Meanwhile, Laura's mood contrasted sharply with Lilah's.

Reclining on her couch, she scrolled through online comments, a smug smile on her face. The public seemed to be on her side. However, her satisfaction turned to confusion when she couldn't find any further reports related to her and Gerard.

Despite her extensive search using various keywords, the news was nowhere to be found.

Having invested heavily in the story, Laura reached out to the editor, only to receive a disheartening reply. “Sorry, Miss, but we've been instructed by someone influential to halt the spread of this news.

There's nothing we can do."

"Someone influential?" Laura immediately thought of Gerard. He was the only one in Eleywood with that Level of clout.

Frustrated, she clenched her phone tightly, her knuckles whitening with the force.

After regaining her composure, Laura texted Marlene, "Are you coming to the banquet tonight? Let's go together."

Marlene's prompt response was affirmative. “Sure. No problem. I'll be there."

As evening fell, Eleywood's grandest hotel was a hive of activity.

Luxury cars lined the entrance, and the banquet hall on the second floor buzzed with the elite of the real estate world.

Dressed elegantly, guests arrived with their partners, engaging in animated conversations.

Lilah, after wrapping up her day's work, mingled among the industry's moguls. She listened attentively to their discussions, gauging the merits and drawbacks of various land plots.

The atmosphere was ripe with business strategy and networking, and Lilah was determined to make the most of it.

The plots number three and eight were the center of attention at the banquet, overshadowing the less desirable suburban lands. Lilah, observing the focus of the discussions, wondered if this was a deliberate strategy to misdirect competitors.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. “Oops! Isn't that my cousin, Lilah?"

Lilah turned to find Marlene, standing alongside Laura.

Laura attracted greetings from many attendees, responding with her characteristic polite smile.

“Miss Rhodes, is your family planning to bid as well?" one guest inquired, clearly concerned about the potential competition from the Rhodes family.

Laura, understanding the underlying worry, reassured them, "No, my family has no plans to participate in the bidding.”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd.

Marlene, eyeing Lilah with a hint of disdain, said, “I need to talk to you."

Lilah followed Marlene to a quieter spot, where Marlene proposed, “Why don't you join us in developing plot number three?"

“Why would I do that?" Lilah asked, intrigued.