Sandra and Yvonne arrived neither too early nor toote. The banquet hall was already filled with guests.


    Yvonne had thought she was quite famous, but upon entering the hall, she realized her status was nothing special here.


    So, she and Sandra found an inconspicuous spot and started chatting with a few acquaintances from the industry.


    Sandra was a great conversationalist and got along easily with industry people. Yvonne didn''t say much, only smiling and adding a few words when asked, but herments were always sharp and to the point.


    Yvonne was discussing a recently released film with a senior actor when Thomas approached them.


    Thomas greeted everyone one by one, his gaze finally settling on Yvonne, full of tenderness and affection.


    "I knew you''d be here tonight. I''ve been looking all over the hall for you."


    The ''shipping'' of Thomas and Yvonne by fans had been suppressed by theirpanies, but almost everyone in the industry knew that the award-winning actor Thomas had his eye on the rising star Yvonne and was actively pursuing her.


    Seeing this, the others quickly found excuses to leave.


    Soon after, Sandra was also called away.


    Suddenly, Thomas and Yvonne were left standing alone together.


    Though no one came near, furtive nces were cast their way from time to time.


    Yvonne sighed in resignation. She was about to speak, but Thomas beat her to it. "Would you like a drink? How about some champagne? I''ll get it for you." With that, Thomas turned and headed toward the nearby bar.


    Yvonne stood there, silently watching him go. Just as she was about to turn and leave, a middle-aged woman dressed like a wealthy socialite approached her.


    Yvonne instinctively stopped and looked at the woman.


    The woman was Lydia Moore, Emma''s older sister and Thomas'' biological mother.


    Her past self had never met Lydia. And while Yvonne had met her, they hadn''t interacted much.


    In any case, none of the Moore sisters were particrly fond of her.


    Lydia walked right up to Yvonne and tantly looked her up and down.


    Because Yvonne had beautiful, almond-shaped eyes, Lydia probably saw her as a vixen trying to seduce her son.


    "So you''re vonne? You''re pretty, no wonder Thomas is so infatuated ? pity that a man''s infatuation is


    always fleeting. He might love you. today, but he love someone else tomorrow."


    Lydia was on the shorter side, yet she carried herself with a superior air, looking at people with disdain and contempt.


    "I saw your mother a few days ago and made things perfectly clear to her. I''m sure she ryed my message to you..."


    “Excuse me, ma''am, but who are you?" Yvonne interrupted Lydia''s tirade.


    Lydia was shocked that Yvonne didn''t recognize her, and her face flushed with embarrassment and anger.


    "I am Mrs. Taylor, Thomas'' mother," Lydia said grimly.


    "Oh." Yvonne nodded. "My mother never mentioned meeting you. Since she didn''t bring it up, assume you didn''t have anything pleasant to say to her."


    Lydia hadn''t expected the girl to be so sharp-tongued. Her expression twisted slightly as she scoffed, "You''re too young to be so caustic. I was offering sincere advice for your ow good Since your mother didn''t pass it on, I''ll tell you myself person needs to know their ce. The daughter of a convict will never marry into the Taylor family. Don''t be delusional and think that just because Thomas likes you, you can be the young mistress of the Taylor family. You..."


    "Mr. Taylor." Lydia''s tirade was cut short by Yvonne''s voice.