Elise’s face contorted in fury, her pride deeply wounded by Hannah’s stinging insult. She took a step closer, pointing a perfectly manicured finger at Hannah. “You’ve got some nerve, bitch!” She spat. “You think you’re so much better than me?" "Let’s be honest—without her patronage," Elise sneered, pointing at Ava. "...you wouldn’t even get a whiff of the aristocratic circles you’re so desperate to join. You’re nothing more than a sycophant, clinging to your friend because you know you can’t make it on your own.” Hannah’s jaw tightened, and her face reddened with anger. Elise, emboldened, pressed on. “And don’t even get me started on your boyfriend,” Elise added, her voice dripping with disdain as she gestured toward Mark. “He’s a spineless opportunist! If it meant gaining favor with someone like my boyfriend, Jackson, he’d throw you to the wolves without a second thought. You call me trash? At least I know my worth. What about you?” The words struck

Jackson stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing as he recalled his uncle’s warning: “Anyone who exposes this young man's identity in public under any circumstances could create complications they aren’t prepared to handle.”The realization left Jackson with little choice but to defuse the situation in the most casual way possible. With a forced chuckle, he straightened his jacket and said, “This was all just a misunderstanding. A little joke, really. Let’s not make a big deal out of it.”His words confused the room, but Jackson didn’t linger to explain. He quickly turned to his bewildered girlfriend, Elise, and gestured for her to follow him. “Let’s go,” he said curtly, walking briskly toward the exit.The tension in the room eased as soon as the door closed behind Jackson. Everyone assumed the sudden change in Jackson’s demeanor was due to Jerry’s intervention. After all, Jerry had stepped in just a few minutes ago, and Jackson’s response appeared to be an act of deference.J

In the privacy of the upscale lounge, Zane was in high spirits. She had just completed a therapeutic treatment and a thorough check-up by Dave.Zane leaned against the back of the chaise lounge and grinned mischievously at Dave. “You know, Mr Collins, if you were my boyfriend, I wouldn’t have to worry about a single thing in life. Everything would just… fall into place.”Dave chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re joking again, Zane.” His tone was light but firm. “Besides, my wife is here at the banquet. She’s in the main hall.”Zane smirked, playfully shrugging. “Lucky woman. I bet she doesn’t even realize how much of a gem she has.” She paused, then waved her hand dismissively.“Alright, alright. I’ll stop teasing. I know not to cross the line.”The atmosphere was relaxed and amicable as Dave finished his work. The treatment had gone flawlessly, leaving Zane energized and ready to enjoy the rest of the evening without worrying about her health. She couldn’t help but fee

After sending the text, Jerry leaned back confidently in his chair with a smug grin spreading across his face.“Ava,” he said, his tone dripping with self-assurance. “I may not have the clout to handle this alone, but don’t worry. My father’s influence is unparalleled. Your name will definitely be on the list. Just wait and see.”Ava nodded, a mix of hope and nervousness flashing across her face. Hannah, seated beside her, chimed in supportively.“That’s right, Ava. Jerry’s father is known for pulling strings. You’re in good hands.”Soon after, the Master of Ceremonies returned to the stage to announce the names of the three chosen candidates for the Kevton Chamber of Commerce. A hush fell over the crowd as the MC’s voice boomed through the hall.“Our second candidate tonight is... Ava Dexter, representing The Dexter Group!”The room erupted into polite applause as Ava gasped, her face lighting up with unrestrained joy. She turned to Jerry, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.“Jerry

The banquet hall grew silent as Carl stepped forward with a puzzled expression. He glanced toward Ava, who was standing confidently on stage, having just delivered her speech thanking Jerry for her success. Carl leaned into the microphone. "Excuse me, Ms. Dexter," he began, his voice polite but firm. "It seems there’s been a misunderstanding."Ava froze, her smile faltering as she looked at Carl. The audience murmured softly, intrigued by the sudden shift in tone. "I’d like to clarify something," Carl continued."Neither your invitation to this dinner nor your candidacy for the Kevton Chamber of Commerce was secured by Mr. Jerry here."The room erupted in hushed whispers as Carl's words hung in the air. Jerry’s face turned a deep shade of red, and he instinctively adjusted his tie, trying to maintain composure. Ava blinked in confusion, her mind racing."In fact," Carl added, his gaze shifting to Dave, "the credit belongs entirely to Mr Collins, sitting right there."---Gasps