Chapter 716

Liza stood frozen, her mouth agape. The message was clear: with the Osborne, Mathis, and Potter families backing Debra, she was untouchable.

Those who had originally planned to attend the Nichols’ engagement party quickly reconsidered. With Seamar City’s most influential figures heading to the Houstons’ event, where else would anyone of importance be?

Meanwhile, inside the grand Maple Hotel, Melody frowned as she noticed the dwindling number of guests. “Where is everyone going?”

A servant approached her cautiously. “Mrs. Nichols Sr., many of the guests have excused themselves and gone out. Something big might be happening next door.”

Melody took a deep breath. “I’ll go take a look.”

Despite the Nichols family’s high status in Seamar City, it seemed like the only people left at their engagement party were their business partners.

Storming outside, she was met with the sight of a steady stream of guests heading toward the Houstons’ party. Her anger flared. She snapped at a nearby security guard, “What is going on here? Did you mistreat the guests?”

The guard explained, “It’s not our fault, ma’am. Mr. Andrew Potter, Miss Mathis, and Mr. Osborne all went to the Houston family’s event, so…”

If all these prominent figures in Seamar City gathered at the Houston family’s party, few would be willing to attend the Nichols’ party.

Sophie tried to soothe her. “Mrs. Nichols Sr., don’t worry. Many of your friends and the ladies from Plaso are here.”

Those businessmen weren’t foolish. To curry favor with both sides, some sent their wives to the neighboring banquet to show their goodwill.

Before Melody could cool down, a luxury van pulled up in front of the Royal Grand Hotel. The crowd buzzed with excitement as a handsome man stepped out, removing his sunglasses to reveal a face that was instantly recognizable.

Michael’s striking good looks made him a sensation, especially among wealthy women. Many of the rich ladies present couldn’t resist the allure, flocking to the other venue to catch a glimpse of the heartthrob.

Alongside him stood Oscar, who had recently been in the spotlight. With these two leading men at the Houston family’s event, most of the women at the Maple Hotel left the party.

Melody couldn’t contain her anger. “The Houstons are going too far.” They had stolen all the guests, and the news would definitely cover this.

One of the hotel staff rushed up and whispered something to Melody. Melody’s expression grew even darker. “What? What happened to the dress?”

The maid hesitated. “Ma’am, you should come inside and see for yourself.”

Melody hurried back inside and saw Shelia descending the staircase. When her eyes landed on Shelia’s dress, she almost fainted from rage.