When Lilah didn't react, Karol smirked and pulled her friend closer, her voice dripping with mock concern. "Oh, don't worry. Lilah wasn't invited. She's not connected to my family in any way. Her name wasn't on the list my dad gave me. I assume she tagged along with Gerard. But it's fine. We've got plenty of food and empty seats for uninvited guests."

The crowd erupted in harsh and cruel laughter.

Rumors about Gerard's girlfriend had spread like wildfire. The news that Gerard, an influential figure, was dating a girl from an ordinary background had shocked many.

The whispers were cruel, laced with prejudice. Most people Looked down on Lilah, assuming her lack of wealth equated to a lack of worth, To them, she would never be good enough for Gerard. Karol's biting comments provided the perfect excuse to ridicule Lilah.

Lilah remained silent, her gaze fixed on Absolon approaching from across the room.

Her composure, however, was misinterpreted as acceptance, further emboldening her detractors.

“Karol, Gerard is still young. It's normal for him to date impulsively, but there's no way he'd marry a girl with no status who can't help him!"

“Yeah, I heard he's been working with the Morris family a lot lately. Maybe he's trying to impress Karol?"

Karol's smile grew wider with each comment.

She had heard about the project too. Gerard had previously avoided the Morris family because of her, but mow he seemed eager to cooperate.

Feigning innocence, Karol replied, "I don't know. Gerard isn't usually impulsive. He must think this project will benefit his company. Right?"

“That's not true. He's doing it to win over the daughter of the Morris family!"

"Exactly!" the crowd agreed.

Just then, Absolon joined them, his voice booming over the chatter.

"The collaboration between Gerard and the Morris Group is indeed a step toward marrying my daughter. I'm looking forward to it!"

The room fell silent in shock. Lilah watched with a knowing smile.

Karol's friends, recovering quickly, began to congratulate her.

"Congratulations, Karol. See? I told you Mr. Harris wouldn't marry."

"Stop it, Dad. They're just speculating," Karol interrupted, trying to maintain her composure despite her elation. "Why aren't you backstage preparing?"

Absolon, ignoring her question, clapped his hands. "It's time to start! We have two important announcements tonight."

A spotlight illuminated him, and Lilah almost choked on her champagne.

She expected Absolon, but not his dramatic entrance.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Absolon began with his booming voice. "I've invited you here to share two important announcements. First and foremost, I'm excited to share that I have a biological daughter, and I'm incredibly fortunate to have her back in my life after being separated for so long.”

Karol didn't expect everything to commence so quickly. She immediately started to clap, but her hands froze mid-air as Absolon led Lilah to the center of the room.