All the wealthy heirs began to fuss. "What friend? Is it a he or a she?"

"Mr. Lynch, are you in a secret relationship?"

"Why are you planning to announce your relationship at your birthday celebration? Who finally managed to win Mr. Lynch's affections?"

Nathan, smiling, said, "Quiet down, everyone. Don't scare her off!"

This remark shattered the remaining calm.

Adam sat on the sofa with Carly beside him. She smiled and asked, "Adam, do you think Nathan's friend could be Celine?"

Adam replied, "Of course it's Celine. Nate's completely smitten with her."

Melody was consumed by jealousy. It was notoriously difficult for outsiders to enter their social circle. However, Nathan's invitation to Celine, mirroring Adam's inclusion of Carly, demonstrated his high regard for her.

Adam wore a black button-up shirt and black slacks that evening. His handsome face remained impassive.

The door to the luxurious suite opened, and Celine entered.

Nathan immediately greeted her. "Celine, you're here."

Celine presented him with a gift bag. "Happy birthday, Mr. Lynch."

Nathan took the bag and led Celine to the sofa. "Celine, these are all my friends."

All eyes turned to Celine. "Mr. Lynch, we didn't know you were friends with an angel!"

"So Mr. Lynch likes angelic women."

"Hello, Ms. Angel."

Everyone greeted Celine warmly. She soon noticed Adam and Carly on the opposite sofa. Benjamin and Melody were also present, though their expressions were unpleasant; they stared at her intently. Another wealthy heir introduced them: "Ms. Angel, you've likely heard of Mr. Alvarez and Carly. They're the poster couple of our social circle."

Melody added, pointedly, "Adam and Carly have been together for many years, but some people keep trying to steal Adam from Carly. They really don't know their place!"

Celine knew Melody was humiliating her, but she couldn't respond. She had tested Adam the previous night, driven by competitiveness, by hinting at intimacy. He hadn't reacted. But today, he'd brought Carly to Nathan's party. Their devotion was evident.

Carly smiled at Celine, then at Adam. "Adam, I want some wine."

Adam frowned. "No alcohol for you. Drink milk instead."

Carly had a drinking problem. Adam always strictly controlled her alcohol consumption.

Everyone laughed. "Mr. Alvarez and Ms. Tate have such a strong relationship. How could anyone possibly take Mr. Alvarez away from her?" Benjamin and Melody's words were clearly aimed at Celine. Celine remained silent, sitting up straight. Melody opened her mouth to speak, but Adam's sharp gaze stopped her. He looked at Melody, then at the others.

"Enough," he said. "It's Nathan's birthday. Let's not focus on me."

The conversation shifted to Nathan. "Mr. Lynch, let's open presents. Let's see what Ms. Angel gave you."

Nathan barely glanced at the other gifts but eagerly examined Celine's present. Benjamin placed the gift bag on the table; Nathan took out the present