Chapter 5

I turned around and saw Jennifer in a pink dress, flanked by her friends.

I gave her a cold glance and was about to leave when Jennifer's friend blocked my way.

Sophia Fuller pushed me forcefully and sneered, "Jennifer is talking to you. Didn't you hear her?"

I brushed her hand away and frowned. "Don't touch me."

Sophia's face twisted with anger. "You are a cheap college student. You schemed your way into Timothy's bed and got married to him. Do you really think you're part of high society?"

Jennifer's friends immediately chimed in, "Exactly. You completely took Jennifer's place. She's the one everyone recognizes as Mrs. Rossi."

Jennifer feigned innocence and tugged Sophia's arm. "Don't say that. Eliza and Timothy aren't divorced yet."

She then deliberately raised her left hand and flaunted the emerald ring around her ring finger that glittered blindingly.

My heart sank sharply.

That was the Rossi family heirloom ring and symbolizes the identity of Timothy's wife.

Timothy's parents never liked me and had never accepted me as their daughter-in-law. So I never possessed that ring. Yet it was around Jennifer's finger now.

"Eliza, let me explain..." Jennifer hid her hand behind her back and pretended to feel guilty.

Did she want to explain?

I didn't need it.

I forced a smile and said flatly, "Congratulations to you and Timothy."

Jennifer's eyes flashed with triumph, but she continued her act. "Thank you. But I remind you that this exclusive event isn't really suitable for you. You'd better leave soon."

"Why should I leave?" I said coldly. "The Brooks Auction House isn't owned by the Rossi family."

Sophia laughed derisively and arrogantly. "You know what? Today's auction is funded by Jennifer's father, Mr. Walker. Jennifer has the right to decide who gets the invitation."

"Really?" I retorted with a cold laugh. "How do you know I don't have an invitation?"

Jennifer frowned and looked certain. "I didn't send you an invitation. Stop lying, Eliza."

Sophia immediately raised her voice to echo throughout the banquet hall. "Your invitation wasn't stolen, was it?"

Jennifer's friends quickly joined in, shouting, "Where is the security? There's a woman here who gatecrashed with a stolen invite!"

Two security guards in black uniforms promptly rushed over. They looked at me sternly and said, "Ma'am, please show us your invitation."

I was attending as Samuel's guest and didn't have the invitation with me.

Just as I was about to explain, many curious guests had already gathered around me. They pointed and whispered.

Timothy and his parents pushed their way through.

Amilia looked at me with contempt. "I knew she couldn't have an invitation. It turns out she stole one. She's truly disgraced the Rossi family."

Marcus's face was livid, and he repeatedly apologized to the security guards. "I'm terribly sorry. I didn't discipline her, so she caused you trouble."

"I didn't steal anything." I looked at Timothy and said, "Can't you trust me even this much?"

Timothy's face turned beet red, and he shouted at me, "Stop making a scene. Apologize and leave immediately."

My heart froze solid.

To him, my innocence didn't matter. What mattered was the Rossi family's reputation.

Seeing this, Jennifer couldn't hide her smugness and secretly signaled to Sophia.

Sophia immediately understood and lunged forward to pull at my dress. "She must have hidden the invitation."

"Don't touch me. Get away!" I struggled desperately, but her grip was strong, and one of the dress straps snapped.

The surrounding whispers grew louder, and some even took out their phones to take photos.

In the chaos, I twisted my ankle and fell forward uncontrollably. There was the champagne tower not far from the table.

Just as I was about to crash into it, I closed my eyes in despair.

Suddenly, a firm embrace caught me around the waist, pulling me into a strong chest.

The familiar scent of cigars filled the air. It was Samuel.

Sophia was unable to stop herself and slammed into the table with a loud crash.

The champagne tower collapsed spectacularly. The sound of shattering crystal glasses was piercing, and the golden liquid splashed all over her.

"Ah-!" Sophia's scream echoed through the hall.

Jennifer looked at Samuel, and her face turned deathly pale instantly. Her voice trembled. "Daddy."

The entire hall went silent.

Everyone was stunned, including me.

Jennifer called Samuel... Dad?

Samuel's languid gaze swept over everyone and finally landed on Sophia's ashen face. His deep voice carried an undeniable authority. "How dare you treat my lead engineer this way?"