After a somewhat awkward start to the gala, the people slowly realized that everyone had come to this event with good intentions, so they gradually started greeting one another like old friends, toasting and cheering each other.

“I heard that the funds being raised at today's auction will be used for the education and development of underprivileged children.”

“Well, to be exact, it's for underprivileged children who show promise in the ancient martial arts and scientific research."

‘ve heard that the auction was sponsored by scientists from the University of Broome, under the initiative of their dean. I wasn't expecting cooperation between science and ancient martial arts!"

While the guests were chatting, Maria quietly entered the banquet hall from an inconspicuous corner.

Her attire wasn't eye-catching, and her long hair just hung casually over her shoulders, partially covering her beautiful face.

With her phone in one hand, Maria pouted angrily.

"Mom, I've told you countless times that it doesn't matter if I take a nap before the party and show up a bit late. Why do you keep calling me? Mom, what's more important to you? My good sleep or the auction? Huh? The auction?

But I already arranged everything in advance. Even if I didn't show up, the organizer would still auction off the item. I promise I won't embarrass the Jenkins family, and I won't give Mrs. Jenkins a single excuse to make trouble for me.

Oh, don't be mad at me, mom. I'll always be your sweetheart, okay? Gotta go, love you!"

Gritting her teeth, Maria finally hung up the phone in frustration. She felt so helpless.

Whenever she quarreled with Julie, Maria would either end up defeated or apologizing to her dear foster mother.

Sometimes, Maria even wondered if Julie enjoyed scolding her. It was as though Julie was trying to make up for lost mother-daughter time.

Glancing at her phone, she saw that she had a few unread messages from Anthony on WhatsApp.

“Are you awake?"

“Get back to me as soon as you wake up. I need to keep track of how long you sleep for the observation data of your narcolepsy."

"I guess you don't want to wear the dress and jewelry that Julie prepared for you, am I right?"

“Hello, Maria. This is a kind reminder that the charity auction will be broadcasted on TV. If Julie finds out that you didn't put on the stuff she had prepared for you, you'll hurt her feelings. So you'd better be prepared for that."

Maria rolled her eyes after reading his texts.

Well, Anthony was right about one thing. It was true that she hadn't worn the dress and jewelry Julie had prepared for her. On the contrary, she showed up to the gala in her jeans and canvas shoes.

What should she do now?

Rush back and get changed?

No, that was too troublesome...

But then again, Julie would definitely get mad at her...