Su Jun and Chen Lian pointed at Celia with righteous indignation."It's her! That country girl trying to sneak into the Fu family banquet without an invitation. Get her out of here!"
The security guard stepped forward and looked at Celia. "Miss, may I see your invitation card?"
"I don't have one," Celia answered calmly. "Someone invited me to come."
"Who was it? Don't tell me it's that bald old man who checked into your room?" Vivian Su scoffed, arms crossed. "Did that sugar daddy of yours even know what this event is? This is the Fu family's private dinner—not just anyone can walk in."
Bald old man? Vivian was relentless with her jabs. Celia could only hope she wouldn't try this act in front of Nathaniel Fu.
If she did, he'd likely make her regret it.
Celia glanced at her with an innocent twinkle in her eyes. "Cousin, I told you—someone asked me to come. As for who it was, that's a secret."
Tsk.Still acting mysterious, even with a so-called sugar daddy behind her.
Madam Su shook her head in disappointment. "The other Su daughters are all respectable young ladies, but this country girl will only bring disgrace to our family."
"Celia, be smart and leave on your own," she added coldly.
Just then, a calm voice cut through the tension.
"Who dares to drive Miss Su away?"
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Secretary Song approaching, flanked by several hotel staff.
Vivian frowned, uncertain. She didn't recognize the man, but his demeanor and entourage made it clear—he wasn't ordinary.
Secretary Song stepped up to Celia and gave a polite nod."Miss Su, this way, please. I'll escort you inside."
"Thank you," Celia replied with a soft smile.
"Hey!" Su Jun and Chen Lian were growing anxious. "She doesn't even have an invitation! How can she just go in?"
Secretary Song glanced at them coolly. "Miss Celia is a guest of honor at this evening's event. You all need an invitation to enter—she doesn't."
Then, without another glance, he led Celia into the venue.
As she walked past them, Celia turned her head with a sweet smile and waved her delicate fingers."I told you. You wouldn't believe me. I'll be heading in first. Bye-bye."
Vivian's face darkened instantly.
So in the end, Celia didn't need an invitation at all. They were the ones making fools of themselves.
Su Jun and Chen Lian were fuming. "Vivian, how did Celia get in without an invite? Who exactly is this 'bald old man' behind her?"
Vivian was irritated too. She had gone through countless connections and favors to secure her golden invitation—and yet that clown Celia just waltzed in without one? Infuriating didn't even begin to describe it.
"Mom, Dad, don't worry about her," Vivian said tightly. "Let's just go inside."
Old Madam Su nodded. She had never thought much of Celia, her low-born granddaughter."That girl's plain face will never attract a decent man. Stop wasting energy on her. What matters is the Fu family heir. As if Celia could ever get near someone like that."
"Hah! Mom, if Celia ever gets close to the Fu family heir, I'll call her Aunt Celia." Su Jun burst into laughter.
The others joined in, treating the idea like a ridiculous joke.
"Let's head inside."
Meanwhile, Celia was led through the side entrance to the backstage lounge of the Song Hotel. She looked around, but Nathaniel Fu was nowhere to be seen.
Secretary Song turned to her with a professional smile. "Miss Su, the President is currently occupied with banquet preparations. He'll be arriving shortly. In the meantime, please let our staff help you with makeup and a dress change."
Celia froze."Wait—makeup and dress change? I'm only here to return the watch. I didn't come to attend the banquet."
She reached into her purse. "Since Mr. Fu isn't here yet, please give this back to him for me."
But Secretary Song sidestepped smoothly. "I'm afraid that won't do, Miss Su. The President gave specific instructions: you are to return the watch to him in person. And he will be at the banquet."