Chapter 689:

Cody’s interest was piqued. “Is it related to Rickey? What’s going on?”

Pearce hesitated, his expression troubled. “Victoria Bentley saw your performance today.”

“Victoria Bentley?” Cody’s surprise was evident. “Are you sure it was her?”

Elyse looked puzzled. “Who is she?”

Pearce nodded, turning to Elyse with an awkward look. “She was the blind date Grandma arranged for your father. She saw you in the audience and immediately approached my father and me, inviting you to a banquet hosted by her family.”

Elyse blinked. “And if I don’t go, what can she do?”

Pearce’s unease grew. “Actually, I’m working on a project that requires the Bentley family’s resources. The Bentleys have refused to cooperate with us since Uncle Rickey refused Victoria. She said if you attend, she would seriously consider partnering with us.”

Elyse’s eyes widened. “So my attendance could influence the project?”

Pearce nodded, looking helpless. “If you prefer not to go, that’s fine. Victoria seems to have her own agenda. She’s still holding a grudge that your father didn’t choose her and instead ended up with your mother.”

Elyse sighed, contemplating her options. “I’ll go. When is it?”

“Today,” Pearce said with a rueful smile.

Elyse was taken aback. “Today? That’s quite a coincidence.”

Pearce sighed, looking resigned. “Yes, Victoria planned to host a banquet at home right after the charity event. She didn’t expect to see you.”

Elyse felt a mix of emotions. Was Victoria really planning something against her?

“I want to go,” Elyse said after a moment of internal struggle. “Pearce, can you help me arrange it? I’m not sure I can handle this on my own.”

Cody’s face grew stern. “Are you sure about this? Victoria is quite unpleasant and has a sharp tongue. I’ve met her before.”

Elyse was surprised by Cody’s strong aversion to Victoria. She offered him a reassuring smile. “Mr. Tucker, I understand your concerns, but this is something I need to do as my father’s daughter.”

Reflecting on her father’s notebook, Elyse added softly, “As his daughter, I should face those old acquaintances of his that he couldn’t face on his behalf. It’s something I need to do for him.”

Cody’s resolve remained firm. “Really, you don’t have to do that for him.”

Elyse touched her nose, her voice tinged with guilt. “But I’m his daughter, and I’m more than willing.”

Cody looked deeply into Elyse’s eyes before finally letting out a weary sigh, his expression softening. “Rickey is so lucky to have had a daughter like you.” Sadly, Rickey wasn’t there to watch Elyse grow up.

Before Cody could change his mind, Elyse set off with Pearce to the dressing room to get ready.

When Elyse arrived at the banquet venue, the first person she ran into was Thea.

Thea looked at Elyse in disgust, as though the latter were a dead bug stuck to the sole of her shoe. “Why are you here? This is the Bentley family’s banquet. Do you even have an invitation?” . . .