The reporters whispered and immediately turned the microphone on Elena. They didn't give Elena much time and continued to pepper her with questions for entertainment.
Edward swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd before escorting Elena into the building. From a distance, Jessica and Jack watched her closely, already scheming their next devious move.
"Thank you, Edward. I'm really not in the mood to deal with reporters right now. I'm certain they've already been influenced by Bellarogi's people," Elena said curtly.
"It is my duty to support you, Madam Elena. I will ensure everything proceeds smoothly," Edward replied with quiet professionalism.
As they stepped into the center of the grand function hall, the eyes of the other guests turned toward them, each bearing a different expression.
Elena could feel their stares—ost were laced with disdain, while others carried a hint of curiosity and disbelief.
"Why did she come here again? Isn't she the owner of the Navoly company anymore?"
"You're right, she shouldn't have access to us anymore. She's not our equal."
It's not that Elena didn't hear their whispers, but Elena tried to look unconcerned, Elena didn't want to engage them because it would make her look defeated in front of Jack and Jessica.
"Mrs Elena, I am very angry with the people who say bad things about you. If it's all untrue, I'd like to reprimand them right now," Edward said.
"No need that, that's not in our plans, Edward. Pretend that nothing is happening here. We don't need to," Elena said gracefully but firmly.
Edward just nodded obediently, he respected Elena very much, but he was also very angry and wanted to act on the words of those who did not like Elena's presence here.
"Honoured guests. The Fraiser Company is sponsoring this evening's stock review and fancy dinner. Therefore, the Fraiser Company is using tonight's event as an opportunity to announce a special news to all guests," said one of the delegates.
Elena and all the other invited guests listened intently and curiously, from her expression it seemed as if Elena already knew what she would hear next.
"Tonight it is safe to announce the engagement of the sole heir of the Fraiser Company to his chosen one."
Everyone was whispering and excited, they didn't know anything about the woman who would be the partner of the sole heir of the Fraiser Company, the rumour was that it was very difficult to become the lover or partner of this man because the qualifications of the man and his parents were very high. Not just anyone could be chosen to be part of the family that owned the number one company in the world.
From her seat, Elena heard Jessica whisper to a woman next to her. And Elena knew the woman, she was Jessica's younger sister, Gissele.
"This is your time to shine, you will show that you are Damian's woman of choice," Jessica said confidently.
After the announcement, the man the guests had been waiting for entered. Damian Fraiser, the sole heir to the Fraiser fortune so coveted by women, his handsome face matching his wealth.
Jessica's face lit up as Damian stopped in front of her sister, Giselle. Giselle was so happy to be held by Damian, like a prince holding his future wife.
Many people were envious, but they were also in awe. Unlike Elena, who smiled meaningfully, she was silent, as if waiting for something to happen.
"Well, since I am here, I will not waste your time, honoured guests. After the business and stock talks have been completed, I will announce the happy news of my engagement to the woman of my choice."
Damian gave Giselle a quick glance and then resumed his speech.
"Giselle Bellarogi, she is my future fiancée, whom I love very much," Damian said. "We will be engaged very soon, the invitations are being distributed now, and on behalf of the Fraiser family, I would like to invite you all as guests to my engagement ceremony."
Everyone in the room applauded in appreciation of Damian's announcement. Jessica and Jack looked proud and delighted, even taking a moment to throw a mocking glance at Elena. In that single look, they boldly expressed their sense of triumph.
"They think they've won. That's fine—enjoy your fleeting moment of glory." Elena thought to herself, face unmoved.
As the thunderous applause faded, the sound was replaced by the elegant and commanding click of high heels. Elena stepped into the center of the gathering like parting a sea of people. She paid no mind to the judgmental and astonished gazes that followed her; her focus remained fixed on Damian and Giselle.
"I always thought the Fraiser family had a strict vetting process for choosing new members. Turns out, they're quite careless—enough to pick up human trash with no sense of shame," Elena said, her voice sharp and unwavering.
Every eye in the room widened in disbelief. Anger simmered through the crowd—especially Damian, who immediately stepped forward toward Elena.
"Watch your language and apologise to Giselle right now before I shame you for the rest of your life," Damian said angrily.
The people looked at Elena and thought that this was the end for Elena because she had wronged the sole heir of the powerful Fraiser Company. They were happy that Elena would be severely punished because they were not happy with Elena. To them, Elena is no longer their equal, as she is no longer the owner of the famous company she once was.
People who saw Damian's expression would get goose bumps, of course people respected and feared him because of his power and wealth. There were also rumours that Damian was a man who showed no mercy when he was angry.
"Apologise? To the sister of a husband-stealer? I'd rather smell shit than do that. Even shit is better than that woman's family," Elena said without fear.
"I admit you're very brave. But I must remind you of one thing, even though you are a woman of power, invited by the Fraiser Company, that doesn't mean I won't ruin your life if you continue to misbehave here," Damian replied fiercely and coldly.
"Misbehave? I didn't mean that, I'm just here to tell you who deserves to be your mate other than that damn woman next to you," Elena said as she pointed at Giselle's face.