?


    "Okay," Nathaniel answered.


    As they embraced, their thoughts were worlds apart.


    Nathaniel was preupied with Reba''s health, while Reba was focused on seizing the rare opportunity to get close to Damon if he attended the party the following night. It might be her only chance to make something happen with him.


    The next evening, when N arrived at Vrie''s house, the driveway was already lined with luxury cars.


    After confirming N''s identity, a maid escorted her into the hall.


    Upon entering, N immediately noticed the many eyes fixed on her, apanied by a murmuring buzz.


    "Isn''t that N? I thought after her divorce from rk, she''dpletely fade from this circle."


    "Why would she have the nerve to attend Vrie''s birthday party? Is she hoping to catch a wealthy suitor here?"


    "Hah, everyone knows about her past with the Sumners. Who would take her seriously? Maybe for a fling, but not as a serious prospect her looks are her only asset."


    Vrie overheard the murmurs, and her expression darkened immediately.


    She dered, "N is my friend and a guest at tonight''s party. She is no different from anyone else here. If anyone has a problem with my friend, you are wee to leave. Tonight is my birthday party, not a stage for anyone else."


    As Vrie''s voice echoed, the hall fell silent. Many guests shot disgruntled nces at Vrie, having just been discussing N.


    Phoebe, standing nearby, whispered,


    "Vrie, everyone here is an elite in


    Saintornia Offending them could


    jeopardize your father''s business. They''re merely gossiping, and N isn''t worth losing an opportunity over."


    Vrie ignored her mother and approached N with a warm smile. "N, thank you foring to my birthday party."


    N appreciated Vrie''s defense but knew it might stir up even more discontent.


    She whispered back, "Vrie, go mingle with the other guests. Don''t let me affect your party."


    Vrie took N''s hand and said with casual reassurance, "Don''t worry. It won''t affect anything. Those who look down on you aren''t worth keeping in touch with. By the way, I have a surprise for you tonight."


    "What surprise?" N inquired.


    "You''ll find out if youe with me," Vrie replied, leading N toward a secluded corner of the hall and deliberately ignoring the other guests and their disapproving nces.


    Phoebe''s smile was nearly frozen, but she managed to suppress any sign of distress. She forced another smile and continued greeting the other guests, gradually restoring the lively atmosphere of the party.


    Vrie guided N to Oliver Raynor, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "N, this is Oliver Raynor, a senior of mine from university. He''s still single Oliver, meet N Jayston, my best friend whom I''ve told you so much about."


    N nced at Oliver, who was dressed in a white suit and appeared both gentle and pleasant.


    She thought she noticed Oliver''s face redden slightly during the introduction, though she wasn''t entirely sure.


    As Damon entered the hall, his gaze


    instinctivelynded on N in the corner. Seeing her standing with a man in a white suit caused him to pause momentarily. His brows furrowed when he noticed the man''s admiring and affectionate look toward her.