The grand ballroom was already packed. It seemed every elite from Crestwood's high society had arrived.

Sophia felt a thrill of excitement as she entered with Benjamin Scott, Victoria Scott, and Daniel Scott. An event hosted by the Levines was exclusive—ordinary businesses couldn't get an invitation, and influential figures wouldn't bring children they disliked. Being present here was a clear indicator of one's status and significance.

It was the highest honor!

"Sophia!" Amanda called out from across the room.

"Dad, I'm going to join my friend now."

"Go ahead," Benjamin said, adding a reminder, "But be careful. This isn't your typical banquet—mind your manners."

"Don't worry," Victoria assured him proudly. "Sophia has always been well-behaved since she was little."

Benjamin nodded with equal pride as Sophia made her way toward Amanda.

Samuel was standing with Amanda, surrounded by a group of wealthy young heirs.

"Samuel," Sophia greeted him.

Samuel smiled back but maintained a careful distance.

As long as he and Elise hadn't officially announced their breakup, he and Sophia had to keep their relationship discreet—and maintain their space.

"Samuel, I heard you actually met William Levine himself!" one of the rich kids exclaimed.

"I did," Samuel replied.

"You're still the best among us," the young man sighed. "I got turned down immediately when I requested a meeting."

"Same here," another echoed. "I don't even know what he looks like."

"How could we ever compare to Samuel?" a third chimed in. "He single-handedly revived Mitchell Corp. He's a major player in Crestwood, unlike us—we'd probably collapse if our family businesses went under."

Everyone laughed—the flattery clearly elevating Samuel's mood.

"Please introduce us if you see him later, Samuel. My dad insisted I get to know him, said I should learn from someone like you."

"Yeah, that's right. We're friends, aren't we? Samuel will definitely introduce us."

Samuel felt a twinge of awkwardness.

The last time he visited William, he only caught a distant glimpse of the man—hardly an acquaintance.

But, buoyed by the praise, he braced himself and agreed. "Alright. If Mr. Levine has time, it shouldn't be a problem."

"Great!"

"It's settled then!"

The atmosphere grew lively as everyone vied for Samuel's attention.

Meanwhile, Sophia listened with delight as they all curried favor with Samuel.

Even among those wealthy heirs, Samuel was the most handsome, charismatic, and capable.

All those years spent scheming to steal him from Elise had been worth it!

But just as she basked in her private triumph, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone turned to look at the entrance.

Sophia followed their gaze, and her smile froze the moment she saw who had arrived.

What was Elise doing here?!

And she was wearing that diamond-studded gown, commanding attention with her stunning elegance as she stepped into the ballroom.

Amanda was visibly agitated, her voice tinged with grievance. "Sophia! You said she wouldn't come!"

After all, every eye was on Elise—she had clearly stolen the spotlight!

"I—" Sophia scrambled for an excuse. "But my dad didn't bring her, and Stellar Group is too insignificant to warrant an invitation from the Levines!"