?<strong>Chapter 778:</strong>


    The fact that Carrie’s official introduction banquet was being held on these sacred grounds spoke volumes. She was no outsider. She was being formally acknowledged.


    Preparations had begun the moment her return was confirmed.


    Though the event was set for 5:00 p.m., guests had started arriving as early as noon.


    For the elite, this wasn’t just another dinner—it was a battlefield of power and influence. An opportunity.


    Luxury cars—limited-edition Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins—glided through the gated entrance, one after another.


    The vastwn had been transformed into a breathtaking sea of rare flowers, their delicate fragrance perfuming the crisp afternoon air.


    Every detail of the event exuded exquisite taste, wealth, and status. As the clock inched closer to five, two striking vehicles pulled into the driveway—a sleek red Ferrari, followed closely by a ck Maybach.


    Inside sat three figures: Torrie, Aliza, and Kristopher.


    The invitation had been extended only to Torrie Herrera, yet she had brought Aliza and Kristopher along forpany.


    orrie harbored deep feelings for Reece, but her rtionship with Carrie remained fraught with tension.


    Watching Reece’s affectionate treatment of Carrie ignited bitter jealousy in her heart.


    She tried to rationalize that Carrie was a family member of Reece’s, but deep down, she knew Carrie was only a distant rtive, and she also knew that, in some ces, cousins are allowed to marry. Moreover, she struggled toprehend how Reece could develop such profound familial devotion toward someone he’d only recently discovered was rted to him.


    An ufortable truth lurked beneath her thoughts—Carrie possessed a breathtaking beauty that stirred envy in other women. Despite Torrie’s privileged background, this small-town girl’s Cindere story had transformed her into something more regal than Torrie’s own carefully cultivated image.


    The reception staff, unaware of the tensions between the Morrison and Herrera families, graciously weed each guest who presented their invitation.


    Torriemanded attention in her floor-length crimson gown, her hair styled in dramatic waves cascading down her back, her makeup bold and striking. Beside her, Aliza wore an attention-demanding ck dress adorned with diamonds so brilliant they caught and scattered light with every movement.


    Their borate attire stood in stark contrast to the refined elegance of other female guests, their intention to dominate the spotlight apparent. Kristopher’s presence between them only heightened the effect—his broad shoulders and trim waist cut an impressive figure, his natural nobility surpassing even that of professional models.


    Their entrance drew every eye in the room.


    Torrie lingered at the threshold, basking in the admiring gazes before turning to Aliza with barely concealed satisfaction.


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