"The four major families didn't stick around. Not a single one. All of them went to the Hall Family." "The Whitewood Family has really become the biggest joke in Pyrin this time." "Imagine—a legitimate daughter can't even compare to a goddaughter. That's really… tsk, tsk." The murmurs rippled through the crowd like a restless tide. Though most kept their voices low, the sheer number of whispers made them impossible to ignore. Oberon's face was grim, his smile stretched thin as he forced himself to play the perfect host. However, anyone with a shred of insight could see through the facade. His laughter didn't reach his eyes, and his cheerful words rang hollow. Around him, the guests maintained their own masks of civility, offering polite pleasantries and acting as though nothing was amiss. But the moment he stepped away, they turned to their companions, whispering in hushed, mocking tones. People were, after all, snobbish creatures. From the second-floor balcony, Linara watched the scene below, her lips curling into a radiant smile. This was the most delightful moment she had had in a long time, and she savored every second of it. Meanwhile, Chloe, unable to endure the endless gossip of the socialites, found an excuse to slip away and confront her husband. "Business is about harmony," she chided. "How could you be so reckless this time? You've ignored the bigger picture over some petty issue. Look at the mess now. Tell me, where does our family go from here?" Oberon, already stewing in frustration, felt her words twist the knife further. "What do you know?" he snapped, his irritation flaring. "I may not know much," she retorted, the warmth vanishing from her face, replaced by anger. "But I can see the damage you've done. All because of Seraphina! You've dragged our entire family down with her, turning us into a laughingstock." Though a trace of resentment toward Seraphina flickered in Oberon's mind, he quickly shoved it aside. Once the right moment came and the news went public, those who had laughed at him would eat their words. They would learn what it meant to think ahead. "Enough!" he barked, his tone icy. "Go back and entertain the guests." Just then, a sleek Porsche pulled up at the gates, the engine humming softly as it came to a stop. Inside, Evelyn fidgeted with her dress, clearly uncomfortable. The driver, glancing at her through the rearview mirror, said nothing but couldn't help but notice how different she looked today. She had ditched her usual, edgy style—gone were the spiked jackets and smoky eyeliner. Instead, she wore a light yellow limited-edition LB dress, her oval face clean and fair, her ponytail neat and simple. It was a look so soft and unassuming that the driver barely recognized her. Taking a deep breath, Evelyn stepped out of the car and handed over her invitation at the door. The attendant quickly ushered her inside. As she stepped into the hall, the murmurs from all directions made her gradually forget her discomfort, a faint look of irritation appearing on her face. That d*mn Hall Family! They've gone too far! Fuming, she repeatedly dialed Jason's number, but it went straight to voicemail. Her frustration boiled over, and she nearly hurled her phone against the wall. Men. Every single one of them. Nothing but faithless pigs! Storming upstairs, she ran straight into Linara, who was descending the staircase. Linara paused, her brows furrowing as she studied the newcomer. Something about Evelyn seemed oddly familiar, though she couldn't quite place her. "You are…?" she asked, blocking her path with a curious tilt of her head. The girl before her had a slightly plump face with delicate features, making her look cute and lovely.Evelyn, distracted by her worries for Seraphina, had no patience for idle chatter. With a cold snort, she shot back, "Linara, you don't recognize me?" At the sound of that voice, Linara's eyes went wide, disbelief washing over her face as though she had just seen a mythical creature. Evelyn bristled under the scrutiny. "What are you staring at?" she snapped, puffing out her cheeks. "Haven't you ever seen a beautiful lady before?"