The day of the banquet arrived.

The Somerton family’s private estate was bustling with activity. Luxury cars worth millions steadily arrived, forming a glistening line at the entrance.

The guests included wealthy elites and influential figures from various fields. While some-like Zachary- were there to curry favor, others had been personally invited by Uriah to introduce them to Tessa.

In the legal profession, cultivating connections was essential.

Tessa and Stephen arrived early at the estate.

Uriah stood at the main villa’s entrance, his face lighting up as they approached. “Tess, you’re finally here.”

Dressed in a crisp white suit with his hair styled sleekly, Uriah radiated confidence. The Somerton family’s good genes were apparent in his strikingly handsome features.

During his school days, Uriah had been a campus heartthrob, pursued by countless admirers. However, he was notorious for his flirtatious nature, changing girlfriends as often as he changed clothes.

“Hi, Uriah,” Tessa greeted him with a warm smile.

“You’ve grown even more beautiful over the years,” Uriah remarked with a grin.

Then, he turned to Stephen with a teasing expression. “Wow, I never thought we’d become family. Come on, greet your future cousin-in-law.”

Stephen responded with a soft scoff, his cold gaze sweeping over Uriah.

Feigning disappointment, Uriah sighed dramatically. “Look at you, always so cold and distant. My poor cousin, how does she put up with you?”

Tessa’s almond-shaped eyes curved into a playful smile. “Cold and distant? Not at all. Stephen is always incredibly kind to me.”

Uriah groaned theatrically. “You’re already rubbing your relationship in my face, and you’re not even engaged yet.”

After a brief chat at the entrance, Tessa took Stephen’s arm, and they walked into the villa.

The main hall on the first floor served as the banquet’s central venue.

The space was filled with unfamiliar faces, most of whom Tessa had never met. As soon as Stephen entered, guests flocked to him, eager to form connections and seek opportunities.

Among the guests, a foreign couple approached Stephen and Uriah to discuss an important project. They invited the two men to join them in the study upstairs.

Understanding the importance of the meeting, Tessa said with a gracious smile, “Go ahead. I’ll be fine downstairs.”

She had just settled on the couch when Carla Mitchell, the Yates’ housekeeper, approached her.

“Ms. Yates, you left in such a hurry

this morning that you forgot your earrings. Mrs. Yates asked me to bring them to you,” Carla said, holding out a pair of earrings, the ones Tessa had carefully selected to match her dress.

Hearing this, Tessa instinctively touched her earlobes. “Oh, how could I forget something so important?” “Ms. Yates, the banquet hasn’t officially started yet. There’s still time to put them on,” Carla said as she presented the earrings.

“Alright, there’s no mirror here. Could you help me put them on?” Tessa said with a gentle smile.

“Of course,” Carla said, sitting beside her and carefully fastening the earrings.

“That looks much better,” Carla said with satisfaction after fastening the earrings, nodding approvingly. “Tessa? What are you doing here?” A familiar and surprised voice suddenly rang out. Tessa frowned slightly and turned her head.

It was Yanis Morgenstern, Zachary’s mother, accompanied by a lavishly dressed Wendy. Tessa’s frown deepened.

Yanis approached her, casting a disdainful glance between Carla and Tessa. Her tone was sharp and condescending. “So, your mother was a housekeeper?”

Carla’s uniform made her role clear at a glance.

Hearing this, Carla quickly waved her hands in denial. “No, no, you misunderstand. I’m not her mother. I’m just the Yates family’s housekeeper.”

Yanis laughed derisively. “Oh? You’re

just saying that to spare your daughter some dignity, but lying won’t help. We saw how you helped her with her earrings just now. With that level of intimacy, who would believe you’re not her mother?”

Wendy, covering her mouth, chuckled mockingly. “Exactly. Being a housekeeper isn’t glamorous. If it were me, I’d feel embarrassed too.”