The next morning, River City's elite gathered at the Sean family's newly acquired manor. Even wealthy families from Chuzzle Province made appearances at this prestigious event. Though scheduled for nine, eager guests arrived early, filling the grounds well before the appointed hour.
I was at home when my phone rang. It was Mabel Sean.
"Mason Raymond, hurry up and come down, I'm waiting for you at the entrance of the community," she said abruptly, hanging up before I could respond.
I quickly tidied myself up and headed to the community entrance. There stood Mabel in an elegant long dress beside her car. Her striking presence momentarily captivated me.
"Have you had enough?" Mabel rolled her eyes, catching me staring.
I coughed awkwardly. "Miss Mabel, why are you here?"
She smiled. "Get in the car, I'll take you to buy some clothes."
"Ah? Buying clothes?" I asked, confused by her sudden appearance and offer.
"The clothes you're wearing are not suitable for formal occasions," Mabel explained with a smile.
I wanted to decline, but Mabel's commanding presence left me no choice. Soon we were driving toward a shopping mall in River City.
Inside the mall, Mabel took charge immediately. "Hmm...This outfit is not bad; you should try it on," she said, carefully selecting items from the racks. "This one also seems good, go try it on... Eh? That one looks quite suitable for you too."
Eventually, I emerged from the fitting room wearing a black suit. Standing before the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The transformation was remarkable.
"You look quite handsome!" Mabel teased.
I scratched my head sheepishly.
"Pack up all these clothes," Mabel instructed the salesperson, handing over her bank card.
"No need, I can't wear that many..." I protested quickly.
Mabel dismissed my concerns with an eye roll. "It doesn't cost much, just pack it up."
I glimpsed the bill and nearly choked. Nearly one hundred and sixty thousand dollars! "The world of the rich is truly incomprehensible," I muttered with a bitter smile.
We returned to the manor, now dressed appropriately in my new suit. The place was filling with guests, all carrying themselves with the unmistakable air of wealth and power.
Back at the manor, Mabel's demeanor transformed. Her warm companionship vanished, replaced by an icy, commanding presence.
I felt nervous, never having attended such a high-society gathering before.
"Relax," Mabel smiled reassuringly. "Remember, they are here to seek us. Treat yourself as the host," she added with a wink.
Her words caught me off guard. Us? The implication sent an unexpected thrill through me.
Just then, I spotted Lyla Lucas and Harvey Brown entering hand-in-hand, looking intimately comfortable with each other. They noticed me simultaneously.
Harvey immediately kissed Lyla's face before striding toward me. My fists clenched involuntarily, face turning cold with rage. The urge to confront this despicable pair boiled within me.
Suddenly, I felt delicate fingers intertwining with mine. Looking down, I saw Mabel's hand gently holding mine.
"Still upset?" Mabel asked, blinking innocently at me.
Gratitude welled up inside me. "Miss Mabel, thank...thank you," I stammered nervously.
Harvey and Lyla approached us. Lyla's eyes darted to Mabel, unmistakable jealousy flashing across her face. Mabel's ethereal beauty clearly made Lyla pale in comparison.
Harvey looked equally annoyed, clearly wondering how someone like me had attracted such a stunning woman.
"Mason Raymond, is this kind of occasion for you?" Lyla sneered.
"If you can make it, why can't I?" I replied coldly.
Lyla's smugness intensified. "I was invited by the Sean family!" She deliberately glanced at Mabel, flaunting her supposed connection.
Mabel's face showed only amusement at Lyla's display.
"Miss, I didn't expect you to come too; it seems your family has some strength," Harvey addressed Mabel with practiced politeness.
"It's just average," Mabel responded indifferently.
Harvey chuckled. "Our Brown family also received an invitation from the Sean family, so why don't we become friends? Maybe we can cooperate in business later."
Mabel looked Harvey up and down dismissively. "Become friends? Are you even worthy?"
Harvey's expression soured instantly.
"Miss, what you're saying is a bit excessive," he said, visibly displeased. "I know most of the important people in River City, but I've never seen you before. My Brown family has some say in River City, and being friends with me, you won't be at a loss."
"The Brown family is nothing in my eyes," Mabel replied with a sneer.
Harvey's face turned completely cold.
Mabel turned to me. "You wait here for a while. I have some things to deal with."
I nodded quickly. "Alright, go ahead."
After Mabel left, Lyla snorted loudly. "What's the big deal? Isn't she just a slut!"
Harvey looked at me with contempt. "Tell that stinking woman not to fall into my hands! Otherwise, I won't let her go!"
I sneered back at him. "Harvey Brown, you'd better apologize to her, or you'll end up very miserable."