Ann's defense was carefully crafted to do the opposite to confirm everyone's suspicion that Caitlin was avoiding the party out of shame.

Petty looked at Ann sympathetically. "Ann, you're just too kind. You always see the best in people. The party is right here in the Gonzales manor. What could possibly

be so important that Miss Gonzales can't even attend her own family's event? She's clearly avoiding us. You don't need to make excuses for her."

Leonore quickly agreed. "I think Petty's right. She's definitely avoiding us. Stop defending her, Ann."

The other guests nodded in agreement.

A triumphant smile flickered across Ann's face. This was only the beginning. The real show was yet to come.

Composing her expression, she turned to a butler. "Scales, Freya must be busy with something. Could you please go and invite her?"

"Of course, Miss Ann."

Just as the butler was about to leave, Ann called out, "Wait."

He stopped. "Yes, Miss Ann? Is there something else?"

Ann smiled. "Please invite my grandmother as well. With so many distinguished guests from the Capital here today, it wouldn't be complete without her."

She wanted Keira to witness Caitlin's downfall with her own eyes and see how she, Ann, had soared to new heights.

"Very well," the butler nodded.

"And remember," Ann added, "make sure you bring Freya."

After the butler left, Petty turned to Ann. "Ann, I bet you your cousin won't dare to come."

Ann feigned hesitation. "I... I don't think so. My sister isn't that kind of person." She sighed dramatically. "But it's alright if she doesn't come. I won't blame her."

Petty narrowed her eyes. "She has no manners. It's her sister's party in her own home, and not only does she not show up, she has to be personally summoned!"

Leonore laughed. "What manners can you expect from someone who grew up in the countryside?"

A wave of laughter followed.

"Hahaha!"

"And what 'good manners' do Miss Somerset and Miss Reed possess that allow them to gossip about people behind their backs?" a voice cut through the room. Caitlin entered, her gaze fixed on Petty and Leonore. Her voice was calm but arried an undeniable weight The breeding of the Somerset and Reed families is truly an eye-opener.

Though her tone was light, it was laced with a pressure that seemed to suck the air out of the room.

Leonore and Petty froze, their faces burning with humiliation. They never expected Caitlin to actually show up. They thought she was too scared. The country girl had a sharp tongue, it seemed.

All eyes turned to Caitlin. She was wearing a chic, lilac tweed suit. It was a

color toriously difficult style and

color to pull off; on anyone with less striking looks or presence, the outfit would be overwhelming. But on Cauffin, it looked effortlessly elegant, exuding an aura of refined nobility. She was, in a word, breathtaking.

Petty, struggling to regain her composure, forced a strained smile. "Miss Gonzales, we... we didn't mean it like that. There's no need to be so aggressive."

"Then what did you mean?" Caitlin countered, her eyes cool. "Or is gossiping behind people's backs something to be proud of?"

Leonore, incensed by Caitlin's relentless attack, snapped, "Miss Gonzales, you..."

"Be quiet," Caitlin cut her off without a second glance.

Ann stepped in. "Freya, Miss Somerset and Miss Reed are my guests. You will show them some..."

Caitlin turned her gaze on Ann. "You be quiet too."

The four simple words made Ann's face pale. She couldn't believe Caitlin would disrespect her so openly.

Caitlin found a seat and looked back at Leonore and Petty. "The heads of the Reed and Somerset families are reasonable people. I wonder how they managed

to raise such daughters." She then turned to Ann. "Cousin, are these the kind of people you associate with?"

Caitlin was the heir to the Gonzales family. By insulting her, Leonore and Petty were not just attacking her but also disrespecting the entire Gonzales family in their attempt to flatter Ann. Caitlin was not about to let that slide. Her words were like daggers, and Ann, unable to refute them, could only swallow her anger.

*That little bitch!* Ann fumed. *How dare she be so vicious?*

Well, let her have her moment. Celia would be here soon, and then they would see how long Caitlin's arrogance lasted.