Several minutes later, the bathroom door finally opened.Kade instinctively turned toward the sound.Then he paused.Elara stepped out wearing a stunning pink evening gown that hugged her figure perfectly. The soft fabric flowed elegantly down to her ankles while subtle silver patterns decorated the edges like stars scattered across a sunset sky. Her hair had been styled neatly behind her shoulders and the light makeup on her face only enhanced her already beautiful features.For a brief moment, even the room seemed brighter.Unfortunately—Kade simply stood up.“Good. You’re done.”He straightened his suit.“Let’s get going.”Elara blinked.“…Really?”Kade raised an eyebrow.“What’s wrong?”Elara stared at him.That was it?That was all?No compliment?No reaction?Nothing?Meanwhile Kade genuinely looked confused.Inside, Elara was already fuming.She had literally spent almost an hour getting ready.She had complimented him earlier.The least he could do was return the favor.Was i

It was already past seven in the evening. The city lights glittered beneath the darkening sky as luxury vehicles continuously arrived outside the Grand Aurora Hall, one of the most prestigious venues in South City. The massive building was illuminated by golden lights, its entrance lined with expensive cars, influential businessmen, government officials, celebrities, and corporate elites. Security was tighter than usual, with dozens of guards stationed around the venue, carefully inspecting every guest before allowing them inside.Inside one of the arriving vehicles, Elara stared out the window, her fingers unconsciously gripping her purse. Despite holding the invitation card herself, she still found it difficult to believe she was actually here.The Business Excellence Gala.A place she had only dreamed of attending.Just weeks ago she had been stripped of her position, banished from her family, and left with nothing.Now she was standing before the most exclusive business event in S

The moment Roland mentioned Kade’s name, the expressions of Vivian, Beatrice, Brent, and Mark became incredibly strange.“Kade?” Vivian repeated as though she had just heard the most ridiculous thing imaginable.Her eyes slowly shifted toward the calm young man standing beside Elara before she let out a cold, mocking laugh.“Do you people even hear yourselves?”She pointed at Kade.“You’re telling me this criminal got an invitation to the Business Excellence Gala? Do you even know the requirements to attend this event? The companies invited here are worth tens of billions. Government officials are present. Influential investors from all over Asheville attend. And somehow you’re expecting me to believe that this nobody secured an invitation card?”Roland frowned.“Mother, I don’t know how he got it. But he brought the card to us personally.”Before Vivian could respond, Beatrice stepped forward and looked at Roland as though he were an embarrassment to the entire family.“I never thoug

Elara gritted her teeth and looked directly at the security guard. “You haven’t even checked the invitation card.”The guard’s expression immediately darkened.“Are you deaf?” he snapped. “I already told you I don’t need to check it. Mr. Knox personally informed us that your invitation is fake.”He pointed toward the road.“Now leave before I throw all of you out myself.”His voice was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.Immediately, whispers began spreading through the crowd.“So they really forged an invitation?”“Isn’t that Elara Voss?”“The former Voss heiress?”“I heard she got kicked out of the family.”“Pathetic.”“Forging a Business Excellence Gala invitation? That’s a new low.”Mocking laughter erupted from different directions.Elara’s face turned pale.Never in her life had she felt so humiliated.Her fingers tightened around the blue invitation card as she lowered her head.Beside her, Diana’s expression became ugly.She glared at the crowd before wrapping an arm arou

Mr. Gordon personally led Kade, Elara, Diana, and Roland into the grand hall. The moment they stepped through the massive golden doors, countless eyes turned toward them. More specifically, they turned toward Elara.Tonight, she was breathtaking.The elegant pink gown hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her graceful curves without appearing excessive. The crystal lights hanging from the ceiling reflected against the fabric, making her seem almost unreal. Her silky hair flowed behind her shoulders, and her natural beauty easily outshined the expensive jewelry worn by many of the wealthy women present.For several seconds, conversations slowed.Some men stared openly.Others whispered amongst themselves.“Who is she?”“Is she a model?”“I’ve never seen her before.”“Which family does she belong to?”Meanwhile, many of the women present were less impressed.Their eyes narrowed with jealousy.Some glanced down at their own dresses before looking back at Elara with obvious dissatisfa