Anastasia hung her head low, feeling a wave of gloom. She knew Ethan couldn't afford such expensive jewelry, and she often felt a twinge of envy for couples who could.
Noticing her mother's distress, Sophia rubbed her soft cheek against Anastasia's face and whispered, "Mummy, don't be sad. One day, Daddy will buy you those beautiful gems."
Anastasia couldn't help but smile at her daughter's earnest expression. It was as if she was afraid Anastasia would be upset for not receiving any jewels from Ethan. "Yes, I'll be waiting," she replied gently.
Just then, a woman dressed as a waitress approached Anastasia, bent down, and whispered, "Miss Reed, sorry to disturb you, but someone is asking for you."
Anastasia frowned, puzzled. "Who's looking for me?"
The waitress's voice grew even quieter. "He said his last name is Knight."
Knight? Ethan Knight? Anastasia paused for a moment. Ethan seemed to be the only person she knew with that surname.
Their family had been invited to the Dusit Hotel today rather spontaneously. Ethan had been away from home, and her mother didn't want him to attend the engagement party, thinking he was useless. So, no one had informed him.
Has something happened since Ethan arrived?
Anastasia handed Sophia over to Charlotte and told her family she needed to use the restroom, worried her mother would make a scene if she heard Ethan's name.
However, instead of taking her outside the hotel, the waitress led Anastasia to an elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.
Noticing Anastasia's confusion and apprehension, the waitress smiled reassuringly. "Mr. Knight is waiting for you on the hotel's top floor. Rest assured, there are surveillance cameras in the lift. I won't deceive you."
Anastasia couldn't help but feel wary, but she had no choice but to follow.
Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, Gideon Boysen gave his final address. "I initially wanted everyone to celebrate this wonderful couple, but the anonymous gentleman prefers to keep a low profile and enjoy this special anniversary gift with his wife privately. So, for the rest of the evening, please enjoy the food, wine, and entertainment we have prepared. Have a splendid night."
Attendants swiftly moved about, serving drinks, cakes, and an array of dishes from the buffet.
The atmosphere in the hall became more casual and lively. Enjoying the sumptuous dishes the host prepared.
Being prominent figures from various industries in Emerald Coast County, the guests didn't just sit and eat. They mingled, holding glasses of wine, eager to network with acquaintances and new contacts.
In stark contrast, the Reeds sat awkwardly, isolated. No one approached them, and when Thaddeus attempted to start conversations, he was met with polite but dismissive responses, making them feel like outsiders.
Brendan grew increasingly angry when he noticed Claudia and Charlotte chatting cheerfully with some nearby guests. Unable to contain his rage, he stormed over.
As he approached, he overheard a woman complimenting Claudia, "Your daughters are stunning. You are truly blessed!"
The woman didn't know why Claudia's family was seated at the main table, but she saw no harm in saying something nice to make a connection.
Encouraged, the woman continued to pat the back of Charlotte's hand, showing her fondness.
Brendan sneered and stepped forward. "Some people love to boast, lie, and show off! She even claimed her daughter is getting engaged to Damien Monroe's son today, but where is the engagement? Where are the Monroes?"
Charlotte's cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment. They had all assumed tonight's event was an engagement party, but it wasn't. Brendan's pointed remarks made her feel humiliated.
Not one to back down, Claudia retorted, "Well, at least we're seated at the main table while some people can only sit by the door and watch!"
Brendan bristled with anger. "Would you be sitting here today if it weren't for the Reeds? You're nothing but ungrateful wretches!"
Claudia was exasperated, placed her hands on her hips, and was about to lash out when an attendant intervened. "Miss Reed, Mrs. Reed, Mr. Monroe has arranged a private room for you to rest in. Would you like to go there now?"
Mr. Monroe? Damien Monroe?
Claudia was delighted. She had planned to ask the Monroes about the official engagement announcement.
"Yes, of course. Our in-laws have kindly provided us with a private room. We certainly won't refuse their hospitality," she said, gazing at Brendan contemptuously. She led Charlotte and Sophia towards the private room on the second floor, leaving others watching in envy.
Brendan's face turned pale and flushed with rage. He had been humiliated repeatedly during the party and couldn't bear it any longer!
Claudia and the others reached the private room on the second floor just as Damien Monroe and some associates were passing by.
Claudia hurried over to greet him. "Hello, Mr. Monroe!"
Monroe recognized her as Ethan's mother-in-law and responded politely, "Hello, you must be Miss Reed's mother."
Claudia nodded eagerly. "Yes, we will soon be family. This is our first meeting. This is Charlotte, my youngest daughter. Charlotte, greet your father-in-law."
Charlotte felt utterly mortified. Who introduces people like this? We haven't been engaged yet, and she's calling him my father-in-law. How can I even begin to do that? How humiliating!
Claudia's words took Monroe aback. Family? In-laws? Father-in-law?
"Mrs. Reed, I think there's been a misunderstanding," Monroe said gently, trying to clarify the situation.