Azura pushed past Saira, holding her head high as she walked forward.
As she opened the door, she was immediately captivated by the beautiful figure standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.
Sensing someone behind her, Zuri turned around, her gaze settling on Azura. She was momentarily taken aback, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes.
"Azura?" Though it was phrased as a question, her tone was certain.
Zuri carefully examined the girl before her. Stripped of all the gaudy accessories and heavy makeup, Azura revealed herself to be an adorable, baby-faced girl, exuding a cuteness that was previously masked by her rebellious exterior. The transformation from a punkish delinquent to a sweet, innocent girl was staggering.
"Do I look bad?" Azura asked shyly, lowering her head, feeling uncomfortable under Zuri's intense gaze.
Zuri walked up to her, gently brushing her cheek with her fingers. "You look beautiful like this."
Azura had changed herself because of one remark from Zuri. This was something Zuri hadn't anticipated. For a moment, her cold, guarded heart felt a crack.
Azura suddenly remembered something and said seriously, "When we go downstairs later, no matter what you hear, just ignore it."
"Okay."
In truth, Zuri was already aware of the commotion downstairs. This birthday party was less about celebrating her birthday and more about a showdown between the Lin and Hu families. For her, it was merely a game.
The number of attendees didn't matter to her. What mattered was the outcome, as long as it aligned with her expectations.
Meanwhile, at the YS Corporation's Oceanic City branch, in the large conference room, a man seated at the head of the table was intently focused on the PPT presentation in front of him.
"Redo it," his deep voice commanded, betraying no emotion, but the room fell silent in response.
Leo glanced at his constantly vibrating phone. His long fingers picked it up, quickly scanning the messages, all from the same person.
Azura: [Your little wife is being bullied. If you don't come, don't bother coming back.]
Azura: [I don't care. You have to come and support Zuri.]
Azura: [Please, come quickly.]
Azura: [If you don't respond, I'll never talk to you again.]
Azura: [Are you there? Are you?]
Putting his phone down, Leo addressed the room, "This meeting is over. Redo all the reports and have them on my desk by tomorrow."
With that, he stood up and left. The moment he exited, everyone in the room exhaled in relief.
Leo took the exclusive elevator to the underground parking lot, opened the car door, and saw a beautifully wrapped gift box on the back seat. The car roared to life, swiftly leaving the parking lot.
At the Hu residence, Sergio was mingling effortlessly, smiling and chatting with the guests. Having the representatives of the four major families at his event made him feel particularly proud.
Seizing a quiet moment, Sergio gave a low command, "Send the news out."
Secretary Zhang stepped away, went to a corner, and sent a pre-prepared message to the waiting journalists. As soon as they received the information, they published the prewritten article online.
Soon, the internet in Oceanic City was abuzz with news about Miss Lin's birthday party. The headlines accused her of being uncultured and low-class, with no one willing to attend her party.
In Shanghai, Owen was browsing his phone when his assistant exclaimed, "Owen, it looks like Miss Lin is in trouble."
Owen reached for the phone his assistant handed over, quickly skimming through the content with a frown. He pulled out his own phone and called the head of the Oceanic City branch.
"Mr. Li, I can't believe you're calling me," Carlos said, both surprised and flattered.
"Uncle Li, I need you to deliver a birthday gift to a friend of mine, in the Feng family's name," Owen said firmly.
Carlos was curious, "Where to?"
"To the Lin residence, for Miss Lin's birthday. Someone will bring the gift to you soon. The party is about to start, so you need to hurry."
"Of course, absolutely," Carlos responded, still surprised. He hadn't realized Owen knew Miss Lin, much less that they were close.
Carlos took out two invitations from his drawer—one from the Hu family and one from the Lin family. He had planned not to attend either, but now he had no choice.
He took the Hu family's invitation and threw it into the trash can. "Prepare the car," he instructed, pressing the intercom button.
At the Lin family's party, everyone's attention had already drifted. Smiles masked their worries about being at the wrong place, and many were contemplating leaving early to curry favor with the Hu family.
A chubby middle-aged businessman approached Aaron with a glass of wine. "Congratulations on reuniting with your daughter."
"Thank you," Aaron replied with a smile.
"I just received a call from my secretary. There's an urgent issue at the company that requires my immediate attention. I must apologize and visit again soon."
The businessman's sincere expression couldn't have been more genuine.
Aaron maintained his smile, "Business comes first. My daughter's birthday isn't that important."
As soon as the businessman left, Aaron's smile vanished. Quickly, another businessman approached with a similar excuse, wanting to leave early.
Aaron couldn't show his anger, so he smiled and nodded understandingly. Nearby, his secretary discreetly wiped away sweat. Chairman Lin was a man who valued face above all, and today, his face had been severely bruised.
Just then, a black and gold Rolls-Royce Phantom, exuding an air of wealth, pulled up at the villa's entrance. The businessmen who were about to leave stopped in their tracks.
The sight of the car made them wonder aloud, "Could he be here for the birthday party?" The chubby businessman's voice was full of uncertainty and shock.
The doorman, recognizing the car's significance, quickly sent someone to notify the host.
Aaron was conversing with several executives who were hinting at leaving due to business issues, making it hard for Aaron to keep his composure.
"Chairman Lin, Mr. Leo has arrived," Secretary Li announced loudly, standing tall.
Aaron was stunned, as were the executives around him.
"Who arrived?"
"Mr. Leo, Mr. Ye has arrived," Secretary Li repeated.
Aaron's face lit up with joy, sweeping away his earlier gloom. Compared to the Ye family in Beijing, the four major families of Oceanic City were insignificant. Leo's presence alone outshone everyone else.