Chapter 698 - 694: Next Time for Sure

「Celestial Spire」, the outdoor parking lot.

"Not getting out?"

Cecilia Sterling asked, turning to look at Estelle Goodman, who had suddenly pulled out a mirror and was checking her reflection from every angle.

Estelle spoke casually as she admired herself. "No rush. If we go in now, nothing will have started yet. I’d have to put on a fake smile and make small talk with a bunch of people I don’t even know. It’s so painfully awkward."

"Cecilia, let me tell you, this whole Lorcain socialite scene is actually pretty lame. Every single one of them is vain as hell. But if you act all aloof and unbothered, people will actually look down on you. That’s why I’m trying so hard for Yvette’s birthday party."

"But really, it’s because Yvette and I are pretty close. Our families’ corporations have been business partners for years, so we basically grew up together."

As she spoke, she turned to Cecilia with a sweet smile. "Of course, you’re still my favorite. You, Blair, and Jane. I never have to worry about any of this stuff when I’m with you guys. I can just completely be myself."

Just then, a luxury car pulled to a stop not far away. The rear door opened, and a girl in a gown with a long train stepped out, carrying a beautifully wrapped gift bag. Her shoulders were completely bare, and it was twenty degrees below zero in Lorcain!

"Look, Cecilia. These people care more about looking good than staying warm. Every one of them is killing themselves to stand out."

’And here I thought Estelle was going all out,’ Cecilia mused. ’I didn’t expect to see someone even crazier.’

If you knew what was going on, you’d say they were attending a birthday party. If you didn’t, you’d think they were all here for a red-carpet event.

She couldn’t help but glance down at her own outfit for the day. Thankfully, it wasn’t too casual: a black satin gown paired with a chic, vintage-style women’s blazer. It was simple yet elegant.

She had also worn heavier makeup today and had finally gotten over her reluctance, letting Estelle style her hair in large, cascading waves over her shoulders.

The overall effect was breathtakingly regal—coolly beautiful and noble, with an undeniable presence.

"Holy crap, Cecilia, Cecilia, look...!"

Estelle cried out, grabbing Cecilia’s arm in her excitement. By the time Cecilia looked up, all she could see was a person’s back.

"Mr. Jennings, pull forward a little! Quick!" Estelle urged.

Mr. Jennings started the car and pulled forward. Estelle stared intently until she saw the pair again, crying out once more, "Cecilia, Shawn Lane! That’s Shawn Lane, right?"

Cecilia followed her gaze and confirmed it with a single glance. It was undoubtedly Shawn Lane.

And the girl next to him, as expected, was the Churchill Family’s "The Foolish Miss."

"It’s him."

Estelle glanced hesitantly at Cecilia, only to find her perfectly composed, as if she were just looking at a stranger, completely unfazed.

"Why is he here? I don’t remember Yvette and Shawn Lane even knowing each other! Plus, he disappeared for over a year—why show up now?" Estelle felt a wave of irritation. "This is such bad luck," she grumbled. "If I’d known we were going to run into him, I wouldn’t have dragged you along."

"Why shouldn’t we have come?" Cecilia asked, looking at Estelle with a smile playing on her lips. "I’m not the one who should be afraid and hiding. Besides, I already ran into him a few days ago, right here."

"You already saw him?" Estelle asked quickly. "He didn’t bother you, did he?"

"Not at all. He was putting on a respectable act. Besides, didn’t you notice he has a new target now?"

With that, Cecilia glanced at the Full Sky Star on her wrist. "Let’s not wait anymore. We’re already on our own doorstep; it’s not right to stay out here."

’Our own doorstep?’

"Cecilia, what do you mean by that?"

Cecilia pushed open the car door and glanced back with a smile. "I mean it literally. I’ve acquired this place. Before long, it’ll be registered under my name, just like Aetherium."

"Holy crap!" Estelle gasped, covering her mouth in excitement. "Y-You... how many more surprises are you hiding from me?"

The birthday banquet was being held in The Sovereign Hall on the ballroom floor. The entire space had been decorated in advance, and a giant floral standee in the hall wished Miss Yvette a happy birthday.

"Yvette!"

Just as they arrived at the entrance to the hall, they met the birthday girl herself, who was standing by the door.

Estelle rushed forward with an excited look on her face and hugged her. Cecilia, smiling, waited for them to finish before giving Yvette a polite hug as well.

"Cecilia, I’m so happy you could make it. I felt a little awkward inviting you directly, so I had Estelle ask you for me." Yvette smiled as she spoke, her eyes sweeping over Cecilia’s entire look for the day.

’She really has an incredible presence,’ Yvette thought. ’This outfit seems so simple, yet she wears it with such unique flair. The whole look is unbelievably sexy.’

Cecilia handed over her gift. She had no idea what it was, as Estelle had picked it out for her.

She didn’t like to waste energy on people she didn’t feel were important, and she had come today purely for Estelle’s sake.

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you."

Estelle quickly chimed in, "Mine too, mine too!"

Yvette accepted the gifts and placed them on a nearby table already piled high with presents. "You two go on in. There’s plenty to eat and drink, so don’t be shy. Especially you, Cecilia."

"Okay."

After that brief exchange, Cecilia and Estelle entered the banquet hall together.

The arrival of new faces naturally drew the curious stares of the guests who were already there.

Other than for Estelle’s birthday, this was the first time Cecilia had ever appeared at this kind of gathering—one attended by nearly every prominent young man and woman from Lorcain’s upper crust.

And she was, by all accounts, a new face. At least, most of the guests didn’t recognize her.

The looks she received were varied: gazes of awe and interest from the men, and looks of scrutiny and curiosity from the women.

Cecilia was immune to it all.

The walk from the car into the hall had been freezing, and all she wanted was a drink to warm up. As soon as she entered, she plucked two glasses of Tequila from a waiter’s tray and downed them both.

But there were some in the crowd who did recognize Cecilia.

"Cecilia!"

With an excited shout, Jonah Goodman practically skipped over to Cecilia. "Damn, long time no see!"

He looked her over with open admiration. "You just keep getting more beautiful!"

"Cousin, can you stop gawking at Cecilia like a creep? She has a boyfriend now, you know." Estelle Goodman rolled her eyes at her cousin and warned him to keep his distance.

"Still that cop from before?" Jonah Goodman asked.

Cecilia didn’t really have a bad impression of Jonah Goodman; it was just that Estelle was constantly bad-mouthing her cousin to her.

She smiled and said, "That’s ancient history. He’s been replaced!"

"Tsk!" Jonah’s eyes widened in mock disappointment. "And you didn’t think to notify me?"

Cecilia replied, "Next time. Definitely next time."