In the banquet hall, after Loretta presented her gift, she thought the ordeal was over. At such a birthday banquet, one wouldn't usually bring a present unless they had a close relationship with the birthday person. Then, she heard Robert's wife, Venus, say, "I prepared a present for Michelle as well."

Michelle appeared touched, replying, "You're very kind."

"It's just a token of appreciation," Venus said, retrieving a gift box from her exquisite pouch. Unveiling it, she continued, "I noticed you never wear anything on your wrist, so, like Loretta, I've chosen a bracelet especially for you. Take a look; do you like it?"

Venus presented a sapphire bracelet, instantly the center of attention. Its cost was clearly far beyond Loretta's gift. Even Loretta was captivated.

"Won't you try it on?" Venus urged.

"This is too expensive," Michelle demurred.

"Not at all. You're so magnificent today; even this bracelet isn't enough to complement you," Venus said pointedly. It sounded innocuous, yet Loretta fidgeted nervously, her face flushing. Venus's remark subtly disparaged Loretta's bracelet, implying its unsuitability for Michelle.

"You're embarrassing me," Michelle said shyly.

"Come, let me put it on you."

"Thank you." In front of the guests, she couldn't refuse.

With both bracelets on her wrists, the disparity was obvious: Loretta's was ordinary and unpresentable. Loretta felt acutely awkward.

"You know what? It complements your crown perfectly," Venus continued, showering Michelle with praise. "I can't believe my precious son has such good taste."

"Did Oscar pick this?"

Oscar was absent, attending to business with his brothers. Hannah, however, happened to glance in his direction. Their eyes met; he seemed to have been watching her. Hannah quickly looked away, resuming her conversation.

"I didn't expect Oscar to be so thoughtful, even accompanying you on shopping trips. Most boys his age would stop hanging out with their parents," Michelle remarked.

"Only immature and insensitive ones. My Charles always accompanies me when he's free," Loretta countered, praising her son.

"So, he chose the present?" Venus asked innocently. Her harmless demeanor couldn't mask the awkwardness Loretta and Charles felt. Discerning guests saw the inadequacy of their chosen bracelet compared to Michelle's aura.

"Charles has been busy. He participated in 'the Selection of Outstanding and Influential Youths' yesterday," Loretta interjected, trying to change the subject.

"Oscar was there too," Hannah replied curtly, spoiling Loretta's attempt.

"He's lucky. He's never serious; his father and I never held high hopes for him," Venus said nonchalantly, subtly belittling Charles's achievement. The implication was clear: Oscar, despite his lack of seriousness, had achieved the same as Charles's hard work. Hannah barely concealed a smile. Was this a harmless whim, or a carefully crafted scheme?

Loretta skillfully avoided further discussion, pulling her daughter aside. "Martina, didn't you want to speak with Hannah?"

Martina, despite her makeup concealing her emotions, was reluctant to apologize. Overwhelmed by her family's persuasion, she appeared, expecting to see her mother publicly embarrass Hannah; instead, they faced a barrage of sarcastic comments. She was deeply frustrated, yet still forced to apologize. Reluctantly fidgeting, she was pinched by Loretta, out of sight.

Martina, recognizing the social implications, smiled as Loretta said, "Martina was simply jealous, thinking Hannah was taking her brother. Feeling remorseful, she wants to apologize."

Hannah was amazed by Loretta's words, which both portrayed Martina as jealous and framed her daughter's apology as an act of pure kindness. Hannah watched silently.

Martina, with a pitiful expression, said, "Hannah, I'm sorry. I was afraid you'd take my brother, but you'll just add another person who loves me."

Hannah found the words absurd. She realized Martina was utterly insincere, revealing a depth of malice she hadn't previously perceived.

Hannah feigned geniality, "I know you didn't mean it."

A sarcastic glint flashed in Martina's eyes. She resented apologizing but felt disdain at Hannah's easy belief. She plotted further schemes against Hannah.

"Martina smashed Susan's phone," Hannah revealed unexpectedly.

Martina stiffened, shocked by Hannah's boldness.

"What?" Edward, hearing his daughter's name, was perplexed.

"Mr. Phillips, it's a minor misunderstanding," Hannah explained righteously. "Since Martina apologized, she should apologize to Susan too."