Azura pushed past Saira, holding her head high as she walked forward.
As she opened the door, she was immediately captivated by the beautiful figure standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.
Sensing someone behind her, Zuri turned around, her gaze settling on Azura. She was momentarily taken aback, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes.
"Azura?" Though it was phrased as a question, her tone was certain.
Zuri carefully examined the girl before her. Stripped of all the gaudy accessories and heavy makeup, Azura revealed herself to be an adorable, baby-faced girl, exuding a cuteness that was previously masked by her rebellious exterior. The transformation from a punkish delinquent to a sweet, innocent girl was staggering.
"Do I look bad?" Azura asked shyly, lowering her head, feeling uncomfortable under Zuri's intense gaze.
Zuri walked up to her, gently brushing her cheek with her fingers. "You look beautiful like this."
Azura had changed herself because of one remark from Zuri. This was something Zuri hadn't anticipated. For a moment, her cold, guarded heart felt a crack.
Azura suddenly remembered something and said seriously, "When we go downstairs later, no matter what you hear, just ignore it."
"Okay."
In truth, Zuri was already aware of the commotion downstairs. This birthday party was less about celebrating her birthday and more about a showdown between the Lin and Hu families. For her, it was merely a game.
The number of attendees didn't matter to her. What mattered was the outcome, as long as it aligned with her expectations.
Meanwhile, at the YS Corporation's Oceanic City branch, in the large conference room, a man seated at the head of the table was intently focused on the PPT presentation in front of him.
"Redo it," his deep voice commanded, betraying no emotion, but the room fell silent in response.
Leo glanced at his constantly vibrating phone. His long fingers picked it up, quickly scanning the messages, all from the same person.
Azura: [Your little wife is being bullied. If you don't come, don't bother coming back.]
Azura: [I don't care. You have to come and support Zuri.]
Azura: [Please, come quickly.]
Azura: [If you don't respond, I'll never talk to you again.]
Azura: [Are you there? Are you?]
Putting his phone down, Leo addressed the room, "This meeting is over. Redo all the reports and have them on my desk by tomorrow."
With that, he stood up and left. The moment he exited, everyone in the room exhaled in relief.
Leo took the exclusive elevator to the underground parking lot, opened the car door, and saw a beautifully wrapped gift box on the back seat. The car roared to life, swiftly leaving the parking lot.
At the Hu residence, Sergio was mingling effortlessly, smiling and chatting with the guests. Having the representatives of the four major families at his event made him feel particularly proud.
Seizing a quiet moment, Sergio gave a low command, "Send the news out."
Secretary Zhang stepped away, went to a corner, and sent a pre-prepared message to the waiting journalists. As soon as they received the information, they published the prewritten article online.
Soon, the internet in Oceanic City was abuzz with news about Miss Lin's birthday party. The headlines accused her of being uncultured and low-class, with no one willing to attend her party.
In Shanghai, Owen was browsing his phone when his assistant exclaimed, "Owen, it looks like Miss Lin is in trouble."
Owen reached for the phone his assistant handed over, quickly skimming through the content with a frown. He pulled out his own phone and called the head of the Oceanic City branch.
"Mr. Li, I can't believe you're calling me," Carlos said, both surprised and flattered.
"Uncle Li, I need you to deliver a birthday gift to a friend of mine, in the Feng family's name," Owen said firmly.
Carlos was curious, "Where to?"
"To the Lin residence, for Miss Lin's birthday. Someone will bring the gift to you soon. The party is about to start, so you need to hurry."
"Of course, absolutely," Carlos responded, still surprised. He hadn't realized Owen knew Miss Lin, much less that they were close.
Carlos took out two invitations from his drawer—one from the Hu family and one from the Lin family. He had planned not to attend either, but now he had no choice.
He took the Hu family's invitation and threw it into the trash can. "Prepare the car," he instructed, pressing the intercom button.
At the Lin family's party, everyone's attention had already drifted. Smiles masked their worries about being at the wrong place, and many were contemplating leaving early to curry favor with the Hu family.
A chubby middle-aged businessman approached Aaron with a glass of wine. "Congratulations on reuniting with your daughter."
"Thank you," Aaron replied with a smile.
"I just received a call from my secretary. There's an urgent issue at the company that requires my immediate attention. I must apologize and visit again soon."
The businessman's sincere expression couldn't have been more genuine.
Aaron maintained his smile, "Business comes first. My daughter's birthday isn't that important."
As soon as the businessman left, Aaron's smile vanished. Quickly, another businessman approached with a similar excuse, wanting to leave early.
Aaron couldn't show his anger, so he smiled and nodded understandingly. Nearby, his secretary discreetly wiped away sweat. Chairman Lin was a man who valued face above all, and today, his face had been severely bruised.
Just then, a black and gold Rolls-Royce Phantom, exuding an air of wealth, pulled up at the villa's entrance. The businessmen who were about to leave stopped in their tracks.
The sight of the car made them wonder aloud, "Could he be here for the birthday party?" The chubby businessman's voice was full of uncertainty and shock.
The doorman, recognizing the car's significance, quickly sent someone to notify the host.
Aaron was conversing with several executives who were hinting at leaving due to business issues, making it hard for Aaron to keep his composure.
"Chairman Lin, Mr. Leo has arrived," Secretary Li announced loudly, standing tall.
Aaron was stunned, as were the executives around him.
"Who arrived?"
"Mr. Leo, Mr. Ye has arrived," Secretary Li repeated.
Aaron's face lit up with joy, sweeping away his earlier gloom. Compared to the Ye family in Beijing, the four major families of Oceanic City were insignificant. Leo's presence alone outshone everyone else.
