Suddenly, the butler appeared with an announcement.


    “Madam,” he said.


    “What is it?” Mrs. Hani asked.


    “Mrs. Mina has sent an invitation for you to attend her birthday party,” the butler informed


    “Mina Bush?” Mrs. Hani raised an eyebrow suspiciously.


    “Yes, ma’am.”


    “Here you go,” the butler said, stepping forward and handing the invitation to Mrs. Hani. After reading the contents, Mrs. Hani couldn’t help but smile with delight, causing others to be wary.


    “What’s the matter, Mom?” Ansel asked anxiously.


    “Erica, prepare yourself to apany me to this party.” Mrs. Hani made the request to Erica instead of answering Ansel.


    “Mom, I think…” Erica began to express her thoughts.


    “You must apany me, no matter what,” Mrs. Hani emphasized sternly.


    “But Mom, my wife is pregnant; attending a party might not be suitable,” Ansel objected, trying to protect Erica.


    “Erica just needs to go with me; you don’t have to worry about anything,” Mrs. Hani reassured.


    “But why does Mom want Erica to go with you?” Ansel questioned.


    It was then that Mrs. Hani revealed her cheerful news.


    “Mina Bush is the wife of Liam Murphy. And they are the parents of Max Murphy. Their family owns a mid-sized business,” Mrs. Hani exined.


    “What? Do you mean Murphy Poot?” Ansel eximed in surprise. This was thepany that was preparing to coborate with the SH Group.


    “Yes, that’s right. I heard that the son of the Murphy family is getting married, and based on what Erica just shared, I can confidently say that the bride is none other than the girl named Kora,” Mrs. Hani revealed.


    “So, What are you nning to do, Mom?” Erica asked cautiously, sensing something brewing.


    Mrs. Hani smiled with a hidden meaning and said, “Erica, I will seek justice for you. I will make that girl, Kora, realize that she can neverpare to you.”


    “Mother, I appreciate your heartfelt intentions,” Erica replied, grateful for her mother-inw’s support. However, she felt a bit worried and wanted to dissuade her mother-inw’s n, but Mrs. Hani strongly objected.


    “We won’t discuss it further. My mind is made up. You will attend with me,” Mrs. Hani insisted.


    Erica turned to Ansel, seeking his assistance, but Ansel couldn’t resist his mother’s will, so he consoled Erica by saying, “Erica, please listen to your mother.”


    Erica turned to Mr. Brown, seeking his help with a simr plea. Her father-inw calmly said, “Erica, just let your mother-inw handle this. Just trust her, and everything will be fine.” Finally, Erica reluctantly nodded in agreement.


    …


    After the conversation at home, Ansel returned to thepany to meet Nika. Prior to that, he had called and assigned a task to Nika. Now, Ansel was eager to know the results.


    The door opened, capturing Ansel’s attention.


    “How did the task I assigned you go?” Ansel asked immediately upon seeing Nika enter the room.


    “Just as you said, Max Murphy is the son of the Murphy family. Theirpany is about to sign a cooperation contract with us. Now, what do you n to do?” Nika asked curiously.


    “Not me, but you,” Ansel emphasized.


    “Me? What do you mean?” Nika was a bit confused.


    “I want you to meet Max Murphy,” Ansel exined.


    “What for?” Nika interjected impatiently.


    Ansel gestured for Nika to lean in closer. He then exined his n to him.


    “Are you suggesting using such an unfair method?” Nika asked, feeling uneasy.


    “When dealing with someone like Max, do you think fairness and ying by the rules are necessary?” Ansel asked with a hint of arrogance.


    “From my perspective, no,” Nika agreed.


    “Then I’ll assign this task to you,” Ansel concluded.


    “Why should it be me? You should personally handle this task,” Nikained.


    “I have to apany Erica and my mother to the party,” Ansel said. “Besides, other than you, there’s no one else suitable to handle legal matters.”


    “Understood. Don’t forget the raise.” Nika demanded, “Because this is solving your personal privacy problem.”


    “Fine,” Ansel reluctantly agreed.


    …


    Mina Bush’s birthday party was held at a luxurious and upscale restaurant. As mentioned before, Mrs. Hani apanied Erica to the event. The morous appearance of Erica and her mother-inw drew the attention of the guests from the Murphy and Bush families. Mina Bush noticed Mrs. Hani and warmly approached her to wee her.


