Regardless of how astonished Anastasia was, she quickly changed into decent clothing and helped Sophia do the same. The Monroes' chauffeur had already arrived downstairs, and Claudia had been urging them to hurry up. She is more excited to attend the party than them.
Anastasia's parents soon emerged beside the Bentley, accompanied by their stunning children and adorable grandchild.
The chauffeur in the black suit was momentarily taken aback. He quickly motioned for the Reeds to sit in the back seat of the extended Bentley.
The Dusit Hotel was the most opulent five-star establishment in Emerald Coast County. Situated in the prime business center and overlooking Lake Minne, the hotel belonged to the Monroe family.
The central tower of the Dusit Hotel was now fully reserved for the event. All the prestigious individuals in the county who had been invited arrived in beautiful cars, dressed to the nines.
It was an event for the upper class, with men comparing their vehicles, firms, and statuses and ladies comparing their gowns, jewelry, and marriages and positions in the companies as well.
There were many judgmental glances, scrutiny, and disparaging remarks around the venue.
Thaddeus and Brendan stepped out of a BMW in front of the Dusit Hotel. Compared to the other expensive cars around, their BMW appeared relatively modest.
At that moment, a Bentley pulled over next to them. Claudia smiled as she stepped out of the luxurious car. She was in high spirits, coming to this event.
"What are you doing here?" Brendan glared at Claudia and approached her harshly. The Reeds had already kicked them out, but they still dared to attend this gathering of the county's elite!
Claudia no longer cared about Thaddeus Reed. Compared to the Monroes, the Reeds were insignificant. Furthermore, the Reeds had already suffered immensely after losing Spark Enterprises. "Hello, isn't this Thaddeus Reed and his precious grandson? What's the matter? Were you invited to this luncheon, too? Forget it. Let's be kind and generous since we used to be family!" Claudia said, trying to appear generous but with an arrogant and condescending expression.
Brendan was livid at Claudia's attitude. This woman used to be powerless before Grandpa, and now she dared to act superior?!
"Who do you think you are? How dare you act so high and mighty! The banquet host should kick you out first!"
"We're the banquet's main attraction tonight. The Monroes plan to announce Damien Monroe's son's engagement to Charlotte later. You people are simply uneducated! Thank you for chasing us out. Otherwise, who could stand being pestered by some impoverished relatives?"
"You must be dreaming. An engagement? How could the Monroes be interested in your family?" Thaddeus scoffed in disbelief. This family is delusional thinking of the engagement with Monroes.
Brendan's heart sank when he saw the familiar faces from Anastasia's home. He was convinced they were engaged and intended to seize the Monroes' betrothal gifts. However, Ethan's timely arrival disrupted his plans, causing turmoil in the family, and Brendan had momentarily forgotten about it. Are Damien Monroe's son and Charlotte Reed getting engaged?
Claudia enjoyed boasting, especially in front of Thaddeus, who had once been the head of her family but was no longer her equal. She felt compelled to show off to express her rage. What they did to her family is unacceptable and unforgettable in this lifetime.
She pointed to the luxurious Bentley from which she had just descended. "Do you see this? The Monroes sent this car to pick us up and drop us off here. They sent us large betrothal gifts, including a million dollars in cash, a multimillion-dollar sports car, a luxury villa, several Wing International stores, and many shares!
"The Monroes are so generous and sincere about Charlotte, and the presents they sent will last her a lifetime. They're different from someone here who hasn't given us anything decent in over two decades! Despite this, you continue to abuse us and act as if we owe you something. Who cares about you now?!"
Claudia's words were directed at Thaddeus.
Thaddeus was so furious that his blood pressure rose, and his face reddened. He nearly fainted.
"Mum, that's enough." Anastasia and Charlotte quickly intervened after stepping out of the car with Sophia in Anastasia's arms.
They gave Thaddeus a passing glance, paying little attention to the rest of the group. Given how brutally the Reeds had treated them, there was no reason to expect any goodwill.
The group headed straight into the hotel, but Charles, who had been sitting in the car and was too afraid to get out when he saw Thaddeus, took advantage of the moment and quietly followed them. He hurried over to his wife and daughters.
The usher brought them to the main table at the front, where they took their seats.
Everyone in the hall glanced at them in surprise, whispering about their identities.
This evening, the country's prestigious families were invited to the banquet, and only those of significant standing were entitled to sit at the front tables.
However, they had yet to learn who the Reeds were.
"Hey, isn't that woman carrying a child, Anastasia Reed?"
"The Anastasia Reed who had an affair with her driver?"
"Yes, that's her! That scandal was front-page news and the talk of the town. I still remember her face!"
"Isn't she was married with that good-for-nothing husband and disappeared after their marriage?"
Many individuals gradually recognized Anastasia. After all, the controversy had spread throughout the county, and everyone had an impression of her.
However, when Anastasia was recognized, the folks in the hall were even more startled.
Why does Anastasia Reed's family sit at the main table? What is the meaning of this?
At this point, Thaddeus Reed's family arrived at the hotel's entrance, but no one greeted them. It was as if the ushers did not notice them. They strolled by them, greeting the other guests warmly.
Thaddeus coughed somewhat uneasily.
Brendan pulled one of the ushers and inquired, "Is there no one to greet us? Where will we sit?"
The usher looked at Brendan angrily and snapped, "There are so many guests here, and I'm swamped. There is a number on the invitation card. Can't you see for yourself? You can check first before asking me."