They treated tonight''s g with the utmost seriousness-facials, hair styling, dress fittings-the whole day had been a flurry of preparations.


    Callie was practically bouncing with excitement. "I heard Lauretta''sing tonight, and even Aurora-the top socialite herself-will be there! Both of them are my absolute idols. I have to get their autographs, no matter what!"


    On any other day, Deanna would have scolded Callie for being so undignified. But tonight, she let it slide.


    After all, the families invited to Mr. Burton''s event were sure to be at least as prominent as the O''Briens, if not more so. If Callie could manage to make a connection or two, it would only be a good thing.


    Deanna stood before the mirror, scrutinizing her reflection as she issued her final instructions to Callie.


    "Keep an eye on the Williams brothers tonight. The three of them-good family, strong character, no bad habits. If you could marry into the Burton family, you''d be blessed beyond measure. But if the Williams brothers aren''t interested, you can always try to get to know the Burton sons. I''ve heard Sherman and Karl are both still single-don''t miss your chance."


    Callie''s enthusiasm instantly dimmed. She had no interest in men. Her heart only skipped forrger-than-life women like Aurora and Lauretta—true winners in life.


    Still, she didn''t dare defy her mother. Instead, her eyes gleamed with an idea. "The head of the Williams family, Skyler, will be at the g too. Mom, if you could get a conversation going with him, it might help me get to know the Williams family a little better. But you''ll have to dial it back a notch-don''te on too strong. Men like gentle women, you know."


    Deanna instinctively nced at herself in the mirror.


    The woman looking back wasn''t young anymore, but she still had a certain allure. Unlike many women her age, she hadn''t put on weight-her figure remained elegant and well-proportioned. But her years ofmanding authority showed in her serious, distant expression, making her seem a bit unapproachable.


    At her age after two failed rtionships, Deanna had lost


    interest in romance. Still, if it meant elevating the O''Brien family and giving Callie a better future, She''d do whatever it took.


    Something seemed to ur to her, and she murmured, "If Haynes had never been married, and given time for the O''Brien Group to grow, he''d be a good match for young women like Lauretta or Aurora."


    Compared to the Chapmans or the Williams family, the O''Briens stillgged behind. The Chapmans and the Williams family had each been established for generations, after all.


    But Haynes was exceptional-on par with Jonathan, the heir to the Williams family.


    Her expression tightened with disapproval as she added, "Haynes''s life was ruined by that woman, Ste."


    Callie pursed her lips. No one could deny her brother''s talent, but the O''Briens were at a disadvantage. The family''s foundation was shaky, and thepany had barely survived several crises. When Haynes took over, he''d inherited a


    ver


    mess, forced to spend most of his


    energy cleaning it up.


    Jonathan, on the other hand, had stepped in when the Williams Group was at its prime-how could you evenpare the two?


    Why would women like Aurora or Lauretta settle for a ''promising prospect'' when


    their brilliance couldnd them a husband like Jonathan—someone from a family already at the top?


    At that moment, the butler hurried in.


    "Ma''am, the car is waiting at the door."


    Deanna nodded and turned to Callie. "Let''s go."


    "Alright."