"What's so funny?" Gwenda asked, confused.

"Gwenda, that heroic save was amazing! If you were a guy, I'd definitely marry you," Hattie said, grinning. She held onto Gwenda's arm.

Gwenda shuddered. "Stop it! I'm a girl, and I like boys! Drop those ridiculous thoughts."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. From now on, I pledge my undying loyalty to repay you for saving my life," Hattie said, batting her eyelashes.

Gwenda rolled her eyes. "Be normal!"

"Fine"

Meanwhile, Otto said to Olivier, "Boss, Cecilia Kelly is here. Miss Evans is probably here too." He parked the car outside the hotel hosting the charity banquet. Getting out, he turned to Olivier.

Olivier raised an eyebrow but didn't respond.

Otto continued, "The organizer's auctioning off the 'Heart of the Ocean.' Interested?"

"The 'Heart of the Ocean'?" Olivier asked.

"Yes, the legendary necklace that supposedly makes someone fall in love with you if you gift it to them."

Olivier smiled. "Do people really believe that?"

"Apparently. Many are bidding tonight," Otto chuckled. "Boss, should we buy it for Miss Evans?"

Olivier's eyes glimmered. "Get it done."

Otto chuckled. "Yes, sir."

In the banquet hall, after announcing the banquet's commencement, the host invited Cecilia to perform. The audience, many of whom were Cecilia's fans, responded enthusiastically. As Cecilia's manager, Gwenda was approached by numerous CEOs seeking business partnerships.

In the distance, Gretchen watched, jealous. Her hand trembled as she gritted her teeth, clutching her wine glass. Justina noticed and asked worriedly, "Gretchen, are you okay?"

Gretchen shook her head, despondent. "I'm fine. My cheek just hurts."

"That's because I wasn't there! I wouldn't have let her hit you!" Justina said indignantly.

Gretchen offered a resigned smile. "What could you have done? In Gwenda's eyes, I'm the woman who stole her man. It's not unusual for her to hit me."

"Unusual? You and Mr. Morel are truly in love! She's the interloper!" Justina exclaimed angrily. "Gretchen, you're too kind! You're always bullied. This can't continue!"

"Forget it. Martin told me not to provoke her. I'll just avoid her in the future," Gretchen sighed.

Justina sighed sympathetically. "At least you have Mr. Morel now. Otherwise, you couldn't fight Gwenda, considering her tactics."

"My sister's changed. She's much more powerful. Look at her—she discovered Cecilia, and everyone wants to be near her. I can't compare," Gretchen said, feigning dejection.

Justina quickly comforted her. "Says who? You've always been talented! How can you say you can't compare? If she can discover Cecilia, your dad can help you debut. You sing and dance so well; you could be famous!"

"Help me debut?" Gretchen's eyes flickered with interest, a thought she hadn't considered before.