Abby mulled it over. "Maybe Karl''s a distant rtive of Mr. Burton''s? Or... maybe he just came with his grandparents?"


    Of course, it was entirely possible that Karl really was rted to Mr. Burton.


    But honestly, none of that had much to do with them.


    Ste leaned in and whispered, "Candida, are you sure the performance will go off without a hitch?"


    Candida shook her head emphatically. "Don''t worry, Star. I won''t let anyone get in my head again. I promise."


    Though Ste was technically her boss, the two of them had always treated each other more like friends than colleagues.


    Ste smiled and gave her an encouraging nod.


    An hour before the party began, Jasper arrived at the venue with his parents.


    As they handed over their invitation, Jasper''s father, Galen Wilkinson, shot a nervous nce at the security staff.


    He could hardly believe it-the illustrious Burton family had actually sent an invitation to the Wilkinsons, asking them to attend this exclusive gathering.


    The invitation specifically requested that Jaspere along.


    At first, Galen thought it had to be some kind of joke. He''d even called to double- check, only to find out it was all real.


    The Burtons really had invited them.


    For all his years navigating the world of business, and for all the storms he''d weathered, Galen couldn''t help but feel a little anxious.


    After all, everyone attending this party belonged to the very top tier of high society.


    Compared to the Burton family, the Wilkinsons were practically insignificant.


    Once the security guard finished checking their invitation, he smiled politely. "Please, go right in."


    Galen exhaled, only just realizing he''d been holding his breath.


    Inside the ballroom, Jasper''s mother, Ynde Wilkinson, finally allowed herself to rx a little.


    Gone was her usual air of


    sophisticated confidence; instead, she moved with a cautious, almost timid grace, as though afraid to offend someone important without even realizing it.


    Ynde whispered, “We have no real connection to the Burtons. Why on earth would they invite us?"


    Jasper couldn''t help but look a little


    smug. "I heard Haynie and Rachel were invited too. Mr. Burton''s in Neo-Vespera right now, so it makes sense he''d want to show the O''Brien family some respect. Inviting Haynie is only natural.


    And as for Rachel..."


    Pride spread across Jasper''s face. "She''s Mr. Walden''s protégé now. Her status is on a whole other level.


    Honestly, she''s way more distinguished than just your average heiress these days."


    The ballroom was packed-a sea of unfamiliar faces, most of whom the Wilkinsons had never seen before.


    Galen didn''t even dare to approach anyone for casual introductions.


    Jasper, meanwhile, was scanning the crowd, hoping to spot Haynie or Rachel.


    Suddenly, his eyes widened. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, then stared


    was


    he couldn''t believe it start


    certain he''d just seen Ste.


    he


    What on earth was Ste doing here?


    Before they left home, Galen had sternly warned Jasper not to cause any trouble at Mr. Burton''s party.


    Jasper knew he tended to be a little hotheaded. He''d promised himself that tonight, no matter what, he wouldn''t do anything rash.


    Just then, he caught sight of Haynie entering the ballroom, and everything suddenly made sense.


    He strode straight over to Ste. “Ste, do you even realize where you are? Did you seriously follow Haynie here?"


    "Do you have any idea what kind of event this is? How dare you show up here?!" Hearing his familiar voice, Ste froze mid-step.


    She turned around, surprise flickering across her face when she saw Jasper. What was Jasper doing here?