The pair gazed at Lilah, smugly insinuating they were granting her a privilege.

Lilah's response was placid. She passed her VIP invitation to an attendant. "Your kindness is noted, but I've got it covered."

“VIP invitation?" The attendant's eyes widened momentarily, and then with a respectful bow, he announced, “Distinguished guest, please proceed."

Adaline, clutching her standard invitation, flushed with embarrassment under the collective gaze of onlookers.

How did Lilah manage to secure a VIP pass?

Inside the lavishly decorated banquet hall, guests conversed animatedly, their glasses clinking in merry toasts.

Upon entering, Lilah made her way to the hosts of the soiree.

The Hughes family, known for their opulence, had organized the event.

Kylie Hughes had eagerly anticipated meeting L.P. Her astonishment was palpable when she saw Lilah.

“You're L.P?" Kylie inquired.

“In the flesh," Lilah affirmed, presenting her invitation.

Kylie's eyes sparkled. "It's such a privilege to meet you. I'm hoping you might consider crafting a custom jewelry set for my daughter?"

Lilah, attaching an emblematic brooch of Aurora Jewelers to her attire, responded, "I've recently affiliated with Aurora Jewelers and will commence work shortly. For all jewelry requisitions, you can approach Aurora Jewelers.”

“I'll certainly reach out!" Kylie was genuinely charmed by Lilah.

Their conversation was delightful, and if not for others vying for Kylie's attention, it might have persisted indefinitely. As Kylie moved on, Lilah, turning abruptly, collided with an obstacle, causing the crimson wine in her grasp to splash.

"My bag, Lilah!" Adaline's voice rang out, drawing myriad glances their way.

The pristine bag now bore unsightly wine blotches. Adaline's countenance feigned sorrow. “Lilah, such thoughtlessness. My bag is ruined."

"I'll reimburse the cleaning expenses," Lilah offered calmly.

Adaline's face was a mask of pretentious pity. “Being in the jewelry domain, shouldn't you discern better? This is a rare piece. It's one of only ten globally, and it's embellished with blue diamonds.

Cleaning it would diminish its worth." Her voice, although seemingly gentle, dripped with scorn. She continued patronizingly, “Let's simplify matters. Compensate with 300, 000 dollars."

"300, @0@ for this bag?" Lilah responded with an amused smirk.

"It was a gift from Iker, worth half a million," Adaline retorted, her eyes shimmering with tears. "I didn't think you'd ruin it, Lilah.

But I'm sure it wasn't intentional. Your relationship with Iker is history, after all."

Murmurs of sympathy for Adaline buzzed around.