Sylvia was present too, standing next to Rena in a modest dress, her expression tinged with excitement.

The Fowler family chose not to formally introduce Melissa to the gathering.

Instead, Waylen escorted her to meet a few relatives closely connected to the family, including key shareholders of the Fowler Group. Shortly after, Rena approached with Matthew, swiftly guiding Melissa towards the group of women for socializing.

Melissa, having gone through much in the past three years, handled herself confidently in such settings.

Her composure was further bolstered by Rena's presence, who was well-known among the elite women of Duefron as someone not to be crossed.

Rena typically kept her grievances from her husband, preferring to personally deal with those who crossed her.

Having Rena by her side made Melissa feel comfortable.

Every now and then, when Melissa looked up, she caught Marcus’ eye.

He seemed to be mingling for most of the evening. Around nine, representatives from Summit Ltd showed up, accompanied by Albert.

Melissa was just about to greet Albert when Violette stopped her.

“Melissa, can I have a word with you?" she asked.

Wearing a light pink dress, Violette looked exceptionally youthful and radiant.

Melissa couldn't help but think Marcus really had an eye for beauty.

He once mentioned settling for a wife, but Violette was nothing short of breathtaking. She was surely exactly his type.

It was clear that Violette had had too much to drink.

She stared at Melissa with a look of envy and didn't hold back. "The first time I saw you, I thought you were so elegant and attractive.

I even complimented you to Marcus. But I never imagined you'd end up taking him from me," Violette confessed, tears starting to form in her eyes. “I can't stand you."

Their exchange hadn't gone unnoticed. A few of the socialites nearby had caught wind of the drama unfolding. The buzz was that the Finch family's daughter was stirring trouble for Marcus’ future bride. They were all eager to see how it would unfold.

Melissa found herself in a tight spot.

Even though Melissa and Marcus had a child together and he had a preference for her, the truth remained that Marcus had been seeing Violette before Melissa re-entered his life. This fact left Melissa in a difficult situation.