Aaron laughed heartily. "Come on, let's go greet Mr. Leo."
The executives who had been on the verge of leaving felt a surge of relief, thankful they hadn't yet voiced their intentions to depart. Around them, guests murmured in disbelief.
"Leo is here?"
"I didn't hear wrong, did I?"
"I think Leo rarely attends such events, let alone a small birthday party," someone speculated.
"Maybe the butler made a mistake," another guest suggested.
"We'll find out soon enough."
All conversation ceased as every guest turned their gaze toward the entrance of the hall.
Aaron hurried to the door. Upon seeing Leo, his smile grew even brighter. He quickly approached. "Mr. Leo, it's an honor to have you at our humble home."
"Mr. Lin, you're too kind. I heard it's Miss Lin's birthday today, and I came to join the celebration. I hope I'm not intruding," Leo responded courteously.
"Not at all, it's an honor for our Lin family. Please, come inside."
Aaron knew very well that he didn't have the clout to attract Leo to the party. When the patriarch of the Lin family turned seventy, they had invited Leo, but he had only sent a subordinate in his place. Yet, here Leo was, for a young girl's birthday. The implications were clear.
Aaron's mind was already calculating. If Zuri could be with Leo, it would elevate the Lin family significantly.
Aaron's affection for Zuri grew stronger.
Azura was overjoyed to hear that her uncle had arrived. Her uncle was here! Now, no one would dare say anything bad about Zuri.
In the banquet hall, Saira was chatting with her friends when she received the news. Her smile almost faltered.
Damn it, why was Leo here? He was Azura's uncle, surely Azura had called him to support that bitch Zuri.
At the Hu residence, the atmosphere was lively with laughter and chatter. The butler hurriedly approached Sergio and whispered, "Leo has gone to the Lin family."
Sergio was shocked, his expression changing slightly. "Got it."
He waved the butler away. This kind of news couldn't be kept under wraps, especially since Aaron would make sure everyone knew.
Soon, the guests at the Hu family banquet heard the news.
"Did you hear? Leo went to the Lin family."
"Leo? You mean Ye Sishao from Beijing?"
"Who else could it be?"
"It's unbelievable that Ye Sishao would attend the Lin daughter's birthday party. Could the Lin family be spreading false news?" someone questioned.
"The second branch of the Lin family already posted photos on social media."
"Ye Sishao didn't even attend the Hu family patriarch's grand birthday, but he's attending a small birthday party for the Lin family's second daughter. Does the Lin family have some connection with the Ye family?"
"I haven't heard of any collaboration."
"Clearly, Ye Sishao favors the Lin family over the Hu family."
"Ye Sishao is a business genius with a sharp eye," someone commented meaningfully.
Regretful expressions appeared on many faces. The Hu family guests became restless, especially the CEOs hoping to collaborate with the Ye family but unable to find a way in.
Sergio, sensing trouble, immediately instructed the butler to proceed to the next phase: cutting the cake and making wishes. This way, guests would feel uncomfortable leaving.
Sergio's daughter, dressed like a princess, descended the stairs in a white gown, her makeup immaculate, exuding an ethereal aura. Applause echoed through the hall, though many were distracted, their thoughts elsewhere.
Madam Hu smiled brightly, though inwardly, she fumed at the young interloper.
Meanwhile, Carlos arrived at the Lin residence with the gift from Owen. The bored doormen, having assumed all guests had arrived, were surprised to see another car pull up.
"Sir, please show your invitation," one doorman asked politely.
Carlos handed over his invitation. Although it was his, he was representing the Feng family, a significant distinction.
"Please inform Mr. Lin that I'm here on behalf of the Feng family from Beijing to celebrate Miss Lin's birthday."
"Certainly, please wait a moment."
The doorman, recognizing the significance of "Beijing," hurried to inform the butler. The butler, shocked, quickly found Aaron amidst the guests.
"Chairman Lin, the Feng family from Beijing has sent someone to congratulate Miss Lin," the butler announced loudly.
The guests were stunned, almost thinking they misheard.
"Who did you say?"
"The Feng family from Beijing."
Everyone drew in a sharp breath. The Feng family was a prestigious clan, on par with the Ye family. More importantly, the three sons of the Feng family's main branch were legendary figures, role models among the wealthy and influential circles of Beijing.
Aaron, regaining his composure, told his guests, "Please excuse me while I greet our guest."
As he left, the guests erupted in chatter. Soon, Aaron returned with Carlos, who immediately spotted Leo amid the crowd and approached him.
"Mr. Ye, long time no see," Carlos greeted with a smile.
"Mr. Li, how have you been?"
"Very well, thank you."
"Are you here representing the Feng family?" Leo asked calmly, curious about the Lin family's connection with the Feng family.
Carlos smiled, "Indeed."
Hearing Carlos confirm this, the guests realized he was truly representing the Feng family. Though the Feng family members themselves weren't present, Carlos, as a manager of a Feng subsidiary, could represent them. Carlos wouldn't dare claim to represent the Feng family without their authorization.
At the Hu family banquet, a guest's phone beeped. After reading the message, they gasped softly.
"The Feng family from Beijing is at the Lin family's celebration."
"What?" everyone around them exclaimed in shock.
"Why would the Feng family go to the Lin family?"
The guests became increasingly agitated. Many regretted not attending the Lin family party. Hearing that Leo had gone was bad enough, but now the Feng family too?
"If only I'd gone to the Lin family party."
"Attending an insignificant woman's birthday party, we missed a golden opportunity."
Some guests quietly excused themselves from the Hu family gathering, hurrying to the Lin residence.
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