"George." The name rolled softly off her lips, accompanied by a smile on her face. "Such a pleasant-sounding name. I wonder what kind of person he is. He must be someone truly remarkable." Suddenly, the sharp pitch of a woman's voice was heard. "Oh, and who might this be?" Startled, Yvonne raised her head. Her eyes locked onto the approaching figure, and a flicker of fear flashed within them. Molly's gaze was sharp as her lips twisted into a mocking smile. She paused for a beat, then let out an incredulous laugh. "Yvonne? It's really you! For a second, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. What is a pauper like you doing in a place like this?" Molly's family, though tenuously connected to the Lowell Family, had managed to secure an invitation to this banquet. The sight of someone like Yvonne—a girl Molly had always considered beneath her—standing here among high society shocked her. One of Molly's friends, standing nearby, looked puzzled. "Who is she?" Molly turned to her friend, her voice dripping with exaggerated emphasis as she replied, "She's the one who accused Seraphina of being ungrateful—the scammer from the Lewis family." Her words drew the attention of those nearby. Heads turned, eyes filled with curiosity, and judgment bore down on Yvonne. Under the weight of their stares, Yvonne felt her palms grow clammy. The girl beside Molly leaned in and muttered loud enough for all to hear, "How does someone like her even get in here? Maybe she came with some… older gentleman." Yvonne's face flushed with embarrassment. "I have an invitation. Stop making baseless accusations." Molly's laughter was loud and scornful. "You? An invitation? What a joke. Once a liar, always a liar." Squaring her shoulders, Yvonne countered, "Seraphina gave it to me. If you don't believe me, go and ask her yourself." Her voice carried a note of desperation now. The growing crowd of onlookers made her chest tighten. She had come here with a goal, a determination to find her way into a better life. If these whispers and accusations continued, how could she possibly hope to attract the attention of the right people? Yvonne clenched her fists, her resolve solidifying. Without warning, she pushed past Molly, her focus fixed on escape. Molly made to follow, but her companions held her back. "This is the Lowell Family's banquet," one of her friends hissed. "If you cause a scene over someone like her, your father will be furious." Molly was furious, but she stayed where she was. She could only glare after Yvonne. Her father hadn't brought her here to deal with people like Yvonne. She was here for Dr. Foster, the so-called genius doctor. Genius doctor or not, he's still just a doctor, Molly thought, smoothing her dress. I, on the other hand, am the daughter of the Gosling Family. He should consider himself lucky to even speak to me. She twirled before her friends. "How do I look?" "Beautiful," one of them gushed. "Absolutely stunning." Meanwhile, outside the banquet hall, Evelyn stood near the grand entrance, her gaze darting toward the road as she scanned the incoming guests. Beside her stood a tall, impeccably dressed man who exuded quiet authority. Guests passing by stopped to greet him, each offering smiles and polite words. "Mr. Drakon, it's been so long!" "Mr. Borne," Jason replied with a slight nod. "How have you been?" "Good, thank you," Daniel Borne responded with a chuckle. His curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Are you waiting for someone, Mr. Drakon?" "I'm accompanying my niece," Jason replied. With a nod of understanding, Daniel excused himself and went inside. No sooner had he gone than another well-dressed guest approached, followed by yet another. Jason exchanged pleasantries with each of them. When there was finally a brief lull, Evelyn turned to Jason. "Uncle, you should just go in. Standing here is a waste of time," she said, her tone carrying a trace of exasperation. Jason's expression turned stern as he glanced down at her. "Your mother asked me to look after you. I'm not about to leave you out here alone." Evelyn's lips twitched, a sarcastic retort forming in her mind. Oh, sure. Because you're so devoted to family obligations. Instead, she rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "I don't believe you for a second."