The text bubble showed that Ethan was still typing. Scott simply blocked his number and went back to enjoying his celebratory dinner.


    When Ethan''s next message failed to send, his face darkened. He let out a contemptuous scoff. "His loss. Destined to be a broke failure."


    Across the room, Bianca called him over, telling him the event was about to start. Ethan practically scurried over, his posture slightly stooped. "Director Lowell, why don''t you make the official announcement to kick things off?"


    Bianca smiled. "You''re the founder. It should be you."


    Ethan waved his hands frantically. "No, no, *Aetheria* wouldn''t be here today without you, Director Lowell. You absolutely must be the one tounch it."


    "Very well," Bianca relented.


    Just before the host officially began the event, Bianca received a video call from Jude. She answered to see him with Seth, Healy, and Dn, and her mood instantly soared.


    "Bianca!" Jude shouted over the noise. "We got together in Rivercrest City to celebrate with you! A little something to make up for not being there in person."<fn3d38> Content originallyes from Find~Novel</fn3d38>


    "Please thank everyone for me."


    "Don''t be so formal! This was all Seth''s idea," Jude said, pointing the camera at Seth. "Right, Seth?"


    Seth raised his ss to the camera in a silent toast.


    Bianca''s gaze softened. "Message received."


    Jude started hamming it up. "Oh man, I bet Seth is holding back on the sweet talk because we''re here! Fine, fine, you can save the mushy stuff for when you''re alone."


    Bianca just smiled. "Okay, the event is starting. I have to go."


    "Good luck!" someone yelled just before she hung up. "You make us all proud, Bianca!"


    Her smile never left her face. The host was already beckoning her to the stage. She paused to send Seth a quick text.


    [Seth, I will make you proud.]


    He had chosen her so decisively. She would not let him lose. Before putting her phone away, she saw a congrattory message from Henry. She didn''t reply.


    With confident grace, she walked onto the stage and, under the watchful eyes of thousands, pressed theunch button. A massive fireworks disy erupted over Westbrook Watching the colors explode in the sky, Bianca felt a profound sense of aplishment.


    Her mother called, congratting her on this new milestone but also reminding her not to get carried away and forget her ultimate goal.


    "I haven''t forgotten," Bianca assured her. "As soon as I''m back, I''ll talk to Seth about it. With *Aetheria*''s sess as leverage, Mr. Harcourt won''t be able to ignore me anymore."


    Yvonne agreed. They were both convinced that Wade Harcourt''s disapproval stemmed from Bianca''sck of significant achievements since returning to the country. This time, Bianca, was determined to Wine and finally earn his respect. F?r a while, she had been disheartened, telling herself that as long as Seth chose her, it was enough. Wade''s eptance didn''t matter; he would eventuallye around.


    But recently, as Yvonne sent out invitations to her friends, she noticed a change. The other wives were happy for her on the surface, but behind her back, they whispered that Branca might never truly be epted by Wade. They said that without his approval, her position was no better than that of a mistress.