As with any banquet, most of the guests here were looking to make new connections and associate themselves with powerful people.

So any time a new guest entered the hall, everyone present would turn towards them to size them up.

Judging from Maria's plain clothing, all the guests concluded that she couldn't be anyone powerful or influential. If anything, she looked Like she came from a normal family.

As quickly as they had turned to Maria, they turned away, although a few of the men had to admit that they were awestruck by her beauty. Of course, there was no way they could stoop to talking to a “commoner” like Maria, but they couldn't help stealing glances at her from time to time, either.

The long buffet table, which had been custom-made for the occasion, was lined with mouthwatering dishes.

Ignoring the gazes of the other guests, Maria grabbed a plate and began filling it with food.

When the plate was full, she took another plate and proceeded to fill it with the same dishes.

“Hey! What are you doing here?”

There came an arrogant voice all of a sudden.

Maria looked back and saw Vivian walking towards her.

“You'd better speak to your elder sister with respect," Maria said nonchalantly before turning back to the food, as if Vivian didn't deserve any more of her attention.

“Elder sister? Please!"

Vivian scoffed.

“You were jealous that I could come to this party, so you begged Mom for her invitation, right? Maria, you always act like you're better than everyone, but now your true colors are showing."

Julie had offered her invitation to Maria, but Maria had refused.

Now, seeing Maria now, Vivian immediately assumed that Maria was only able to enter the banquet hall because of Julie's invitation.

Maria said one thing and did another.

What a hypocrite!

Maria had already filled both plates with a combination of meat and vegetables which Looked absolutely appetizing.

“I'm here with Anthony," she said to Vivian. "If you don't believe me, you can come with me to meet him. After all, he'll soon be your brother-in-law."

“Anthony?” Vivian echoed softly.

She had come here to belittle Maria, but instead seemed to have fallen into a trap.

She had never met Anthony in person before, neither did she want to! She was still riding high after being the lead actress of Yeez Entertainment's new web series. And now, with Patricia's help, she had clinched a role in the company's new show -- Legend of Anne.

She even seemed to be best friends with Lyndsey now.

In her view, her career was about to soar. She would be a fool to meet her ex-fiance now.