Chapter 9

Aurora was momentarily stunned, not quite understanding the sudden toast.

Evelyn's eyes widened as she watched, entranced by the elegant man's charming gesture. Unfortunately, the one sitting beside him was that silly girl, Aurora!

Grandpa laughed and said, "Silly girl! What are you staring at? Heath is greeting you!"

Aurora hurriedly picked up the glass of juice from the table, saying, "I'm not feeling well, Mr. Fairbank. You don't mind if I drink juice instead, do you?"

She wasn't feeling unwell; she was just on a diet, refusing to drink alcohol. Ideally, she wouldn't even drink juice, just plain water.

Evelyn watched her with a cold sneer. Doesn’t she know who Heath Fairbank is? Aurora was trying to fob him off with juice!

Even Grandpa seemed a bit nervous. Heath Fairbank, the heir of the Fairbank family, was known for his unpredictable temperament. If he were to become angry over a glass of juice, it would be a difficult situation to handle.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Heath raised his glass, gently clinking it against Aurora's, the crisp sound of glass ringing out. Then came his pleasant voice, "Of course, Miss Aurora's health is important."

Aurora smiled sweetly and took a sip of her juice.

She hadn't quite figured out who Heath Fairbank was. Her grandfather seemed to hold him in high regard, and the surrounding guests always seemed to be observing him discreetly.

Grandpa looked thoughtfully at Heath and Aurora but said nothing more.

The dinner ended quickly, and the servants cleared the tableware, inviting the guests to the dance in the side hall.

As the music began, everyone glided into the dance floor. Evelyn touched up her makeup and confidently approached Heath, elegantly extending her hand, saying, "Mr. Fairbank, may I have this dance?"

Everyone looked their way. Evelyn, the hottest star in the entertainment industry, was many men's dream girl. This was the first time she had ever asked a man to dance!

Evelyn extended her delicate hand, waiting for Heath to lead her onto the dance floor. She was determined to make him notice her. Heath was hers for the taking!

Heath stood up and said, "Kieran, go say goodbye to Grandpa."

Heath had refused Evelyn!

The popular actress was rejected for the first time when inviting someone to dance!

Aurora stood to the side, finding the situation rather amusing. She could already imagine how the gossip reporters would write about it.

Evelyn stood frozen, using all her strength to maintain her composure. She brushed her long hair and smiled gracefully, stepping aside to let Heath pass.

Heath walked to the door, saw Aurora standing to the side, looking amused at Evelyn's embarrassment. He approached Aurora, whispering, "Don't forget dinner on Saturday."

Aurora nodded, asking, "Do you have anything specific you'd like to eat?"

Heath also nodded, saying, "Anything's fine. You decide."

Then he left the Pendleton home.

Evelyn watched their interaction, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails were digging into her palms.

This was the first time she had been rejected in public!

Yet Heath turned and chatted warmly with Aurora. That chubby girl, Aurora, how could she compare to her?

Such a disgrace, she would not let it go!

The guests were abuzz, discussing the recent events. They had thought the old Pendleton was introducing Evelyn to Heath to facilitate a marriage alliance. They hadn't expected Heath to ignore Evelyn and show favor to the late-arriving Aurora.

Could it be that Aurora was the most formidable daughter of the Pendleton family?

Grandpa also observed this scene, thinking that Evelyn seemed more attractive, but Heath appeared more interested in Aurora.

If that were the case, he would have to pay more attention to his granddaughter Aurora. Perhaps, in the future, the alliance with the Fairbank family would be with her?

Everyone had their thoughts, and no one noticed the angry expressions on the faces of Madeline and her daughters.

They had bullied Aurora for over a decade. How could they tolerate being trampled on by her one day?

Aurora watched Heath leave, then turned to see the angry glares of Madeline and her daughters. She curled her lips into a bright smile, beaming at the three of them.

Ha! Do they still think I'm the same old Aurora they used to torment?

Grandfather's attention, the Pendleton family's wealth, the status of a wealthy daughter—I will take them all back, one by one, from your hands!