Chapter 714

Business magnates, real estate tycoons, and A-list celebrities alike gathered, each vying for a coveted invitation. The streets were jammed with high-end cars, creating a traffic gridlock that made it nearly impossible to pass through.

The Royal Grand Hotel and the Maple Hotel were competitors, to begin with. Now their rivalry extended even to their security teams and ushers. Each team was determined to outshine the other, their bespoke uniforms a testament to their competitive spirit. The underground parking lots had been expanded to accommodate the flood of guests.

From a distance, passersby whispered among themselves.

“Both families are throwing engagement parties today. Attending either will land you offending the other.”

“I think the Nichols have the upper hand. They’re the top dogs in Seamar City. Who would dare disrespect them?”

“I heard Mr. Houston Sr. spent over 100 million dollars on this engagement party.”

“What? 100 million?”

No one had expected the Houstons to pull off such an extravagant event. And this was just an engagement party. Undoubtedly, the cost of the wedding would be sky-high.

Just then, two socialites stepped out of a luxury car. One of them, dressed in a black high-end gown, wrinkled her nose in disdain as she surveyed the grand entrance to the Royal Grand Hotel.

“Hmph, this Debra is nothing but a divorcée, and yet the Houstons think so highly of her.”

Her companion, Cathryn, glanced at the massive engagement photos of Marion and Debra displayed at the hotel entrance. Jealousy clawed at her chest, a bitter taste filling her mouth.

“Well, that’s because Marion likes her.”

She had traveled all the way here to Seamar City, but the only thing she ever got from him was a monthly allowance. He never even said a word to her, much less agreed to meet in person.

It stung deeply. After all, she had met Marion and fallen for him long ago. Yet he decided to marry another woman.

“Ugh, I heard Debra’s family is bankrupt now, too,” Liza Eaton snorted. “Her family probably won’t even have anyone to send as support.”

Her loud voice attracted the attention of those nearby. Cathryn turned pale, her eyes darting nervously.

“Liza, come on, say no more.”

Liza shrugged nonchalantly. “What’s a bride without any family to back her up? She’ll be a joke. Mr. Houston’s giving her this massive engagement party, and she probably can’t even afford a gift in return.”

This engagement party cost 100 million dollars. Without a proper gift to present, Debra would become a laughingstock. In their elite circle, reputation was everything. If Debra’s family had fallen from grace, she’d be nothing more than an embarrassment to the Houston family.

Worst still, Debra had recently resigned from the McKinney Group. She was now a downright fallen heiress. It was already fortunate that she didn’t bring debt into the marriage. Expecting her to bring value was just unrealistic.

“I heard the former president of the Fraizer Group was sent to prison,” Liza added. “I bet Debra won’t be anything special. Maybe I’ll head over to Nichols’ party.”

Her words caused the surrounding guests to reconsider their options. Many were invited to both parties, and now they were unsure which one to attend.

Just then, the sound of several engines revving filled the air, and a car sped straight toward Liza’s vehicle.