Hayden Crawford brought Seraphina Linden to the annual party. Seraphina curiously looked around and then said, "You go ahead and get busy. I’ll play around for a bit and leave soon." "No, Auntie, I’d better stay with you," Hayden smiled. "No need, with you here, you’ve already attracted everyone’s attention. Serena’s issue hasn’t been resolved yet, it’s best to stay low-key. You should go," Seraphina waved her hand. Indeed, Hayden bringing Seraphina into the party immediately attracted many gazes. Since Melody Ashworth and Consort Willow hadn’t been settled yet, it was important to stay low-key. Hayden felt he should leave but stood still without moving. "Huh?" Seraphina looked at Hayden in confusion, "Why aren’t you leaving?" "Heh," Hayden chuckled, "Auntie, if I leave, you won’t cause any... earth-shattering incidents, right?" Hayden knew his mother-in-law a little too well; she wanted to be low-key, but her charisma wouldn’t permit it. She’s someone who naturally stands out. Along the way, every action she took was monumental and dazzling. Hayden was somewhat afraid of his mother-in-law. Seraphina was indifferent; she had been quite low-key since arriving at The State of Westria. "Don’t worry, I’ll just take a look around and leave soon, trust me!" Seraphina patted her chest, promising repeatedly. Finally, Hayden turned around and left. Seraphina wandered to the food area with various delicious desserts and red wine. She took a glass of wine, sipping quietly. Content originally comes from nοvelfire.net Julian Rathborne also came to the annual party, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Financial magnates and company executives gathered around him, watching him zealously. "Oh my God, Mr. Rathborne, long time no see. I didn’t expect you to attend The Crawford Group’s annual party. Pleasure, pleasure." "What have you been up to lately, Mr. Rathborne? We haven’t seen you in ages." "Do you have time tomorrow, Mr. Rathborne? I’d like to take you out for a meal." Those executives were eagerly trying to arrange a meal with Julian. He took off his black overcoat, standing in a black suit amidst the dazzling lights, being held in high regard like an emperor. Julian Rathborne, known as the son of Aethelgard and the world’s wealthiest man, a creator of business legends. Over the years, he quietly faded from sight, yet The Rathborne Group’s influence remained global and omnipresent, a legendary figure. Confronted by them, Julian’s handsome face showed no emotion. His single hand was in his pocket, his Phoenix eyes locked on Seraphina Linden not far away. She was sneakily sipping wine; the wine was a bit pungent, causing her to stick out her tongue—a somewhat adorable sight. Julian found it amusing—a silly woman! By then, Seraphina had already caught the attention of several around, including those executives. "Look, there’s a stunning beauty over there!" "She looks unfamiliar; I’ve never seen her before. If I had, I would surely remember." "How old is she, 28?" "I don’t think she’s older than 28." "She looks naive and lively; she should be easy to approach. Why don’t I try chatting her up?" "That’s unfair; I noticed her first, I should go!" Julian saw these executives nearly arguing over Seraphina and snorted displeasingly, what 28 years old? Their daughter Serena is already 23! Yet Julian had to admit Seraphina’s youthful appearance, going out with Serena would likely seem more as Serena’s sister. Despite this, she couldn’t change her age—an older woman, attracting numerous men with such flamboyance, put Julian in a bad mood. At that moment, one executive couldn’t hold back and wanted to approach Seraphina. However, the next second, he felt a chilling aura—as if an unfriendly look fell upon him. The executive looked up to find Julian Rathborne silently staring at him, a glance so light yet intimidating. This son of Aethelgard had an innate elegance and nobility, yet his formidable power was undeniable—a man of lethal danger. The executive stiffened, glancing at Seraphina, then at Julian Rathborne, seemingly comprehending something at last, tentatively asking, "Mr. Rathborne, do you—do you know that stunning lady?" Julian gracefully sipped the wine in his hand and then casually replied, "I do." As those two words settled, the executives inhaled sharply. Julian Rathborne’s simple words declared his ownership, that woman was his, off-limits to anyone. Who exactly was that woman? Seraphina Linden thought the wine wasn’t tasty and decided to try something else when two women approached her. One woman was Kate Lee, who had recently had a matchmaking event with Julian Rathborne, and her friend Meggie Sawyer, whose face was full of anger and hostility as she looked at Seraphina, "Kiki, is she the one you mentioned, the mistress who ruined your matchmaking with Mr. Rathborne?" Kate Lee, although a lady of noble background, wasn’t as brash as Meggie. Not wanting to cause a scene at the annual party, she tugged Meggie’s sleeve slightly, whispering, "Rory, let it go, let’s not cause a fuss here." Meggie looked at Kate in exasperation, "Kiki, what are you saying? You’ve liked Julian Rathborne for over a decade; since you became an adult, no other man caught your eye. Now, after patiently waiting all these years and finally, when Old Mrs. Rathborne chose you for a match with Mr. Rathborne, this vixen suddenly came and ruined it. Don’t you want to confront her?" "I..." Kate was touched on a sore subject, her eyes quickly reddening. She had waited for Julian Rathborne for so long, on the brink of success, yet Seraphina’s appearance made it all for naught. Earlier, at the party, Kate saw Seraphina and immediately recognized her, sharing it with Meggie. Meggie wanted to confront Seraphina angrily. Seraphina understood that these two women were hostile. She curved her lips, her spirited eyes meeting theirs, "Excuse me, ladies, I’m afraid I’ll have to interrupt your heartfelt sisterly drama."