Oberon burst into hearty laughter. "Come, let's go greet Mr. Drakon!" The few businessmen who had been on the verge of making their excuses silently breathed a sigh of relief, grateful they hadn't blurted out any plans to leave. Around the hall, whispers erupted among the guests as the news spread. "Wait, what? Jason Drakon is here?" "Did I hear that right?" "Jason rarely attends events like these, let alone something as trivial as a birthday party," someone muttered, still grappling with disbelief. "Could the valet have made a mistake?" another voice speculated. "Well, we'll find out soon enough." Conversations came to an abrupt halt as every guest's gaze fixed on the entrance, anticipation thick in the air. Oberon strode briskly to the door, his smile growing brighter the moment he caught sight of Jason. Picking up his pace, he extended both hands in welcome. "Mr. Drakon, your presence truly brings honor to our humble home." "You flatter me, Mr. Whitewood," Jason replied with a polite nod. "I heard it's Miss Seraphina's birthday today and thought I'd stop by for a drink. I hope my arrival isn't too abrupt." "Not at all! It's an absolute privilege. Please, come in." There's no way I'm important enough for Jason to visit personally, thought Oberon. After all, even when his father celebrated his 70th birthday, Jason had merely sent a subordinate to deliver his regards. For him to personally attend Seraphina's birthday party spoke volumes—volumes Oberon was eager to decipher. His mind raced. Could this mean Sera has caught Jason's eye? If they end up together, the Whitewood Family's standing will soar overnight.His opinion of Seraphina, already positive, was instantly elevated to glowing admiration. Meanwhile, Evelyn, delighted to hear his uncle had arrived, practically lit up with joy. Uncle Jason really showed up! Now, no one would dare speak ill of Sera anymore. In the banquet hall, Linara, who had been mingling effortlessly with her social circle, felt her composure falter when she heard the news. The smile on her lips nearly cracked. D*mn it. Why is Jason here? It must be Evelyn's doing, calling in her uncle to back up that b*tch Seraphina! At the Hall Family's banquet, the air was lively with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. But amid the revelry, the Hall Family's butler approached Jacob in haste, leaning close as he whispered, "Jason Drakon has gone to the Whitewood Family's party." Jacob's expression remained calm, though a flicker of unease passed through his eyes. "Got it," he replied simply, dismissing the butler with a wave. However, such news couldn't stay under wraps for long—especially with Oberon likely trumpeting it to the heavens. Soon, whispers began to ripple through the Hall Family's party like wildfire. "Did you hear? Jason Drakon went to the Whitewood Family's party." "Jason Drakon? You mean Mr. Jason from Pearlpoint?" "Who else could it be?" "Unbelievable. Mr. Jason attending a small-time birthday party? Is this some kind of stunt from the Whitewood Family?" "No, it's true. Someone from the Whitewood Family's second branch has already posted photos online." "But didn't Old Mr. Hall invite Jason to his birthday party just some time ago, and he didn't even show up? Yet now he's attending the Whitewood Family's second daughter's birthday party? Could it be business-related? A partnership, perhaps?""Not that I've heard of," someone chimed in. "Well, one thing's clear—between the Whitewood and Hall families, Mr. Jason seems to favor the Whitewood Family." "Mr. Jason has a natural instinct for business. If he's chosen to support the Whitewood Family, there must be a reason for it," another remarked meaningfully. Around him, many faces showed signs of regret. The Hall Family's guests grew restless, especially those businessmen who had been eager to work with the Drakon Family but couldn't find a way in. Sensing an opportunity slipping away, they began reconsidering their allegiances.