He was still dressed in a black, impeccably tailored suit, his handsome face taut, his expression icy. Everyone knew that the second and fourth young masters of the Horne family were indifferent individuals. People had long grown accustomed to his particular coldness. His handsome appearance, combined with his status as the Horne family's fourth young master, had captivated many young heiresses.

Unfortunately, his frosty demeanor meant he wouldn't speak, no matter who tried to cozy up to him. He merely held his wine glass and drank silently.

The women, finding their efforts fruitless, turned their attention to the third and fifth young masters instead. This left the identical twins so busy they hardly had a moment to breathe, and they occasionally cast resentful glances toward James Horne.

Glades Horne made a brief appearance at the start of the Wine Party, but he vanished afterward. No one knew where he had secluded himself, much to the disappointment of the executives eager to network with him.

Julia Bluen wove through the crowd, searching for Glades Horne. When she couldn't find him inside the house, she headed for the Courtyard.

"Mrs. Horne." Suddenly, a fashionably dressed and rather flamboyantly attired young woman blocked Julia Bluen's path in the Courtyard. While most women at the event wore dignified and elegant evening gowns, this particular woman stood out in her provocative attire, capturing the attention of numerous gentlemen.

"Hello," Julia Bluen said, halting and responding politely.

The young woman also held a glass of red wine, about two-thirds full. She possessed a tall, slender figure much like Julia's, captivating at first glance. Her short dress revealed long, shapely legs clad in black stockings, adding to her allure, while seven-inch heels further accentuated her already towering frame. Her delicate features retained a youthful charm, yet also possessed the allure of a mature woman. Pendant earrings adorned her pretty earlobes, and a glittering necklace graced her slender, pale neck. She wore several rings on her slim fingers, though only one was a diamond.

Julia Bluen didn't recognize her.

"Hello, I'm Lily Garcia, Jasmine's sister. I married and moved to France three years ago but recently returned after my divorce."

"Miss Garcia, hello," Julia Bluen replied. She knew the Garcias were neighbors of the Horne family, and her mother-in-law, Mila Anderson, was particularly fond of Jasmine Garcia. Mila seemed to hope Jasmine would marry Glades Horne. Fortunately, Jasmine wasn't interested in Glades; otherwise, Julia would be facing not only Orlando Evans as the other woman but also Jasmine Garcia as yet another.

"If Mrs. Horne doesn't mind, may we talk?" Lily Garcia gazed at Julia Bluen, her smile tinged with jealousy and sarcasm, as if she considered herself more attractive than Julia.

Julia Bluen arched an eyebrow. She had only just met Lily Garcia and could hardly call her an acquaintance, let alone a friend. What could Lily possibly want to discuss? Still, she nodded with considerable patience and politeness.

Lily Garcia smiled, a smug look crossing her face as if she knew Julia would agree to her request.

Turning, she took a glass of red wine from a servant's hand for Julia Bluen and offered it to her.

"Miss, Mrs. Horne cannot drink alcohol," the servant exclaimed, seeing Lily Garcia hand the wine to Julia. Before Julia could react, the servant hurriedly snatched the glass from Lily's hand.

Mrs. Horne was pregnant. Before Mr. Horne disappeared, he had given strict orders: if Mrs. Horne attended the Wine Party, they were to take exceptional care of her and ensure she didn't consume even a drop of alcohol, as it could harm the fetus.

They were, of course, to follow Mr. Horne's command strictly.

"What's wrong? Can't Mrs. Horne hold her liquor? That doesn't seem right. After all, the Bluen family is a prominent wealthy family. Which young lady from such a family hasn't attended various wine parties? Who can't handle a few glasses of red wine? How can Mrs. Horne..." Lily Garcia let her words trail off, the mockery in her eyes now even more apparent.

What exactly did this woman want? Why was she being so openly sarcastic? Julia Bluen wondered, unable to recall any instance where she might have offended Lily Garcia.

"Miss Garcia, I'm pregnant, so I shouldn't drink. Please understand," Julia Bluen said with a faint smile. Then, turning to the servant, she added, "Red, a glass of warm water will be fine for me." Her expression betrayed none of her annoyance, despite being quite displeased by Lily Garcia's words.

Until she understood the other woman's intentions, she couldn't afford to reveal her true feelings.

Lily Garcia's jealousy, however, was the most blatant of all. Since she enjoyed being envious so much, then let her be consumed by it.

Upon hearing Julia was pregnant, Lily Garcia's smile did indeed stiffen, the jealousy in her eyes becoming even more vivid.

"One moment, Mrs. Horne," Red replied respectfully, turning to fetch the warm water.

Lily Garcia's envious gaze fell upon Julia Bluen's flat abdomen. Though a smile remained on her face, her tone was self-mocking as she said, "Mrs. Horne, you truly are fortunate, getting pregnant so soon after marriage. I was married for three years and never conceived. Not that I particularly wanted to, mind you. So, my husband found another woman, and that's why we divorced."

Julia Bluen just smiled faintly, not responding much.

They walked to a long stone bench and sat down. As the Courtyard was crowded, temporary mahogany tea tables had been placed in front of all the stone benches for guests to rest their drinks.

After the two were seated, Red brought the warm water Julia Bluen had requested.

After placing the warm water in front of Julia, Red positioned herself behind her and remained there.

Lily Garcia shot Red a sidelong glance and said sarcastically, "What, are you afraid I'm going to eat your precious Mrs. Horne?"

Julia Bluen also turned, smiling at Red. "Red, you can go about your duties. We don't want Uncle Ying accusing you of slacking off later."

Red remained unfazed by Lily Garcia's remark. Hearing Julia, however, she responded with utmost respect, smiling as she said, "Don't worry, Mrs. Horne. Uncle Ying himself asked me to stay by your side and look after you. He mentioned there are many guests tonight and was concerned someone might accidentally bump into you."