?Chapter 229:


    “Whose daughter is that? Her outfit ispletely inappropriate for an asion like this. It’s Mr. Spencer’s eightieth birthday, and she’s baring so much skin. So tasteless.”


    “Where are her parents? This is a formal gathering—does she not understand the dress code? Who is she trying to impress?”


    “A respectable woman wouldn’t turn up looking like that…”


    Elyse had chosen a bold crimson gown, its deep neckline and backless design adorned with golden floral embroidery, gleaming under the lights. The strapless dress entuated her cleavage, while the back plunged daringly down to her lower spine—daring and ostentatious.


    Mistaking their murmurs for praise, Elyse straightened her posture, pushing her chest forward even more.


    While the rest of the attendees were elegantly attired, Elyse stood out for all the wrong reasons, drawing stares not of admiration, but of disapproval.


    With many eyes fixed upon her, Elyse strutted into Peak Hotel. Not far behind, Darren and Sylvia stepped out of their car.


    Sylvia adorned herself in a pink dress,plemented by the ruby ne she had been forced to purchase from Helena Jewelry’s gship store. She believed her outfit was grand enough tomand attention, yet as she stepped out of the car, not a single nce was cast her way. The ne she prized so dearly seemed utterly unremarkable to the banquet guests.


    Clinging to Darren’s arm, Sylvia maintained a forced smile.


    As they crossed the threshold, the vast disparity between the’s elite and Foiclens’ wealthiest immediately struck them. Gerald’s eightieth birthday celebration had drawn numerous distinguished figures rarely seen in public.


    Among the attendees were militarymanders Darren recognized from national conferences, central ministers, and even the secretary to the head of state. These luminaries had all gathered to honor Gerald’s milestone.


    The Spencer family’s deeply entrenched influence far eclipsed that of ordinary businessmen.


    Darren stood both awestruck and chilled to the bone. He had actually offended the Spencer family. Clutching the gift box tighter, he was resolute in his mission to win Wesley’s favor and salvage their partnership. Without this, the Griffiths family would have no standing in the.


    As Darren’s eyes swept across the banquet hall, a familiar silhouette caught his attention.


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    “Darren, what are you looking at?” Sylvia noticed his distraction, followed his gaze, and was also stunned. It was Elena! She was here too! Naturally, at Gerald’s eightieth birthday celebration, the Harper family’s attendance was inevitable.


    Sylvia hastily diverted Darren’s focus. “Darren, someone over there seems to be calling you.”


    Darren turned but found no one. He frowned, visibly annoyed. “Who’s calling me?”


    “Maybe I was mistaken,” Sylvia said with a strained smile.


    When Darren looked back, Elena had vanished. His expression darkened. “I think I saw Elena.”


    Sylvia feigned astonishment, covering her mouth. “That can’t be. How could she be here? The Spencer family’s banquet isn’t something just anyone can attend.”


    Without an invitation, she can’t get in. Darren, you must have mistaken someone else.”


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