Claire Xu held tightly onto Lauren Shaw’s hand, completely ignoring the others, and followed Yancy Shaw inside.

Seeing her like this, George Xu’s face instantly darkened.

May Lee seized the opportunity to fan the flames. 'Qingqing still resents me. It’s all my fault that things became so tense between you two.'

George Xu snapped, 'She just has that temper. Don’t bother with her.'

Today was Old Master He's birthday banquet. As guests of the He family, it wasn’t the place to air family grievances and become a laughingstock.

Henry Mills, busy greeting guests, spotted Yancy Shaw and hurried over.

'You finally made it.' He was wearing a formal black suit today, looking sharp and full of energy.

Claire Xu’s makeup tonight was meticulously designed by Lauren Shaw, and even her gown had been chosen to suit the elders’ tastes.

Henry Mills gazed at her, entranced, unwilling to look away for even a moment.

He’s mother walked over with a warm smile. 'Claire Xu, you’re here! Come in, come on, have a seat.'

Her enthusiastic welcome finally put Claire Xu at ease.

Lauren Shaw gave Claire Xu's shoulder an encouraging pat. 'You got this.'

After Claire Xu followed He’s mother inside, Lauren Shaw looped her arm through Yancy Shaw’s. 'There are a lot of guests tonight,' she observed, glancing around at many familiar faces.

The Zhu family was here as well. Shang Min, ever the lady of the house, chatted among an elegant circle of socialites.

Even Zhu Yurou had come. It had been a while since Lauren Shaw had seen her; she seemed… different now, lacking some old, intangible sharpness.

Someone nearby struck up a conversation with Yancy Shaw. With Bryce Shaw unable to make it tonight, others who recognized Yancheng came by to greet him instead.

Lauren Shaw had grown used to these events. She socialized with effortless grace, moving from smiles to laughter with practiced ease.

Zhu Yurou caught sight of her, picked up her wine glass, and walked over, a smile with an unreadable edge playing on her face.

'Miss Li, it’s been too long.'

'It has indeed.' Lauren Shaw replied coolly, raising her glass for a gentle clink with Zhu Yurou’s before taking a composed sip, every move elegant and refined.

Zhu Yurou smiled. 'I heard your new product’s flying off the shelves. Congratulations.'

'How did you hear that?' Lauren Shaw asked absently.

'Oh, I keep up. Even though Feican and Shengmei aren’t working together anymore, doesn’t mean I’m out of the loop.'

Lauren Shaw said nothing, just lifted her eyes and looked toward Yancy Shaw. He, almost as if sensing her gaze, turned and met her eyes from across the room. The two exchanged a knowing little smile.

Zhu Yurou let out a small laugh, dripping with irony. 'You and Third Young Master Shen really are close. Looks like you’re pretty lucky, finding such a good man.'

The implication in her words was obvious – and not lost on Lauren Shaw.

'You’re not the first to say that, and I’m sure you won’t be the last.' Honestly, Lauren Shaw thought, Zhu Yurou had a point. She truly was lucky to have met someone like Yancy Shaw, who cherished her beyond compare.

Zhu Yurou’s smile twisted with a hint of mockery – whether directed at Lauren Shaw, or at herself, it was impossible to tell.

Lauren Shaw paid it no mind.

'Shengsheng.'

A familiar voice called her name, and she turned to see Ian Lawrence – someone she hadn’t seen in ages.

'Been so long. Miss me?' Ian Lawrence teased.

Lauren Shaw chuckled, 'When did you get back?'

'Yesterday. Sigh, I just knew it… you’d never miss me.'

'And yet you still ask?'

Ian Lawrence clutched his chest in feigned heartbreak. 'Can’t you just say something nice for once?'

Lauren Shaw only smiled, so Ian Lawrence dropped the banter.

Meanwhile, He’s mother led Claire Xu into a sitting room full of He family aunts and elder cousins, all of them glancing at her curiously. She’d expected Old Master He to be annoyed, but to her surprise, he greeted Claire Xu warmly, immediately making friendly conversation.

Out in the main hall, Henry Mills spotted George Xu’s family and raised his brows, heading their way.

Hannah Xu noticed him and nudged May Lee. 'Mom, isn’t that the man who gave Claire Xu a ride home last time?'

May Lee followed her gaze and—sure enough, it was him. How could he be here?

Thinking of Claire Xu’s unusual connection with him and now seeing him at this birthday banquet, May Lee’s lips curled with satisfaction. That wretched girl must think getting in with the He family lifts her above everyone else—but tonight, May Lee intended to reveal her true colors for all to see.

Just then, Henry Mills reached them.

'President Xu, Madam Xu,' he greeted them politely.

George Xu nodded and smiled in return. While surprised to see Henry Mills here, he didn’t question it, soon being tugged away by another guest, leaving only May Lee and Hannah Xu standing in place.

Little did they know: tonight’s invitation for their family was at Henry Mills’s request.

The moment George Xu walked off, May Lee’s demeanor switched. She looked at Henry Mills with disdain. 'What are you doing here?'

'And why wouldn’t I be here?' Henry Mills gave a small smirk, the kind that was hard to read.

May Lee started guessing his background. Was he the son of another wealthy family? She’d never seen him before—and that troubled her.

Hannah Xu sidled closer to May Lee and whispered, 'Mom, do you think he could be related to the He family? I saw him greeting guests earlier.'

Inside, Claire Xu sat before Old Master He, surrounded by Henry Mills’s aunts and cousins, all curious about her. He’s mother worried Claire Xu might feel out of place, so she stepped out to look for Henry Mills.

Just then, she spotted Henry Mills speaking with May Lee. Her previous encounter with May Lee had left a less-than-favorable impression. Seeing her standing next to Henry Mills made He’s mother’s face darken instantly.

'Henry Mills,' she called out.

May Lee beamed at her, 'Madam He.'

He’s mother gave her a polite, reserved smile and turned to her son: 'Claire Xu’s with your grandfather now. I’m worried she might be uncomfortable. Go in and keep her company.'

'Sure.' Henry Mills cast one last glance at the stunned May Lee. 'Excuse me.'

May Lee had never imagined that this young man she’d once looked down on was actually a He family heir.

'Madam He, he… he’s Young Master He?' she asked, unbelieving, needing confirmation.

He’s mother barely spared her a glance, 'Of course.'

May Lee’s face was unreadable, shock and embarrassment warring across her features.

As He’s mother turned to leave, a question seemed to occur to her and she looked back at May Lee. 'Didn’t President Xu come tonight?'

She didn’t actually know George Xu, but since he was Claire Xu’s father and their two kids were old enough, it seemed the right time, with everyone here, to sit down and finalize the wedding.

May Lee kept a stiff smile. 'He… he did. Is there something you need, Madam He?'

'I want to discuss Claire Xu and Henry Mills’s marriage. They’re both getting older—shouldn’t you as elders be taking more of an interest?'

With one look, it was clear to He’s mother that May Lee was the classic wicked stepmother. The woman might have a glowing reputation as a stepmom, but in their last conversation, every word out of May Lee’s mouth had painted Claire Xu in a bad light—flat-out lies. If He’s mother hadn’t met Claire Xu herself, she might actually have believed her.