No matter how many sinister plots are behind, he can withstand them.

"Then I’ll accept it."

The box was opened, revealing an exquisite Knight’s Medal. Daives’ eyes burned with desire; this was something he had dreamed of.

The Knight’s Medal personally presented by the Duke, with this item, one could enjoy privileges throughout England and the Westminster Family’s enterprises.

Sheng Ning, unfamiliar with the Knight’s Medal, just thought it looked beautiful and not especially valuable, feeling relieved.

The dinner began, with dedicated people arranged to care for the two babies. Lin En, disliking to constantly listen to adults’ conversations, stayed with the babies to play. At the dining table, the Duke sat alone at the master’s seat.

Sheng Ning and Xu Qigang sat on either side of him, while Daives and Amber stood.

"I toast to you all." The Duke raised his goblet and drank it in one go.

"Thank you."

Neither Xu Qigang nor Sheng Ning was particularly fond of the delicate Western cuisine, but the steak was done well, tender and juicy. Xu Qigang calmly ordered two servings, and Sheng Ning playfully winked at him.

When they were almost done eating, Sheng Ning finally spoke: "Duke, we came to attend your dinner invitation without knowing about Lin En’s matter. We primarily came because of the Victoria Theater."

After saying this, her gaze swept over Daives, and, under his expectant eyes, she added, "And also because of Daives. I have received his care in the past and promised to be of service to him."

Daives was so thrilled he nearly leapt with joy. Now the master would surely value him more.

"Hmm! These are all things Daives should do." Clearly, the Duke didn’t regard this favor with much importance.

"I wanted to say that I can no longer be of service to Daives in the future, but if you or Mr. Daives insist on compensation, you can bring it up." This is about one’s integrity; whether Daives or the Duke, both would be helpful to her.

If one wants to stand on equal footing and collaborate without being constrained by others, it’s best to be clear from the start.

"We are friends; don’t say such things."

"Friends!" Thinking of the friendship she had just accepted, she smiled with relief. She stood and bowed to Daives, saying, "Mr. Daives, thank you once again."

"No need to be so polite." The benefits Daives actually received far exceeded Sheng Ning’s service to him.

What could be more important than the little master?

"There’s a second matter, the Victoria Theater. This is a passion of mine, and I wish to build the theater into a world-class art shrine."

The Duke’s blue eyes finally showed a trace of emotion. "This is wonderful; our family has always valued art greatly."

Sheng Ning felt a slight disappointment in her heart, realizing her chance to buy the Victoria Theater was likely gone.

"I can relinquish the theater."

"What?"

Sheng Ning’s eyes widened in shock; moments ago, wasn’t he saying how much he valued it?

The Duke glanced at Lin En, who was with his little sister, and gave a devastatingly charming smile. "Think of it as a token of our Westminster Family’s affection."

"This... this token of affection is a bit too grand."

Xu Qigang had already finished eating. One, a comrade from rescue missions; the other, a gentleman of refined manners—they could never dine in harmony. He was originally observing his surroundings, his mind rife with various speculations. But upon hearing the Duke’s words, he suddenly stood up.