"Alice, did you say something?" Brother Lei turned to her, having caught the faint sound of her voice.


    In an instant, Alice’s menacing re vanished, reced by a mask of innocence. She blinked up at him with wide, clueless eyes, looking as harmless as a bunny. "Hmm? Oh, nothing," she said sweetly, as if she hadn’t just been seething moments ago.


    "Were you saying something? I was busy live-streaming this event and reading thements, sorry," Alice exined casually. Only then did she nce down at her phone screen, which was flooded with messages of love and admiration—for Hera.


    The gifts poured in one after another, theizens showering Hera with praise, but instead of feeling happy, Alice’s grip on her phone tightened. A cold, sinking feeling spread through her chest, as if she were plunging into an abyss.


    Her heart grew colder and darker with each passing second as she stared at Hera, standing on the stage—effortlessly beautiful, radiant, and basking in the attention that Alice so desperately craved.


    Then, a flicker of something dark sparked in Alice’s mind, like a glitching screen shing ominous words—


    <i>"Kill her... I must kill her and take everything she has for myself. Love, glory, and wealth should belong to me alone..."</i>


    The thought took root, spreading like a creeping shadow through her mind. Her heart grew darker with each passing second, consumed by jealousy and an insatiable hunger for everything Hera possessed.


    After the fashion show, everyone was ushered into the banquet hall, where an extravagant array of food was elegantly arranged along the sides. The grand hall itself resembled the majestic ballrooms of ancient castles, adorned with intricate carvings on the towering pirs and ceiling.


    A magnificent, gleaming chandelier hung overhead, casting a warm glow across the space. The vast marble floor stretched expansively, allowing guests to move freely without the risk of bumping into one another, even as they danced in the center.


    Above, the second floor was enclosed by a floor-to-ceiling ss wall, offering an unobstructed view of the lively scene below.


    The ss barrier muted the chatter and murmurs from the main hall, creating a more intimate and refined atmosphere where esteemed guests could engage in business discussions while still observing the grandeur of the event.


    As soon as the guests were ushered inside, the VIPs were granted ess to the second floor, where they could rx or engage in business discussions. The host would also be present there, making it an exclusive privilege reserved only for the powerful and influential.


    As a result, the number of people on the second floor remained sparse, enhancing its air of exclusivity and prestige.


    Everyone was pleased with the arrangements, as they clearly reinforced the hierarchy within their social circle.


    The VIPs were in high spirits, engaging in discussions with Athena’s parents about business, and many even took the initiative to extend olive branches—without the Lowery couple or Athena’s uncle having to make a case for coboration.


    Opportunities seemed to flow toward them effortlessly, leaving the couple smiling from ear to ear as they negotiated deals.


    Meanwhile, Leo and the others remained in a corner, minding their own business. Although several influential businessmen were eager to approach them, the aura they exuded was unmistakable—a silent warning that said,


    <i>’Stay away or get lost.’</i>


    As a result, no one dared to intrude, opting instead to observe from a safe distance.


    But even then, no one felt that these young men were being overly arrogant or acting superior. In their social circle, talent and ability were paramount, with age being only a secondary factor.


    Leo and the others had every right to carry themselves with pride, and even if some considered them haughty, no one would dare voice such thoughts to their faces. Instead, they could only swallow their words in silence.


    Leo and the others waited for Hera to arrive as she was still backstage with Athena, wrapping things up. Standing before the models with a bright smile, Athena addressed them warmly.


    "Great job, everyone! You all did amazing out there. Now that the fashion show is over, feel free to head to the banquet and mingle—it’s a great opportunity to expand yourwork."


    Hearing this, the models’ eyes sparkled with excitement. After all, this was one of the key reasons so many fought for the chance to walk the runway for Athena. Not only did she offer generouspensation, but it was also stipted in their contracts that they would receive an exclusive invitation to the banquet as special guests—an opportunity that many in their social circle would do anything to secure.


    Usually, after a runway show, models would either head home or try to find a way to gain ess to the banquet by relying on a guest’s invitation. For many, this was a chance to connect with influential figures who could open doors in their modeling careers.


    However, with Athena’s offer, they didn’t have to resort to underhanded tactics or offer favors to gain entry. They could walk into the banquet with pride, without being seen as mere arm candy, mistresses, or ythings. This opportunity allowed them towork on equal footing, showcasing their talent rather than relying on connections built throughpromise.