Chapter 5
Two days later, at the Harris Estate.
The engagement party venue.
The engagement party between the Harris family and the Johnson family had been announced a month in advance, and almost every important figure in Imperial City had come.
In the back garden of the Harris Estate, Chloe held Benjamin's arm, wearing a deep purple starry gown and the Galaxy necklace by the renowned designer Queen. She looked radiant.
Many socialites and wealthy ladies who came to the party noticed her necklace.
"Ms. Johnson's necklace is a piece by Master Queen, a limited edition that money can't even buy."
"Yes, the Johnson family treats this adopted daughter so well, and they even worked hard to arrange this marriage with the Harris family. She's truly blessed."
Hearing these words, Chloe felt delighted and unconsciously glanced at the person beside her.
However, Benjamin didn't seem as happy as she was, appearing rather distracted.
Chloe instantly suppressed the displeasure in her eyes and spoke gently, "Benjamin, what are you looking at?"
Benjamin withdrew his gaze, casually saying, "Nothing."
He was about to get engaged.
Yet that woman still acted indifferent toward him, not returning his calls or messages to this day.
Chloe bit her lip, about to speak, when suddenly there was a commotion at the garden entrance.
Benjamin looked up, instinctively taking two steps forward, his eyes instantly glazing over.
Chloe froze even more, staring intently at the approaching figure.
Charlotte walked in gracefully, wearing a black gown that revealed her delicate collarbone and beautiful shoulder and neck lines, her curled hair reaching her waist.
With each step, her waist swayed like a mysterious and elegant sea siren, every movement carrying an innate nobility.
For a moment, no one recognized who she was, yet everyone was captivated by her.
"Who is this lady? Which family's daughter? So beautiful and elegant!"
"Her presence is so powerful."
"Wait, this, this looks like Charlotte! The country bumpkin the Johnson family raised in the countryside. How did she become a completely different person!"
"No way, it's actually Charlotte! So refined, even more elegant than Chloe!"
Chloe's pupils contracted as she stared at Charlotte. Watching her get closer, she gradually showed an expression of disbelief.
How could this be!
That country bumpkin who always kept her head down at the Johnson family, timid and unable to hide her poor background—how could she have this kind of presence!
Where did her clothes come from? Where did she get the invitation!
Chloe clenched her teeth. Seeing Charlotte's indifferent expression, looking down on everyone, her heart sank heavily.
Even worse, Benjamin was staring at Charlotte without blinking, unwilling to even blink his eyes!
She immediately looked at Susan, "Mom, Charlotte..."
Susan was entertaining guests and had also noticed the situation here.
A flash of resentment crossed her eyes. 'This wretched girl must be here to cause trouble!'
Susan quickly walked toward a servant of the Harris Estate and said in a low voice, "This woman is here to cause trouble. Quickly find security to throw her out!"
Hearing this, Benjamin frowned and spoke, "Stop!"
The servant paused, not daring to move.
Susan and Chloe exchanged glances, seeing panic and apprehension in each other's eyes.
Chloe spoke in a trembling voice, "Benjamin, do you, do you know her?"
Benjamin didn't speak. His Adam's apple bobbed as he slowly stepped forward.
More than just knowing her.
A year ago, he was getting beaten badly in a competitive game when a player helped him out.
To thank them, he gave the player a set of top-tier equipment and persistently tagged along, wanting to treat the expert to a meal.
After meeting in person, Benjamin discovered that this gaming expert was actually a girl, with a fresh and refined appearance and extraordinary presence.
From that moment on, he fell in love at first sight and began pursuing Charlotte frantically.
Unfortunately, Charlotte wouldn't even look at him.
Whether he sent designer jewelry or in-game equipment, Charlotte coldly rejected everything.
Mr. Harris, who had always been high and mighty and pampered since childhood, had never been rejected by a woman so many times.
Charlotte had even said things that hurt his pride.
"Mr. Harris, I only agreed to meet you for a meal because I saw you as a little sidekick in the game. Did you really think I could be interested in you?"
"I don't like designer brands, and I can get equipment myself. Stop sending me things I don't need."
"Not everyone likes your aristocratic status, understand?"
Even so, Benjamin wasn't discouraged. In fact, he became more determined.
He knew Charlotte's gaming ID and had met her in real life, but he didn't know her real name was Charlotte.
So later, when he heard that the Johnson family's real daughter who had just been brought back from the countryside was named Charlotte, he didn't connect the two.
After all, the Charlotte he remembered was so beautiful, while the one the Johnson family brought back was just a country bumpkin.
It wasn't until Charlotte refused to acknowledge him anymore that he reluctantly accepted his family's arranged marriage.
But he never expected that these two Charlottes were the same person!
Benjamin's breathing hitched as he looked at Charlotte's bright and cool appearance, unconsciously swallowing.
"You, why did you come?" A hint of hope rose in his heart.
Perhaps Charlotte had suddenly discovered his good qualities and was willing to be with him!
Charlotte said flatly, "I came to the party because I received an invitation, not because of you."
Benjamin's breathing quickened. Just as he was about to speak, Chloe beside him suddenly approached. "Charlotte, why did you come?"
Her tone was still soft and weak, her eyes reddening. "I know you had a fight with the family and wanted to cut ties, and you're angry, but today is my engagement party. Can you please not cause trouble?"
Charlotte scoffed lightly, her gaze contemptuous. "Which eye of yours saw me causing trouble?"
Susan immediately rushed forward. "This isn't a place you belong! Charlotte, will you leave on your own, or should I have security throw you out?"
"Mom, it's okay..."
Chloe put on a magnanimous attitude. "Charlotte grew up in the countryside without opportunities to attend aristocratic parties. Let her stay. But..."
She changed her tone, tilting her head with feigned confusion. "You don't have an invitation. How did you get in? Did you latch onto some wealthy man here and follow him in?"
Chloe's gaze swept over several older wealthy businessmen, seemingly by accident.
Immediately, several people began whispering.
"Yes, where did she get an invitation?"
"And that dress, it must have been bought by some man. Where else would she get the money?"
Charlotte showed no anger or urgency, her playful gaze falling on Chloe.
"You're right. There are some scenes I really haven't seen before, like... that necklace around your neck."
Chloe's neck stiffened as she instinctively touched the necklace, then straightened her back.
"This is a limited edition design by Master Queen, worth fifty thousand! Didn't you see when I swiped the card? Mom specially bought it as my engagement gift."
She then affectionately took Charlotte's hand. "If you really like it, I'll lend it to you later. After all, you might not get another chance in the future."
The surrounding people couldn't help but laugh, with some disdain and contempt.
Charlotte chuckled lightly. "You spent fifty thousand on a fake and you're still proud of it?"
The surrounding people gasped.
Susan's expression changed. "What nonsense are you talking about! This necklace was bought at an official store. How could it be fake?"
Charlotte didn't bother responding and raised her hand slightly.
Outside the crowd, Jason, wearing a black suit and looking dashing, walked in with long strides.
Though he had the demeanor of a noble young master, when he reached Charlotte, he showed a respectful and loyal attitude, presenting a gift box before her.
"What you asked for."
Seeing the box in his hands, everyone's expressions changed.
On the box was an elegant, flowing letter Q.
That was the exclusive mark of the designer Master Queen!
Charlotte raised her hand slightly, signaling Jason to open it.
The box opened.
In an instant, a necklace identical to the one around Chloe's neck, but more brilliant and starry, appeared before everyone!