"Did you hear? If anyone of importance goes to the Hu family's event, Miss Lin and the Lin family will lose all face."
"The Hu family is determined to spite the chairman and Miss Lin."
"We can only hope more guests show up, or else Miss Lin and the Lin family will become a joke."
"I heard the Hu family is also holding their party in our neighborhood, just over at villa 108."
...
The maids whispered among themselves, their voices filled with worry or amusement. However, Zuri remained indifferent, as if she hadn't heard a thing. Instead, a faint smile played on her lips.
As the time for the party approached, guests began to arrive one after another. From a glance, it was clear that those attending were mostly businesses and partners reliant on the Lin family. Aaron wasn't surprised. His true competition was the four major families of Oceanic City. If they attended, it would be a win for the Lin family. If not, it would be a colossal loss, turning the Lin family into a laughingstock.
Aaron had just greeted a group of guests when he asked the butler, "Where are the representatives from the four families?"
As soon as he finished asking, driver Xiao Wang hurried over and whispered, "Chairman Lin, someone from the Li family is here."
A smile spread across Aaron's face. "Let's go welcome them."
But Xiao Wang stepped in his way. "Chairman Lin, they left the gift and went straight up the hill."
The hilltop was, of course, where the Hu family was hosting their party. Aaron's smile vanished instantly.
Just as he processed this, another staff member rushed over. "Chairman Lin, the Zhang family sent someone. They left a gift but didn't stay."
Aaron's expression darkened.
If he stayed here any longer, the Lin family would indeed become a joke today. He decided to personally greet the guests at the door. If none of the four families stayed, it would be truly disgraceful.
As Aaron reached the door, he saw the representative from the Lian family drop off a gift and drive away towards the hilltop. He was furious but maintained his composure.
Finally, the last family, the Ling family, arrived. Javier spotted Aaron at the door and cursed his bad luck. If only he had arrived earlier. Aaron warmly welcomed him, "Mr. Ling, your presence honors the Lin family."
Javier cursed inwardly. The old man had instructed him to go to the Hu family's party, and he didn't dare disobey. "Wishing Miss Lin a happy birthday," Javier said with a forced smile. "I'm afraid I can't stay. I have business to attend to. Please accept my apologies."
With these words, further insistence would only embarrass both parties. Watching Javier leave, Aaron's face turned grim, while the guests observed everything. The Lin family and Miss Lin had indeed become the laughingstock of Oceanic City.
"None of the four families stayed; they all went to the Hu family's party."
"The Lin family is now a joke in Oceanic City."
"Miss Lin is less important than an adopted daughter. Can you imagine?"
The murmurs and gossip around the party were relentless. Although everyone spoke in hushed tones, it was impossible not to hear.
Aaron struggled to maintain a smile as he mingled with the guests. They could all see his forced cheer. While they spoke kindly to his face, they gossiped the moment he turned away.
People are inherently superficial.
Saira, observing the party from the second-floor balcony, broke into a bright smile. This was the happiest she had been in a while.
Unable to endure the whispers of the other ladies, Dalia found Aaron during a quiet moment. "Business thrives on harmony. Why did you act so rashly this time? Look at the mess you've made. How will the Lin family face this?"
Already frustrated, Aaron snapped, "What do you know?"
"I may not know much, but I know you've made a huge loss for Zuri's sake, dragging the entire Lin family into this embarrassment," Dalia retorted, her usual gentle demeanor replaced with anger.
Aaron felt a pang of resentment towards Zuri but believed that once the news broke, those who mocked him would understand his foresight. "Enough! Go entertain the guests," he ordered with a scowl.
A Porsche pulled up to the entrance, and Azura, sitting inside, nervously adjusted her dress. The driver watched her through the rearview mirror, unsure whether to prompt her. Today, Azura had inexplicably swapped her usual studded attire for a clean, simple look, even washing off her smoky makeup. It was a jarring change.
Azura took a deep breath, got out of the car, and handed her invitation to the attendant, who led her inside. The murmurs and discussions from all directions soon replaced her initial discomfort with anger.
The damned Hu family, they've gone too far!
Fuming, Azura repeatedly tried to call her uncle, but he didn't answer, making her nearly throw her phone in frustration. Men are all fickle pigs!
As she ascended the stairs, she encountered Saira coming down. Saira found the girl familiar but couldn't place her. "Who are you?"
Saira blocked Azura's path, scrutinizing her. Azura, impatient and worried about Zuri, had no time for idle chatter. "Saira, are you blind?"
Recognizing the voice, Saira's eyes widened in disbelief. Azura, feeling stifled by Saira's reaction, puffed her cheeks and snapped, "What are you staring at? Never seen a beauty before?"