"That's right. If all the bigwigs flock to the Hall Family's party, Miss Seraphina and the Whitewood Family will be utterly humiliated." "Looks like the Hall Family is bent on humiliating Mr. Whitewood and Miss Seraphina." "All we can do now is hope for a decent turnout. Otherwise, Miss Seraphina and the Whitewood Family will become the laughingstock of the entire city." … The maids' hushed gossip, whether fueled by genuine concern or schadenfreude, barely registered in Seraphina's ears. Her calm demeanor remained unshaken, as if their chatter were no more than a faint breeze brushing past. While the designers and their assistants couldn't hide their unease or pity, she seemed utterly indifferent. If anything, a faint, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips. As the time for the party approached, guests began to trickle in. At first glance, they consisted of representatives of small enterprises and organizations dependent on the Whitewood Family—business partners who had little choice but to show up. Oberon was not surprised. These were predictable guests, mere crumbs compared to the real prize. What mattered were the four major families of Pyrin, whose presence would signify victory for the Whitewood Family over the Hall Family. Their absence, however, would spell ruin—a public spectacle of failure that the city would relish. If these families chose to celebrate a mere goddaughter's birthday over the birthday of the legitimate daughter of the Whitewood Family, the message would be painfully clear. No one with half a brain would fail to grasp the implications. After greeting yet another group of guests, Oberon found a brief moment to corner the butler. "Any representatives from the four major families?" he asked.Before the butler could respond, the family's chauffeur, Kai, rushed over, speaking in hushed tones. "Mr. Whitewood, someone from the Logan Family has arrived." Oberon's face brightened instantly. He beamed, clapping his hands. "Excellent! Let's go greet our honored guest." But Kai blocked his path, his expression uneasy. "Mr. Whitewood, they only dropped off a gift. Then they left. Their car… it's heading uphill." Uphill. To the Hall Family's party. Oberon's smile froze, then shattered like glass. Before he could say anything, another employee rushed over. "Mr. Whitewood, someone from the Parker Family came by as well… but they also just dropped off a gift and left." Oberon's expression darkened. I can't afford to linger here any longer. At this rate, the Whitewood Family will be the laughingstock of the city by the end of the night!Disregarding appearances, he strode to the entrance, determined to greet and intercept anyone from the four major families who tried to leave. Otherwise, if none of them stayed, it would be a huge loss of dignity. As he reached the door, he caught sight of the Lennon Family's car. They handed over a gift, then drove away without so much as a backward glance. Their vehicle disappeared up the hill. Oberon clenched his fists, so furious that he could feel his chest tighten. Yet, outwardly, he maintained a forced smile, the mask of a man refusing to crack under pressure. Finally, the last of the four major families arrived—the Lowell Family. Benjamin Lowell stepped out of the car, his eyes immediately landing on Oberon waiting at the entrance. His lips twitched in irritation. What bad luck, he thought bitterly. If I'd known, I would've come earlier. Oberon greeted him warmly, his tone oozing enthusiasm. "Mr. Lowell! What an honor to have you here. Your presence brings great glory to our family."Benjamin cursed him inwardly. It was clear Oberon was determined to drag him inside. But he couldn't go against orders. The patriarch had been explicit—they were to attend the Hall Family's event. Forcing a polite smile, he handed over a gift. "Happy birthday to Miss Seraphina. Here's a little token of our wishes. I hope she'll like it." "She'll be delighted! Please, come in," Oberon urged, gesturing toward the door. Benjamin's smile stiffened. "I'd love to, but I have urgent business at my office. My deepest apologies. I'll make it up to her next time." At this point, any further insistence would be embarrassing for both sides. By the time Benjamin's car vanished into the distance, Oberon's expression had turned stormy. Behind him, the remaining guests exchanged wary glances, their curiosity barely veiled. Everyone had seen what had just transpired. The writing was on the wall—the Whitewood Family and Seraphina were destined to be the punchline of Pyrin's latest scandal.