Aaron laughed heartily. "Come on, let's go greet Mr. Leo."
The executives who had been on the verge of leaving felt a surge of relief, thankful they hadn't yet voiced their intentions to depart. Around them, guests murmured in disbelief.
"Leo is here?"
"I didn't hear wrong, did I?"
"I think Leo rarely attends such events, let alone a small birthday party," someone speculated.
"Maybe the butler made a mistake," another guest suggested.
"We'll find out soon enough."
All conversation ceased as every guest turned their gaze toward the entrance of the hall.
Aaron hurried to the door. Upon seeing Leo, his smile grew even brighter. He quickly approached. "Mr. Leo, it's an honor to have you at our humble home."
"Mr. Lin, you're too kind. I heard it's Miss Lin's birthday today, and I came to join the celebration. I hope I'm not intruding," Leo responded courteously.
"Not at all, it's an honor for our Lin family. Please, come inside."
Aaron knew very well that he didn't have the clout to attract Leo to the party. When the patriarch of the Lin family turned seventy, they had invited Leo, but he had only sent a subordinate in his place. Yet, here Leo was, for a young girl's birthday. The implications were clear.
Aaron's mind was already calculating. If Zuri could be with Leo, it would elevate the Lin family significantly.
Aaron's affection for Zuri grew stronger.
Azura was overjoyed to hear that her uncle had arrived. Her uncle was here! Now, no one would dare say anything bad about Zuri.
In the banquet hall, Saira was chatting with her friends when she received the news. Her smile almost faltered.
Damn it, why was Leo here? He was Azura's uncle, surely Azura had called him to support that bitch Zuri.
At the Hu residence, the atmosphere was lively with laughter and chatter. The butler hurriedly approached Sergio and whispered, "Leo has gone to the Lin family."
Sergio was shocked, his expression changing slightly. "Got it."
He waved the butler away. This kind of news couldn't be kept under wraps, especially since Aaron would make sure everyone knew.
Soon, the guests at the Hu family banquet heard the news.
"Did you hear? Leo went to the Lin family."
"Leo? You mean Ye Sishao from Beijing?"
"Who else could it be?"
"It's unbelievable that Ye Sishao would attend the Lin daughter's birthday party. Could the Lin family be spreading false news?" someone questioned.
"The second branch of the Lin family already posted photos on social media."
"Ye Sishao didn't even attend the Hu family patriarch's grand birthday, but he's attending a small birthday party for the Lin family's second daughter. Does the Lin family have some connection with the Ye family?"
"I haven't heard of any collaboration."
"Clearly, Ye Sishao favors the Lin family over the Hu family."
"Ye Sishao is a business genius with a sharp eye," someone commented meaningfully.
Regretful expressions appeared on many faces. The Hu family guests became restless, especially the CEOs hoping to collaborate with the Ye family but unable to find a way in.
Sergio, sensing trouble, immediately instructed the butler to proceed to the next phase: cutting the cake and making wishes. This way, guests would feel uncomfortable leaving.
Sergio's daughter, dressed like a princess, descended the stairs in a white gown, her makeup immaculate, exuding an ethereal aura. Applause echoed through the hall, though many were distracted, their thoughts elsewhere.
Madam Hu smiled brightly, though inwardly, she fumed at the young interloper.
Meanwhile, Carlos arrived at the Lin residence with the gift from Owen. The bored doormen, having assumed all guests had arrived, were surprised to see another car pull up.
"Sir, please show your invitation," one doorman asked politely.
Carlos handed over his invitation. Although it was his, he was representing the Feng family, a significant distinction.
"Please inform Mr. Lin that I'm here on behalf of the Feng family from Beijing to celebrate Miss Lin's birthday."
"Certainly, please wait a moment."
The doorman, recognizing the significance of "Beijing," hurried to inform the butler. The butler, shocked, quickly found Aaron amidst the guests.
"Chairman Lin, the Feng family from Beijing has sent someone to congratulate Miss Lin," the butler announced loudly.
The guests were stunned, almost thinking they misheard.
"Who did you say?"
"The Feng family from Beijing."
Everyone drew in a sharp breath. The Feng family was a prestigious clan, on par with the Ye family. More importantly, the three sons of the Feng family's main branch were legendary figures, role models among the wealthy and influential circles of Beijing.
Aaron, regaining his composure, told his guests, "Please excuse me while I greet our guest."
As he left, the guests erupted in chatter. Soon, Aaron returned with Carlos, who immediately spotted Leo amid the crowd and approached him.
"Mr. Ye, long time no see," Carlos greeted with a smile.
"Mr. Li, how have you been?"
"Very well, thank you."
"Are you here representing the Feng family?" Leo asked calmly, curious about the Lin family's connection with the Feng family.
Carlos smiled, "Indeed."
Hearing Carlos confirm this, the guests realized he was truly representing the Feng family. Though the Feng family members themselves weren't present, Carlos, as a manager of a Feng subsidiary, could represent them. Carlos wouldn't dare claim to represent the Feng family without their authorization.
At the Hu family banquet, a guest's phone beeped. After reading the message, they gasped softly.
"The Feng family from Beijing is at the Lin family's celebration."
"What?" everyone around them exclaimed in shock.
"Why would the Feng family go to the Lin family?"
The guests became increasingly agitated. Many regretted not attending the Lin family party. Hearing that Leo had gone was bad enough, but now the Feng family too?
"If only I'd gone to the Lin family party."
"Attending an insignificant woman's birthday party, we missed a golden opportunity."
Some guests quietly excused themselves from the Hu family gathering, hurrying to the Lin residence.