    “Hello, madam. It is an honor for me that you havee to attend our family’s small birthday party,” Mrs. Mina greeted warmly. She looked very happy, not only because it was her birthday today but also because of Mrs. Hani’s presence. In fact, Mrs. Hani rarely participates in these social gatherings. Therefore, upon receiving the news that Mrs. Hani would attend her birthday party, Mrs. Mina felt proud, even somewhat arrogant, to be favored by Mrs. Hani, causing others to feel envious.


    “Happy birthday,” Mrs. Hani said politely. “I have a small gift, and I hope you will ept it.” After speaking, Mrs. Hani gestured to her staff to bring a ratherrge box. “Having you here, Mrs. Hani, already brings me great joy, and now you’re preparing a gift too. I am truly grateful.” Mrs. Mina sincerely expressed her appreciation.


    “There’s nothing grand about it,” Mrs. Hani modestly replied.


    “Please, madam, have a seat.” Mrs. Mina personally invited Erica’s mother-inw to the honorary table at the center of the hall.


    “Come along, Erica.” Noticing Erica’s slight distraction, Mrs. Hani called out to her.


    “Yes, mom,” Erica startled and hastily responded, then followed her mother-inw.


    The image of Mrs. Hani holding Erica’s hand generates curiosity and gossip among some people. In their thoughts, many wonder, “Who is the girl apanying Mrs. Hani? Is she pregnant?”


    After Mrs. Hani settled down, many people surrounded her to inquire and make acquaintances.


    Someone asked Mrs. Hani about Erica, “Who is this youngdy?”Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    “Allow me to introduce her to everyone. This is Erica, my daughter-inw.”


    Mrs. Hani proudly boasted that Erica was her daughter-inw, which made many people skeptical. Despite harboring negative thoughts, nobody dared to verbalize their doubts.


    “As you can all see, Erica is pregnant. It’s a set of twins,” Mrs. Hani continued with an enthusiastic tone.


    “Oh, congrattions then,” Mrs. Mina said, feeling a tinge of regret as her intentions faded away. Mrs. Mina had hoped for her daughter to marry Mrs. Hani’s son, but now there was no opportunity left. And many others with daughters felt the same way.


    “Thank you,” Erica politely replied as strangers suddenly approached her to offer their congrattions.


    Sitting beside her, Mrs. Hani noticed Erica’s tension and pressure, so she quickly reassured her, “I know you’re feeling ufortable, but try to endure it a little longer.”


    “Yes,” Erica replied.


    Mrs. Hani had been observing for a while but hadn’t seen Kora or Kora’s mother. She started to feel a bit impatient. The words spoken by those around her didn’t seem to bother Mrs. Hani or Erica.


    “Mother,” Erica suddenly said, causing the conversation among thedies toe to a halt.


    “What’s the matter, my dear?”


    “I’m craving some sweets. So, may I excuse myself to the food counter?” Erica hesitantly spoke while caressing her pregnant belly.


    “Of course, my love,” Mrs. Hani cheerfully replied. “Do you need me to apany you?”


    “No, Mom. Please continue your conversation with everyone.” Erica tactfully declined, as she wanted to be alone.


    “Then go ahead, my dear.” Mrs. Hani nodded in agreement.


    “It’s not yet mealtime,” someone interjected as Erica was about to stand up from her seat.


    “I apologize for my ignorance, Madam. I didn’t pay attention to that.” Erica immediately addressed Mrs. Mina, realizing her own impoliteness.


    “It’s not a problem at all,” the quick-witted woman replied. “Cravings during pregnancy arepletely understandable and empathized with. So please don’t worry.”


    “You are truly kind and generous,” Erica sincerely remarked, and Mrs. Mina nodded in response.


    “I also didn’t pay attention to that detail, and I’m fortunate that you were willing to overlook it and help my daughter-inw. Sincerely, thank you for that.” Mrs. Hani expressed her gratitude.


    “Please don’t mention it, Madam,” Mrs. Mina humbly replied. “Anyone would find it difficult to refuse helping a pregnant woman.”


    “So, Can I…” Erica hesitated, and understanding her intention, Mrs. Mina happily interjected, “Of course you can. Or should I call someone to bring it to you?”


    “No, it’s alright. You shouldn’t bother. Everyone might feel ufortable,” Erica declined. “You’re probably right,” Mrs. Mina said, maintaining a professional smile on her face.


    With Erica’s firm resolve, no one dared hinder her anymore. Erica then made her way to the self-service food counter. Since it was a buffet, she had the freedom to choose whatever she wanted to eat.


    “Isn’t this our beloved Erica Watson?” Once again, a familiar voice echoed, interrupting Erica’s private moment.