As Linara made her way back, she accidentally collided with someone. She didn't even glance up but muttered, "Sorry." "Linara, it's me." Aidan's voice came from above. Startled, Linara looked up and found herself gazing into her brother's worried eyes. The sight of him, coupled with the overwhelming emotions she was trying to suppress, caused her to lose control. Tears welled up and spilled over, streaming down her cheeks. Seeing Linara cry, he felt panicked. "What happened? Who hurt you? Tell me, and I'll make sure they face the consequences. No one messes with you." Linara shook her head, not explaining the situation. Seeing her refusal to open up only made Aidan more anxious. "Who was it? Who dares to bully you? Was it her?" he asked. When he mentioned "her," he gritted his teeth. Linara said, "No, it's not her. Aidan, please stop asking me. I don't want Mom and Dad to blame you again." Though she didn't explicitly name Seraphina, it was clear who she meant. Fury flared within Aidan. "I'll go find her right now! She has the nerve to keep doing this to you? If she doesn't stop, she won't feel good, huh?" He was ready to march straight to her and confront her, but Linara's desperate grip on his arm made him pause. "Aidan, don't. Today isn't the right time." There was an unspoken understanding in her words, an implication that there would be a better opportunity to address the issue later. Aidan's anger simmered, but seeing his sister so distressed, he suppressed his anger. "Fine. I'll listen to you. We won't confront her today, but once we're away from here, we'll deal with her properly." Seraphina had truly gone too far this time. He had always been patient with her, understanding that she was the favored daughter of their parents. But that tolerance, he now realized, had only emboldened her. If things kept going like this, someone had to put a stop to it. It was time to make her understand that she couldn't dominate everything in the Whitewood Family. Elsewhere in the venue, guests milled about, chatting and socializing, but the air was thick with impatience. Everyone had gathered for one purpose: to meet George. But the guest of honor still hadn't arrived, and the murmurs among the attendees grew louder. "Do you think George isn't coming?" "We're already halfway through the banquet. If he doesn't show up soon, they'll have to wrap it up." Some voices of doubt crept into the conversation. "What if the Lowell Family just made up this story about George coming? What if he was never even planning to show up?" This question had some supporters. The skepticism was palpable in the room. "Really?" someone else questioned in disbelief, shaking their head. "That doesn't seem likely, does it?" "Look around. All the old dignitaries and some of the most influential figures are here, all for George. If the Lowell Family were spreading rumors just to boost the significance of their anniversary, they'd be foolish to offend so many important people. It doesn't make sense." That was how everyone tried to justify waiting a little longer. George was a highly respected figure in the medical field. His reputation alone made the wait feel worthwhile, and the guests were willing to be patient—at least for a while longer. Behind the scenes, in the backstage lounge, the atmosphere was even more charged. The Lowell Family's situation was precarious. The news of George's arrival was both a blessing and a curse, depending on how it played out. If handled well, it could elevate the Lowell Family's status, but if not, it could lead to their downfall. It was a game with high stakes. Barrett Lowell, the patriarch of the Lowell Family, sat with a furrowed brow, his sharp gaze sweeping over his three sons. His voice was deep and filled with authority as he asked, "Have you contacted George yet?" Jeffrey, his eldest son, was quick to respond. "We've tried calling him, but his phone is turned off." "Have you reached his assistant?" Barrett pressed. Benjamin Lowell, who had been quietly listening, said cautiously, "We've been in contact with the assistant. They said George had already left the hospital and should have arrived by now, but..." His words trailed off, the disappointment clear on his face. Despite all their efforts, George still hadn't made an appearance.