"Don''t worry about it!"


    After exchanging some casual pleasantries, the call ended.


    ...


    Lillian''s Studio was just around the corner. M walked through the wooded path, arriving at the front of her studio, only to notice several cars parked across the street. People were bustling about, moving furniture in and out of the house opposite.


    Are they moving in?


    At that moment, a young woman directing the movers spotted her and approached with a wave.


    "Miss Lillian, it''s been a while since you werest around. How have you been?"


    Here, M was known by her studio name, so neighbors called her Lillian. Returning the greeting with a smile, M asked casually, "Are you moving?" "Yes, indeed."


    The woman''s eyes twinkled with delight. "This ce is just too remote and inconvenient for daily life. I''ve wanted to sell this vi for ages but couldn''t find the right buyer. Then, a few weeks ago, a Ph.D. graduate from overseas contacted me, offering a price well above market value. They n to move in soon, so I''m here to get everything ready."


    The mention of a Ph.D. from overseas made M''s brow twitch slightly.


    She''d been on edge about those wordstely, reminded of Giselle, who had just returned from abroad with a doctorate. But then she thought, Giselle had no shortage of ces to stay in Kingsford. The Harvey family mansion was hardlycking in space. She must be out of her mind to pay a high price for a vi in such a secluded area.


    Pushing aside the thought, M congratted her neighbor with a warm smile. They parted ways, each returning to their own tasks.


    After a busy afternoon working on her portfolio, the time for the g was fast approaching.


    M changed into a pearlvender, form-fitting gown her mother-inw had custom-made for her and drove towards the Lockwood family g.


    She was familiar with the venue for the Lockwood family event.


    It was near the ce where she had delivered a suit for Rndst time-on a mountain. This time, it was at a spa hotel at the foot of the mountain.


    By the time she arrived, the parking area around the venue was already filled with luxury cars, and elegantly dressed socialites were mingling,ughter echoing through the air.


    M parked her car, adjusted her dress, and walked towards the entrance, clutching a small bag that matched her gown.


    Just as she approached the entrance, she instinctively frowned. She spotted Ryan, the second Lockwood brother, scanning the crowd as if looking for


    someone.


    Their eyes met almost immediately.


    Ryan''s expression soured at the sight of M. He strode over and blocked her path.


    "What are you doing here? I don''t recall inviting you."


    M was exasperated by this fool. She took out her phone and showed the electronic invitation to the staff checking at the entrance.


    It was an invitation Rnd had sent her personally.


    The staff verified it, but hesitated to let her in, frequently ncing at Ryan, aware that he was one of the hosts.


    Ryan was surprised M had an invitation, but it didn''t matter to him. Even if she did, he wasn''t going to let her in. The Lockwood family''s gatherings were not open


    to outsiders, especially not to someone he detested.


    "Get out. How dare you show your face here after everything?"


    Nearby guests began to notice the standoff, casting curious nces and whispering among themselves. A few recognized M, but most thought she was an unknown woman trying to crash the party.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as amotion erupted from behind.


    Both M and Ryan turned to see what was happening. A sleek ck limousine


    had pulled up, and Lysander was assisting Giselle, resplendent in a stunning gold and blush gown, out of the car.