On the evening of the banquet, just as I was about to get out of the house, Rodger stopped me.
He pointed to the Rolls-Royce at the door and said, "Cailey, you'll ride in this car." It was a symbol of the Burton family.
Then, he turned to me and said with a commanding tone, "Lorna, you take the security detail's vehicle."
I looked at him and said nothing.
We arrived at the venue.
The three guys escorted Cailey down the red carpet, like a queen surrounded by her courtiers.
Meanwhile, I stepped out alone from the bodyguard car, unnoticed by anyone.
As I walked, I could clearly hear the murmurs of the guests around me.
"Who's that in the white dress? Does the Burton family have another daughter?"
"You don't know? I heard the daughter of the Burton family is mentally unstable and prone to jealousy. She's been marginalized by the family. Now the servant's daughter holds the affection of the three young men of the Burton family."
"Really? The servant's daughter has risen to such heights? This is truly a grand family drama!"
As the banquet officially began, I headed towards the main table only to find Cailey sitting in my seat.
Upon seeing me, she quickly stood up. "Lorna, you're here... They told me that you like peace and quiet, so... so they arranged for you to sit at the next table."
Before I could respond, Larry whispered a warning in my ear, "Lorna, I'm warning you that it is an important occasion for introducing Cailey. Don't throw a tantrum and embarrass the Burton family."
I glanced at his profile and smiled. Then I headed towards an unnoticed table in the corner.
Suddenly, the stage lights brightened, capturing everyone's attention.
Rodger stepped onto the stage and said loudly, "In recognition of Cailey's selfless contributions to the Burton family, the Burton Group's top jewelry line, 'Heart of Innocence,' will have her as its sole image ambassador."
The announcement sent shockwaves through the venue.
Everyone knew that "Heart of Innocence" was the last collection designed by my mother before she passed away, and I had always been its ambassador.
Rodger continued, "Although Cailey is not part of the Burton family, she is kind and pure, and she can better represent the spirit of our family than some who are related by blood but narrow-minded."
The spotlight suddenly shone on my corner, making me the center of attention instantly.
Waves of ridicule, sympathy, and disdain flooded toward me.
With a microphone in hand, Ethan laughed and said jokingly, "To celebrate this moment, let's invite Lorna to come on stage and put on this necklace, symbolizing honor, around Cailey, who is really kind."
Under the gaze of those reveling in my misfortune, I slowly stood up and walked towards Cailey.
The three guys watched me, and their eyes were filled with warning and threat.
Cailey stood at the center of the stage, and her face was full of eager expectation and smug satisfaction.
I took the diamond necklace from the tray offered by the usher.
Then, to everyone's shock, I smashed the necklace heavily onto the stage. "Oops," I said, ignoring the instant darkening of the three guys' faces, and took the microphone from Ethan with a smile towards the audience. "I've got butterfingers. However, this choice of image ambassador is quite fitting. After all, counterfeit goods do require someone skilled in pretending to represent them. Right?"
The room fell silent instantly.
Rodger's face was darkened. Just as he was about to explode in anger, the doors of the banquet hall were suddenly pushed open with force.
Jayden, with a silver mask covering half his face, walked in slowly.
Huxley followed him respectfully.
Amidst the incredulous gazes of the three guys, I walked step by step towards Jayden.
Then, I linked my arm with his and said to the crowd with a smile, "Let me introduce him formally. This is my fiancé, Jayden Price. You're all welcome to join us for our wedding in three days."
