It was even worse for the Simon and Fei families, who only got in thanks to 'someone else's gift'.
Once the other guests found out how they obtained their invitations, they offered little more than polite smiles before walking away.
No matter how influential they were in their own country, to these globally ranked elites, they were insignificant and lacking.
The subtle disappointment in the guests' glances weighed heavily on them, stirring waves of shame and embarrassment that quickly eroded their initial arrogance.
Richard downed a glass of wine in one gulp. "I thought this place would be amazing, but it's just a load of crap."
Sophia nudged her brother sharply. "Keep your voice down, Richard! Stop drinking. I'm sure everyone's just busy talking to others." She glanced around nervously, hoping no one overheard her brother.
