The grand ballroom of the Song Hotel was glowing with luxury that evening. A red carpet stretched from the entrance, lined with golden lights, and the entire venue shimmered with stardust and prestige.
Rumors had been swirling that the elusive head of the Fu family would appear tonight. As a result, the daughters of elite families, socialites, and celebrities from all corners of Yecheng flocked to the hotel in designer gowns and glittering jewelry. It was a dazzling affair, the epitome of high society.
Click, click— the sound of camera shutters filled the air as reporters from major media outlets eagerly snapped away, capturing the night's highlights.
Just then, a luxury business car pulled up to the red carpet. The door opened, and out stepped Vivian Su.
She wore a black evening gown with a plunging V-neckline that highlighted her curves. The high slit in her dress revealed glimpses of her famously long legs—widely considered the most beautiful in all of Yecheng. Every step she took exuded confidence and allure, drawing gasps from onlookers.
"She's here—Vivian Su!"
"Oh wow, look at her. She's stunning! Her legs are perfection."
Vivian's crimson lips curled slightly into a smile as she soaked in the praise. Tonight was her night to shine. As a top model recently signed by Xinghuan Entertainment—Fu Corporation's own agency—she had also been selected as the jewelry spokesperson for the evening. She was basking in the spotlight.
Backstage, the Su family arrived as well—Madam Su, Su Jun, and Chen Lian.
"My goodness, Vivian, this is unreal," Madam Su gasped. "The Fu family truly lives up to its status. Look at this opulence! Compared to this, the events we've attended before were like cheap dinner parties at a local restaurant."
"My Vivian is truly impressive. You've brought such glory to our family tonight. I bet your second uncle and aunt are sitting home green with envy right now!"
It was the first time Madam Su had ever attended such an extravagant event. She clutched Vivian's hand tightly, her eyes misting with pride.
"Vivian, you're the pride of the Su family. I expect great things from you tonight. Win over the head of the Fu family and bring honor to us all. You're going to be the lady of this house one day."
Vivian's cheeks turned pink. That was exactly why she had come tonight—to meet the Fu family's heir, and hopefully secure her place at his side.
"I understand, Grandma. Let's head in."
Just as the family was about to enter, Vivian suddenly spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.
Her expression froze.
Was that... Celia?
Vivian's heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she stormed over.
"Celia? What are you doing here? Did you get lost?" Her voice was filled with disdain. "Shouldn't you be back in the countryside taking care of your sick grandmother? What are you doing at the Song Hotel?"
Celia met her gaze calmly. "Cousin, is this where the Fu family dinner is being held?"
"Yes, obviously."
"Perfect," Celia said softly. "I'm here for the Fu family dinner."
Vivian let out a sharp laugh. "You? Attend this dinner?" She narrowed her eyes. "Celia, do you even know what kind of event this is? You can't just walk in off the street. Do you have an invitation?"
She deliberately pulled out a gold-edged invitation card and waved it in front of Celia's face. "See this? This is what gets you in. Without it, you're nothing. Do you have one?"
Celia shook her head. "No. I don't."
Vivian scoffed loudly. "I knew it. A country bumpkin like you wouldn't have an invitation. What did you think, that someone would just let you in because you asked nicely? Go home, Celia. Don't ruin my moment."
Madam Su stepped in, her tone sharp and impatient. "Why are you even here? Leave! Don't you dare embarrass your cousin when she's about to become the future Mrs. Fu!"
Su Jun and Chen Lian glared at Celia as though she were an eyesore. In their minds, the second branch of the family had always been beneath them—and Celia, a poor girl from the countryside, had no place among Yecheng's elite.
"Celia, don't stand there like an idiot," Su Jun snapped. "If you're not leaving, I'll call security to have you thrown out."
Still, Celia stood quietly and didn't move.
Chen Lian didn't have the patience for it. "Security! Where's security?" she shouted.
A moment later, several uniformed guards appeared. One of them stepped forward with a frown. "Is someone causing a disturbance here?"