“See? I told you she was Thomas'' woman, but you insisted she was involved with Bet. This woman has the heirs of two major families cousins, no less- wrapped around her finger. She''s got some serious skills."


    Darcy stood beside Oscar, one hand in his pocket, looking every bit the loafer.


    "This woman is definitely not simple. I''ve already looked into it, and Queena''s disappearance is connected to her. You''ll proceed with the nter. Once you have her, take her to my vi in the suburbs first."


    Oscar instructed.


    "I understand," Darcy nodded, then turned and walked in another direction.


    Meanwhile, Yvonne had followed Thomas to the second floor of the vi.


    The three-story vi was entirely dedicated to entertaining guests. The second floor was another banquet hall.


    Emma, dressed in a magnificent haute couture gown, was chatting andughing with her guests.


    "Auntie," Thomas said, leading Yvonne over to greet Emma.


    "Thomas, you''re here!" Emma''s face lit up with a smile upon seeing her nephew. Thomas then formally introduced Yvonne to Emma.


    "Ms. Jones." Emma''s gaze swept over Yvonne, a faint, polite smile on her face.


    Yvonne was just an out-of-favor granddaughter of the James family, hardly someone who would register on Emma''s radar. Mrs. Thompson deigning to speak a few words to her was purely out of respect for Thomas.


    Yvonne knew her ce and tactfully stood aside like a decoration. She never begged for attention or tried to curry favor.


    "The dance is on the third floor. All the young people are up there. Bet, take your cousin and Ms. Jones upstairs," Emma added.


    Bet had been talking with a few colleagues nearby. He turned when he heard his mother call.


    His gaze passed over Yvonne indifferently, carrying a detached coldness. "Follow me."


    Thomas and Bet walked ahead, side by side, talking as they went.


    Yvonne followed silently behind them.


    The third floor was even morevishly decorated. The crystal chandeliers were dazzling, and the dance floor was filled with couples swaying to the music.


    A buffet was set up in a corner,den with all sorts of high-end pastries and gourmet delicacies that were a feast for the eyes.


    Noah and his wife, Karina, were on the third floor, greeting guests.


    of


    Although Bet was the heir to the Thompson Group, he was not yet married. Thus, Karina, as the wife the eldest son managed the day-to-day affairs of the Thompson manor, a position that earned her


    much admiration in high society.


    "Thomas, you''re here! We were just talking about you," Karina said, approaching with Ynda.


    "Karina, Ms, Walker," Thomas


    greeted them with a warm smile


    "Yvonne,


    before turning to Yvon thing to


    why don''t


    you go get something to


    eat with Karina and the others for a


    bit


    "Okay," Yvonne nodded. She assumed Thomas wanted to discuss business with


    Noah and Bet, and she knew better than to intrude.


    "Karina, please look after Yvonne for me," Thomas added with a smile.


    "I know, I know. I promise your leadingdy won''t be neglected,” Karina teased, then took Yvonne''s hand and led her away.


    Karina brought Yvonne to the buffet area, smiling as she pointed out the various dishes and told her to help herself.


    Yvonne thanked her politely, picked up a te, and took a slice of exquisite tiramisu.


    As Yvonne ate her cake, she saw two societydies and their daughters approach to chat with Karina.


    "Everyone knows the eldest Mrs. Thompson is so capable. Every year, Mrs. Thompson''s birthday party is so lively and elegant."


    "It''s true. Everyone in our circle


    knows the women of the White family are as impressive in the drawing-room as they are in the kitchen Who wouldn''t want to marry one?"