The following day, Prosper Hotel hosted the grand banquet. Media giants and successors of prominent Janovin families arrived in waves, all eager to attend.The invitations had come from Warren, not Owen. While these prominent families were on the rise, they still fell short of the Carvers in their heyday. Even now, they still hadn't figured out the Carver family's connections.They all knew that Warren was not one they could risk offending, so they were polite as they expressed their congratulations. Some media outlets were there solely to catch a glimpse of Warren's granddaughter, while others had been personally invited.The socialites, eager to witness Aria's humiliation, were in for a surprise. Leon, having learned of their intentions, had mobilized his resources. Luxury items, usually unattainable for the average person, were readily available to him.No designer could resist his patronage when he sought a limited-edition couture gown. All the brands he represented were high
Despite being Aria's brother, Leon hadn't been of any help. However, he felt warm whenever he thought about how those clothes were all made by Aria.The designers were still raving. "Your family's entrance is going to make a huge splash. Lamar has never designed anything like this before—it's stunning!"Keith had already arranged for two MPVs, and he'd also contacted Jeffrey. By 4:00 pm, most of the attendees had arrived. Mindy arrived with Owen, their arms linked. She wore a fluffy white haute couture dress and a white pearl hair clip. With flawless skin and exquisite makeup, she looked like a princess.In front of the media, Owen maintained his usual image as the gentle company president. It was as if the hotel incident was merely a misunderstanding."The public is speculating over the recent discovery of your daughter. Do you want to tell us anything about that, Mr. Carver?" a bold reporter asked.Owen chuckled. "I'm happy, of course. My daughter has returned, all thanks to t
The socialites clinked glasses with one another, as if they'd already formulated plans to embarrass Aria. Bullying was ubiquitous, and the perpetrators never found anything wrong with what they were doing. The CEOs of other companies present would never use those underhanded methods those socialites came up with. Instead, they asked Owen, "Where are your sons? Why haven't we seen any of them here?""Yes. I heard that Percy is quite the famous lawyer in Shelwigton. He's been working on those famous non-litigation cases, and he's known even in the overseas circles."Owen said lightly, "His absence is no big deal. Dad made this banquet seem like a large-scale thing, but they're busy, and there's no need for them to come back today."This attitude was worth pondering. The CEOs of the Carvers' suppliers were here to get information because the internal affairs of the Carver family would decide whose side they should take. From Owen's words, the brothers didn't care much about Aria.
Explosive screams echoed through the main hall. Glasses were set down as heads turned, curiosity rippling among the Carvers' business partners."It's Leon!" "Leon as in Leon Carver? He's become so much more handsome since we last saw each other last year!""Jeffrey's here too! Is he really back?""Jeffrey? Who's that?""Jeffrey Carver, the fifth son! His identity is a secret, and no one knows what he does!""Why did he come back here too?""This is a big surprise! The Carvers didn't release any information about this at all!""Mr. Carver Senior really kept this secret well. I think even Mr. Carver doesn't know about this."Some guests turned to look at Owen, who had earlier dismissed the banquet's importance and the need for his sons' attendance. Yet, both Leon and Jeffrey, the King of Special Troops, had appeared, defying his words.Owen's complete lack of knowledge about the situation was undoubtedly embarrassing. Being publicly proven wrong must have been mortifying.
The reporters were all shocked. They didn't need to guess who Aria was; her identity was unmistakable. If the way Mindy had made her appearance emphasized Owen's high regard for her, Aria's appearance was the family's way of telling everyone that Aria was the real daughter of the family.None of the CEOs present expected to be greeted with this sight—they didn't expect the so-called country bumpkin to be such a beautiful woman. Leon and Jeffrey stood beside her, each taking one of her hands like gentlemen, making their affection for her clear."This isn't quite like what you told us, Mr. Carver. You told us that they were all busy, yet—" someone said, their voice dripping with sarcasm as they set down a wine glass, signaling whose side they were on.Owen's face turned pale at that remark. Warren got out of his car, and Jeffrey passed Aria to him. He was wearing a suit paired with a leather hat, and it was clear that his suit was made with the same fabric as Aria's gown.Warre
In Aria's dreams, Kylie often bullied and humiliated her with her group of friends.Aria smiled. Kylie had found her first, saving her the trouble of seeking her out.Warren asked sharply, "Do you need anything?"Kylie affected a startled look. "You're as stern as always, Mr. Carver Senior. I just want to be Aria's friend, that's all."Kylie was confident Warren wouldn't humiliate her in front of everyone, given the formal setting and his age. If he lost his temper, all the better—the media could spin it however they liked.The Wagners hadn't been disrespectful at all.Warren saw through Kylie's schemes. He considered having a stern talk with Yonah about his granddaughter's poor upbringing. If that didn't work, he might even demand a personal apology.Kylie's eyes lit up with excitement.Aria glanced at her, fiddling with her amethyst pendant. Suddenly, she chuckled. "Grandpa, go talk to your friends. I'll handle this."Warren trusted Aria wholeheartedly, and before he left, h
Kenny had gone all out, wearing a million-dollar watch and the latest high-end suit, hoping to outshine everyone around him. He thought his flashy appearance would make heads turn.But when he entered the room, no one glanced at him. All eyes were fixed elsewhere.It was Leon again!"Leon, you're taking this too far," Kenny said as he approached and placed a hand on Kylie's shoulder. "Kylie's still young. She saw something she liked and just wanted to ask about it."Plus, she's a fan of Lamar. Naturally, she took it to heart when she noticed something off with the outfit. If you think she made a mistake, you could've simply explained where the clothes came from instead of embarrassing her in front of everyone."Kenny spoke with grandeur before lifting his head, eager to see just who this country bumpkin was that the Carver family had brought back. Even Leon and Jeffrey had rushed back for her.However, the moment he saw that all-too-familiar face, he was stunned.Aria's carefree
Kylie played off her attack flawlessly and retreated with grace. While the older generation might not have cared, the incident would undoubtedly have repercussions.Kylie persistently claimed that Aria had purchased counterfeit clothing, implying she was either a cheapskate or just plain dumb. Regardless, Aria's demeanor didn't align with that of someone from a prestigious family. The ladies from various affluent backgrounds would inevitably gossip about the matter."Who told you I bought these clothes?" Aria spoke calmly amidst the discussion.Kylie replied nonchalantly, "Did you perhaps make it yourself, then?""Indeed," Aria replied, her gaze fixed on Kylie. "Leon was too kind earlier. It seems your mind is filled with nothing but stupidity."Kylie's anger flared. No one had dared to treat her so disrespectfully before."Oh, right. I forgot to mention I tend to be blunt with my words as well," Aria said with a polite smile. "Please don't take it personally, Ms. Wagner."Kyl