"My makeup took a little longer than expected. Have you been waiting long?" Yvonne asked politely, lifting the hem of her dress as she walked to Thomas'' side.


    "I just arrived myself. Besides, waiting for such a beautiful woman is my honor," Thomas replied with a smile, then gantly opened the car door for her.


    The ck Rolls-Royce moved smoothly down the road. The interior was quiet, with Yvonne and Thomas exchanging few words.


    She spent most of the time looking at the scenery outside the window. It was only when the surroundings started to look familiar that she realized they were on the way to the Thompson manor.


    The Thompson family''s estate in the Eastside District was massive, covering about two hundred and thirty acres. Rumor had it that Frank, the head of the Thompson Group, had built it for his wife, Emma Moore.


    So, the banquet Thomas had asked her to apany him to was Emma''s birthday party.


    "Why didn''t you tell me we were attending a birthday party? I didn''t even prepare a gift,” Yvonne said, turning to Thomas with some dismay.


    Thomas smiled. "I''ve already prepared a gift. My aunt is good-natured and gentle. I think she''ll like you very much."


    Yvonne pressed her lips into a thin line, her mood dampened.


    She had always known that Emma didn''t like her.


    Back when Yvonne was still Bet''s girlfriend, Emma had disapproved of her.


    Her gaze had always been filled with judgment and scrutiny.


    Now, to Emma, Yvonne was aplete stranger, so there was no question of liking or disliking her.


    The Taylor family''s car slowly drove into the Thompson manor.


    From the moment they entered the estate, everything in sight was the epitome of luxury. Even the trees lining the road were rare and valuable species.


    The Thompson family''s status as the wealthiest in the nation was no empty im. After driving for nearly twenty minutes through the estate, they finally reached the cluster of vis.


    Many guests were attending the banquet today—politicians, business magnates, and even half of the entertainment industry. It was like a red-carpet event.


    Yvonne took Thomas'' arm and walked down the red carpet, step by step, toward the pce-like vi.


    She never expected that just as she stepped inside, she would run into someone she''d been hoping to avoid.


    “Mr. Taylor, long time no see,” Oscar said, greeting Thomas politely. Standing beside him was his younger brother, Darcy.


    Darcy''s restless eyes kept darting over Yvonne''s body, making her extremely ufortable.


    "Mr. Rogers," Thomas replied, nodding with perfect courtesy.


    f


    After exchanging a few pleasantries with Thomas, Oscar''s gaze fell on Yvonne. His deep eyes carried a certain pressure as he said, "My fiancée has gone missing recently. She''s Ms Jones sister. I was wondering if you''ve seen her?"


    "Queena is no sister of mine. Mr. Rogers, with your extensivework, you must have heard about Queena enemies


    and me. We''re mortal I


    don''t care if she''s missing or not it she turns up dead one day, don''t forget to let me know so I can have a goodugh."


    After speaking, Yvonne tightened her grip on Thomas'' arm and gave it a slight shake "This is my first time the famous Thompson manor Could you show me around?"


    "Of course," Thomas said with a smile, then led Yvonne toward the second floor of


    the vi.


    Oscar watched their retreating backs, his eyes growing darker and colder.