed the lights, plunging the banquet hall into darkness. "Smart, now that the curtains are drawn and the lights are out, and the banquet hall is pitch black, why don't you open the sandalwood box and reveal the night pearl?" came the urging from the curious guests.

"Everyone, wait for the grand reveal," Smart pronounced as he slowly opened the sandalwood box. The onlookers braced themselves to be dazzled and bathed in spiritual energy. However, even after a substantial wait, not a single ray of light emanated from the box.

"What's going on? Turn on the lights," Beauty called, prompting one of the servants to promptly illuminate the room again.

Under the harsh brightness, the contents of Smart's box revealed their true form. It was not a night pearl, but a simple stone resting inside. As the crowd absorbed this reality, everyone's gaze converged on Smart with sheer disbelief and confusion.

Kind was the first to break the silence. "Smart, what is this supposed to mean? Are you playing a trick on me with a stone? Is this meant to insult me or the Matthews family?"

Kind’s complexion was dark with anger, the expression of a man who felt played by a bad joke.

"Of course he's mocking you and the entire Matthews family," Daniel chimed in with a divisive suggestion. "Today is your esteemed eightieth birthday celebration, and he pulls this stunt? It's a clear affront meant to humiliate you. The Evans family ranks second among The Eight Families, while the Matthews just rank third. Smart is flaunting the might of the Evans today.

He believes you'll bow to their prominence, and despite such humiliation, you'll still give Jessica to him. After all, the Matthews have to appease the Evans family, to serve them like a loyal dog!"

Kind's face, already flushed with embarrassment, turned a shade darker after Daniel's incendiary remark.

Smart panicked upon hearing Daniel's accusation and quickly defended himself. “Country bumpkin, don’t you spout nonsense here! It's not like that at all. I came in good faith, bringing the night pearl with me."

Suddenly, Smart seemed to realize what had happened—the epiphany hit him, and he knew the cause of this fiasco.