Chapter 170

Three days later, the night of the Top Ten Wealthy Families' party arrived. This year, the party was held at the Weston family manor; the Westons being the leading family.

The manor was lavishly decorated: colorful lights, balloons, ribbons, and flowers adorned every space. All the Westons' bodyguards and servants, along with Tobias and Thomas, were dressed for the occasion. A lively, festive atmosphere filled the manor.

Guests from the ten wealthy families, accompanied by celebrities, arrived. Among them were Denton, the Carters, Gilmore, Claire, the Fosters, and Christine. Mr. Johnson and the Weston servants ushered guests into the main building.

The mansion was palatial. The interior lighting was dazzling, the décor extremely luxurious. The vast, circular hall could accommodate hundreds of people. Delicious food, champagne, fruit, sushi, and more were plentiful.

Guests entered the hall, accepting champagne from servants before mingling. The wealthy and famous attendees projected an air of pride and dignity. Denton greeted other patriarchs; David, his wife, Christopher, and his husband discussed business with the next generation of wealthy family leaders. Younger family members networked. Everyone socialized, except Gilmore.

Holding a champagne flute, Gilmore stood in a quiet corner, observing the gathering. He wasn't socially awkward; rather, he sensed danger lurking beneath the party's lively facade. He'd foreseen tonight's events using his "God's Eye" ability and was prepared for the Weston family's scheme.

A melodious dance song began. Young men invited women to dance. Soon, couples filled the dance floor. Gilmore remembered Christine was present and, wanting to dance with his "girlfriend," searched for her.

He spotted her amidst the crowd. Her long, shiny hair cascaded down her shoulders. Even from a distance, her profile was captivating. She wore a white dress, elegant and ethereal. Stunning even amongst other elegantly dressed women, she was about to be approached by Gilmore, when Tobias arrived instead.

Christine had attracted many suitors upon entering the hall. Tobias, having observed her rejecting others, confidently approached her.

"Christine, you're radiant tonight!" he complimented, believing himself charming and sophisticated.

Christine calmly replied, "Thank you, Mr. Weston."

Nearby women chuckled. "Mr. Weston, you're trying to ask her to dance, aren't you? She's refused several others. Give it up! If you fail, we'd be happy to dance with you."

While heavily made-up, these women were beautiful, far surpassing average women. But Christine's ethereal beauty outshone them. Their interest in Tobias was transparent: he was the Weston heir. They sought to secure a prominent match.

Tobias declined their offers. "Beautiful ladies, I'm sorry. I only wish to dance with Christine." He bowed and extended his hand.

To his surprise, Christine refused. She wasn't interested in dancing, especially not with the glib and persistent Tobias. He was stunned; his pride wounded by her rejection.

The other women commiserated, expressing disappointment that he had rejected their offers. Tobias quickly composed himself, maintaining his composure as a top family heir.

"Christine, since you don't wish to dance, perhaps a drink?" he offered, presenting her with champagne.

Christine, repulsed by his persistence, politely declined. She turned and left, searching for someone in the crowd. "Can't I see him?" She was looking for Gilmore, her fake boyfriend.

(Note: The final sentence is incomplete in the original text. The last part, "10+83%," appears to be unrelated formatting.)