A few days after attending the International Artificial Intelligence Conference, Charlene found herself heading to a hotel for her aunt’s stepson’s wedding reception after work.

As she stepped into the elevator, just as the doors were about to close, she heard someone call out, “Hold the door!”

A hand shot out to stop the elevator from closing, and when Charlene glanced up to see who it was, her eyes widened slightly in recognition.

It was Jacques Hawkins. He seemed just as surprised to see her. They had only met a few times before, with their last encounter being a couple of months back, but he remembered Charlene well.

He nodded at her in greeting just as Katie Hawkins appeared at the elevator entrance. Katie, too, seemed taken aback when she saw Charlene, but quickly averted her gaze and stepped inside, acting as if she didn’t recognize her.

Jacques reached to press the elevator button but noticed the 18th floor was already lit. Seeing Charlene as a familiar face, he turned back with a smile, clearly intending to chat. However, Charlene looked away, her expression cool and distant.

Jacques hesitated for a moment, sensing her reluctance to talk, and decided to remain silent. He wrapped an arm around Katie’s shoulder, who chuckled softly and patted his hand affectionately. Charlene observed them quietly, saying nothing.

Before long, the elevator reached the 18th floor. As the doors opened, a wave of chatter and laughter flooded in. Following Jacques and Katie out, Charlene was greeted by the sight of a bustling lobby. Henley Hawkins and Maureen Spencer, both dressed to the nines, were stationed at the welcome desk, greeting guests arriving for Katie’s birthday celebration.

Yes, today was Katie’s seventieth birthday. As soon as Charlene saw her, dressed in festive and elegant attire, she remembered the occasion.

Katie’s arrival didn’t go unnoticed, and soon someone exclaimed, “Look, here comes our birthday star!”

People began to turn their heads, and someone noticed Charlene standing behind Katie. Impressed by her poise and striking appearance, they remarked, “Mrs. Hawkins, is this your granddaughter? No wonder she’s caught the eye of Starfall City’s finest young men. She’s stunning, and she carries a hint of your youthful charm. You truly are blessed!” swnovel

Charlene wanted to slip away immediately, but the throng of people made it impossible to move through easily. The Spencer family and Henley were not far

off, and their eyes were already on her.

Realizing Charlene and Katie had

arrived together, they were

momentarily under the impression that Katie had invited Charlene to join the party. But they quickly е

deduced that couldn’t be the case. Charlene must be here for the

wedding next door. It wasn’t uncommon for first-timers at the hotel to get mixed up, as it happened earlier too. swnovel

As Charlene’s face turned icy at the mention of her having a resemblance to a young Katie, she was about to speak up when Katie interjected in a calm tone, “You’ve got the wrong person. She’s not my granddaughter. I don’t know her.”

Just then, Thorne and Vesta stepped out of the elevator. Someone immediately recognized Vesta and said, “Oh, you’ve got your wires crossed! There’s the real granddaughter.”

All eyes shifted to Thorne and Vesta. With their striking looks and graceful demeanor they made a handsome pair. Coupled with their prestigious backgrounds, the guests couldn’t help but shower them with compliments, “Ah, the student of a scientific genius-such poise is unmatched.” swnovel