The entire downstairs hall, and even the areas at the front and back of the villa, were decorated with fresh flowers and bright lights for the guests. However, the upstairs master bedroom was private; usually, no one entered without permission.
When Sandra arrived upstairs, she claimed to be Mia's classmate and asked to see Mia. Knowing Mia was in a bad mood, the servant allowed Sandra entry.
In the bedroom, Mia was exquisitely dressed, but no amount of makeup could conceal her furious expression. When Sandra entered, Mia, assuming it was a servant, coldly commanded, "Get out!"
Sandra retorted, "Look at you! You ruined a good plan. Why would you do that?"
Hearing this, Mia turned and saw the uninvited Sandra. She sneered, "We're both in the same boat. You have no right to lecture me. Or, rather, you do have Kenneth. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here with your current standing." Mia's words were laced with sarcasm.
Sandra remained calm, walking to the dressing table. She picked up a blush and gently applied it to Mia's face, enhancing her already exquisite makeup. Then, she said, "If you give up now, you'll truly lose. Can't you find another way?" Her words held a deeper meaning.
Mia frowned. "What do you mean?"
Sandra replied, "Look in the mirror."
In the mirror, Mia saw a beautiful, elegant woman. She subconsciously relaxed, her anger subsiding as she admired her reflection. "Yes," she murmured, "I almost forgot… before Tiffany, I was considered the most beautiful."
Sandra leaned in, whispering, "With your family background and looks, any man would be lucky to have you. Haven't you always admired Richard? Find a way to win him over. As the glamorous Mrs. Hampton, ruling Lovell City, even your father would bend to your will."
"Mrs. Hampton…" Mia's eyes lit up. "Exactly! If I get what I want, who would dare challenge me for the family assets? That mistress wouldn't dare flaunt herself!"
"But… how can I get close to him?" Mia asked. Richard was notoriously unapproachable.
"That depends on your abilities," Sandra smiled enigmatically, offering only an idea, leaving the execution to Mia. Many women dreamed of Richard, but Sandra knew she herself lacked the courage to approach such a dangerous man; Kenneth was far easier to manipulate.
"Good luck," Sandra said, patting Mia's shoulder and leaving with a smug smile. She hoped Mia would succeed with Richard, or at least prevent Tiffany from getting ahead.
Downstairs, Sandra chatted with other young ladies. Soon, Mia descended, bright and smiling, instead of distraught. Conner, toasting with his new wife, smiled in satisfaction.
The wedding banquet began, celebrating Conner's marriage (a high-profile affair at his age) and introducing Mason. Amidst the festivities, a commotion erupted at the door.
Someone shouted, "Mr. Hampton is here!"
The guests buzzed as Richard Hampton's car arrived. He entered, exuding an aura of power and calm. Conner was astounded; Richard rarely attended such events.
Mia was overjoyed. She'd been contemplating how to approach him, and here he was! Could he have come because of her family?
Richard, impeccably dressed, greeted the guests politely. He then walked to a table that wasn't yet full, and sat down. Charlie, surprised to find himself seated next to the powerful Richard Hampton, was about to move when Richard greeted him.
"Mr. Kelley, long time no see."
Charlie, slightly confused, greeted Richard, then instructed his family to do the same.
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