Chapter 195 Uninvited
Christine was seething. She hadn't formally divorced Robert yet, which meant she was still his legal wife. Who was that woman standing next to Robert? What right did she have to take Christine's place?
Looking at Robert, with his self-satisfied smile, Christine could barely contain her disgust. How shameless could he be to do something like this?
Trembling with rage, Christine started toward them, determined to confront Robert and the woman.
Fortunately, Mandy caught her arm just in time. "Mom, calm down."
"How can I not?" Christine hissed through clenched teeth. "That old fool hasn't even divorced me yet, and he's already parading around with another woman. I need to confront him. I need to put that tramp in her place!"
Seeing her mother's state, Mandy tried again. "Mom, you're a wanted person right now. If you go over there, you won't gain anything. Not only will Dad come after you, but Harrison won't let you leave this place easily either."
Christine hesitated.
"But I can't just let Robert and that woman get away with this."
"Mom, we're here to execute our big plan today," Mandy reminded her. "Don't jeopardize everything we've worked for. Once I gain public support and get what I deserve—once we destroy Harrison and Elena's reputation—then you can deal with Dad and his mistress however you want."
Mandy's words brought Christine back to her senses. She needed to swallow this bitter pill for now to get what she truly wanted. Robert and his mistress could wait.
Harrison had arrived early at the venue for the annual celebration. As he exchanged pleasantries with guests, his eyes kept drifting toward the entrance.
He hadn't seen Elena for several days, and no one could understand how desperately he wanted to see her now.
With twenty minutes left before the event officially began and still no sign of Elena, Harrison was growing restless. He beckoned to Simon, who quickly approached.
"Simon, are you certain Elena will attend?" Harrison asked.
Simon glanced at his boss, slightly exasperated. This was the sixth time Harrison had asked the same question since arriving—he was practically a broken record.
"Yes, Mr. Frost," Simon nodded confidently. "I confirmed with Ms. Rose half an hour ago."
Harrison remained uneasy. With other women, he could predict their behavior, but Elena was different. There were too many variables with her that he couldn't control.
After a moment's thought, Harrison said, "Alright. Keep an eye out and notify me immediately when she arrives."
Simon nodded.
Meanwhile, in the parking lot, Elena and Charlotte stepped out of their car. As their driver parked, they encountered Victoria, who was also attending the celebration.
Victoria took great interest in Harrison's romantic life. Since learning that Connor and Mia were Charlotte's children, Victoria had developed an extremely favorable impression of her, convinced that Harrison's children should be officially recognized by the Frost family.
Seeing Charlotte, Victoria approached eagerly, greeting both women with enthusiasm that made Charlotte instinctively uncomfortable.
"Ms. Rose, Ms. Reed, what a coincidence meeting you here!" Victoria exclaimed.
Charlotte smiled awkwardly. "Hello, Mrs. Frost."
"Mrs. Frost, it's nice to see you," Elena began, but Victoria cut her off, focusing entirely on Charlotte.
"Ms. Rose, you're attending Frost Industries' celebration too? I heard from Harrison that there are party favors, but I've also prepared a special gift for you."
Victoria practically dragged Charlotte by the arm toward the venue, chattering incessantly and making no attempt to hide her preference for Charlotte.
Elena fell several steps behind, watching as Charlotte repeatedly glanced back with pleading eyes. Seeing her friend's helpless expression, Elena made no move to rescue her, amused by Charlotte's rare display of awkwardness.
As Charlotte disappeared inside with Victoria, Elena approached the entrance. Security was tight; guests could only enter with invitations.
The invitation for the Ella Johnson Medical Team was in Charlotte's purse, which was now inside with her. Without it, Elena couldn't enter.
The security guard didn't recognize Elena. "Ma'am, I'm afraid you need an invitation to attend Frost Industries' celebration. Perhaps you could check again?"
Elena nodded. "Alright, I'll call my friend to bring the invitation out."
She stepped away, standing near the entrance as she called Charlotte. Behind her, she overheard security guards talking.
"Everyone wants to attend Frost's celebration. That's the eighth woman without an invitation I've turned away."
"These women think if they dress up nicely, they can get into our event and hook a rich man. Don't they know their place?"
Elena had only intended to call Charlotte for the invitation, but hearing the guards' demeaning comments changed everything. She wasn't one to quarrel with people of lower status, but when someone slapped her in the face like this, she had to stand up for herself. Otherwise, she'd be confirming their assumption that she was just some woman trying to seduce wealthy men.
It was the greatest insult she'd received in years. All this time, she had worked hard to ensure no one looked down on her, to build her own confidence and self-worth.
She needed to respond.
Putting away her phone, Elena approached the guard who had insulted her, fixing him with an icy stare. "What did you just say?" she demanded, her expression hardening.
The security guard showed no fear when confronted. After all, he was an employee of Frost Industries. What could this woman possibly do to him?