Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Seeing the hesitation in the nurse's expression, Teresa pressed her lips together. "Please, it's for my daughter. She's still very young."

Those few simple words moved the nurse, who was also a mother. After hesitating for a few seconds, she finally let out a sigh.

She looked around and quickly spoke in a lowered voice.

"Dr. Reed is attending a private dinner at the manor tonight. It's the Reed Family's family banquet, but I really don't recommend you go. The security there is very tight, and Dr. Reed hates being disturbed during his private time the most."

"The Reed Family banquet?"

Teresa froze for a moment, then instantly understood.

The expert was called Dr. Reed, and he was at the Reed Family's birthday banquet—could he be somehow related to Zoey?

And the place Michael was going tonight was also there, Zoey's home.

Teresa lowered her eyes, suddenly finding it somewhat amusing.

She had just refused Michael's invitation to attend the banquet together, and now for Daisy's sake, she had to crash into that place she least wanted to set foot in and where she was least welcome.

"Thank you, I understand now."

Teresa took a deep breath, her eyes becoming determined again.

No matter what lay ahead, for Daisy's sake, she had to go—especially since it was just the Reed Family.

Even if she would be humiliated and made things difficult for, she had to seize this only opportunity to get professional psychological treatment for Daisy before Dr. Reed left.

She had no time to hesitate and immediately drove home.

All the way, her mind raced—her outfit couldn't be too casual, which would seem disrespectful, but it also couldn't be too formal, which would seem deliberate.

Rushing to her closet, she pulled out a well-tailored cream-colored knee-length dress, paired it with a light gray thin wool coat, and changed into low-heeled leather shoes.

She redid her hair, pulling it into a simple, neat bun, touched up her makeup to cover her exhaustion, and highlighted only her bright eyes.

Looking at herself in the mirror, there was no more hesitation or retreat.

For Daisy, she could temporarily set aside all pride and dignity, could endure any embarrassment—this was the determination a mother had to have.

Leaving again, she drove toward the Reed Family manor.

Night had fallen. Tree shadows swayed on both sides of the winding mountain road, and in the distance, the manor was brilliantly lit, completely at odds with her anxious state of mind.

At the manor entrance, a security guard in a crisp uniform stopped her car.

Teresa rolled down the window and looked out. Luxury cars were everywhere, each worth a fortune.

Her own ordinary commuter car looked particularly out of place.

"Ma'am, please show your invitation."

The security guard was well-trained, polite but also firm.

Teresa opened the door and got out. The night breeze was cool. She straightened her back, looked at the guard calmly, her voice clear and steady.

"I don't have an invitation. I'm here to deliver an urgent medical document to Dr. Reed. This document is very important and must be handed directly to him. If it's delayed, no one can bear that responsibility."

She spoke at a measured pace, but every word carried weight, and her gaze was sharp and compelling, as if she really held a life-or-death document in her hands.

It was the presence developed from long-term management positions and weathering storms, now fully deployed.

Teresa smiled somewhat self-mockingly to herself.

Who would have thought the first time she'd be this imposing would be to bluff someone.

The guard was momentarily shaken by her sudden presence and the content of her words. Seeing her well-dressed and distinguished-looking, not like someone crashing the party or chasing celebrities, his face showed some hesitation.

He picked up his walkie-talkie and walked aside to report and ask for instructions in a low voice.

Teresa watched the half-believing expression on his face, her heartbeat suddenly pounding like a drum, though her face showed nothing.

She just stood there, waiting quietly, though her palms couldn't help but break out in a light sweat.

The walkie-talkie seemed to say something, and the guard looked back at Teresa, his expression complex, but finally walked back and stepped aside.

"Ma'am, please go in, but please go directly to find Dr. Reed and don't disturb the banquet proceedings."

"Thank you."

Teresa secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thanked him, and stepped forward through the gate.

Passing through the carefully maintained garden, she entered the building where the main banquet hall was located.

Inside the heavy carved doors, perfume scents mixed with faint sounds of conversation and laughter.

Crystal chandeliers lit the hall like daylight. Men wore suits, women were mostly in elaborate makeup and fancy dresses, everyone wearing appropriate social smiles.

And Teresa, plainly dressed, wearing no jewelry, with exhaustion and urgency on her face that was completely out of place in this high-society setting.

As she walked in, she immediately attracted attention from a small area.

Curious, scrutinizing, and even contemptuous glances came from all directions.

Teresa could feel those gazes, but she didn't panic. She just slightly raised her chin, calmly scanning the hall, searching for someone who might be Dr. Reed.

Her back was ramrod straight, as if she was using all her strength to maintain this composure.

Now that she was here, there was no turning back.

However, before she could find her target, a sweet but affected voice, carrying undisguised malice, suddenly rang out not far from her side.

"Ms. Bennett?"

Teresa wasn't unfamiliar with this voice, and she had long been prepared to meet her.

She paused and turned her head.

She saw Zoey wearing a bright red evening gown, makeup exquisite, holding a glass of champagne, walking toward her.

She wore a sweet smile on her face, but those eyes were full of undisguised mockery and smugness.

Teresa's eyes flickered slightly, but her face remained calm.

"What's the matter, Ms. Bennett, did you come to the wrong place?"

Zoey stopped in front of Teresa, looking her up and down, raising her voice to make sure quite a few people around could hear.

"The Reed Family's birthday banquet—I don't think they sent you an invitation, did they?"

She deliberately drew out her tone, her gaze pointedly glancing toward the inner part of the banquet hall.

That was usually where the host family and most important guests were, and Michael was likely inside.

"Which friend did Ms. Bennett come with?"

The surroundings instantly became much quieter, more gazes gathering over, full of interest in watching the drama unfold.

Teresa met Zoey's provocative gaze, clearly seeing the vicious satisfaction and glee of imminent triumph in her eyes.

She clenched her hands hanging at her sides, forcibly suppressing her somewhat erratic breathing.

Now wasn't the time to get angry, and she couldn't let her provoke her.

She came today on important business—Daisy was still waiting for her.

Teresa took a deep breath and spoke: "Miss Reed, I'm here to find someone today. It's somewhat urgent, and I didn't mean to disturb the banquet."