CHAPTER 407: CHAPTER 407: NONE OF MY DAMN BUSINESS

The banquet had just started—

Anna Thornton, led by Finn Grant, met the direct lineage of the Hawthorne Family.

The banquet tables were divided into inner and outer circles, with the inner circle directly hosted by the Hawthorne Family.

Though the Hawthorne Family had been facing bad luck recently, they were still one of the four great families. Those invited to be personally hosted by them were also from the four great families, along with some influential figures they wanted to win over.

Like Conrad Sterling!

Anna, as Finn Grant’s companion, was quite honored to sit at the same table as Conrad Sterling.

Even more surreal was that their table also included Marilyn Ford and Wyatt Jagger.

Anna only learned through introductions that Wyatt Jagger had family ties with the Hawthorne Family. Wyatt’s aunt, Susan Jagger, was the wife of the Hawthorne family’s oldest son, and Rainie Hawthorne’s mother.

Being married into the Hawthorne Family for over twenty years indicated that Wyatt Jagger’s family was not lacking in wealth.

It seemed that these days, those entering the entertainment industry were all second-generation rich kids!

After sitting down, Anna noticed that Marilyn Ford was sitting right across from her, but the latter acted as if she didn’t see Anna.

Even Wyatt Jagger, sitting next to Marilyn Ford, kept his gaze away from Anna’s direction.

However, Anna felt that Wyatt was intentionally avoiding eye contact with her.

Whether it was due to the previous incident of drugging at the hotel or something else, he seemed quite unbothered when he slandered Anna in front of the media while promoting Marilyn Ford.

Next to Anna was an empty seat, and directly beside it sat Rainie Hawthorne.

And beside Rainie was Conrad Sterling.

What kind of surreal scene was this?

The ex-girlfriend sitting at the same table as the current girlfriend?

Ah, pfft! Anna was certainly not Conrad’s current girlfriend!

But clearly, she wasn’t the only one thinking this.

Finn Grant glared at Marilyn Ford, then cautiously glanced at Conrad Sterling, before leaning over to whisper a threatening note to Anna, "If you deliberately flirt with Sterling just to spite Marilyn Ford, I’ll flip this table!"

Anna: "??? Flirt my ass!"

Why would she deliberately anger Marilyn Ford?

What benefit would she gain from upsetting Marilyn Ford?

Anna was not someone who sought confrontation without reason; typically, if people didn’t mess with her, she wouldn’t mess with them.

Of course, she had no idea what Conrad Sterling was thinking.

Anyway, Anna had no intention of dealing with him lately. If the man tried to force himself into the conversation, she’d simply splash a bowl of hot soup at him.

Plus, Conrad was Rainie’s date for the evening, any rivalry would be between the other two women. What did it have to do with her?

Anna had her thoughts confirmed, as Marilyn Ford looked puzzled seeing Conrad standing next to Rainie Hawthorne.

Marilyn had never quite gotten over Conrad Sterling, even after their breakup.

Despite her pride, she couldn’t resist subtly seeking information about him.

So, it was natural for Marilyn to hear about Rainie’s deliberate approach and affection for Conrad.

Could it be that Conrad was no longer with Anna, but was now closer to Rainie?

Rainie Hawthorne, as a versatile female business mogul, admired President Sterling unabashedly. Even in front of Marilyn, her smile was sincere.

Though aware of Marilyn’s discontent.

Still, regardless of your past ties with President Sterling, it was in the past.

Moreover, in your favored position, you never openly acknowledged it.

Which woman wouldn’t feel pity for President Sterling’s past misplaced loyalty?

Even if you regret breaking up now, you have no standing to interfere with his other romantic pursuits.

Rainie, rational and straightforward in pursuing men, carried no burden.

It’s said the Hawthorne family offended the Ford Family in the past; inviting Marilyn was less about reconciliation than maintaining peace among the four great families.

After attending to most of the guests, Rainie didn’t start eating immediately.

Instead, she looked around, as if waiting for someone.

Finally seeing the person she was waiting for, Rainie immediately stood up, rushing to greet the pink silhouette entering the door, "Miss Osborne, I’ve been waiting so long for you! You’re finally here!"

Riley Osborne hesitated for a long time after receiving the invitation.

She put Ethan Hawthorne in jail, logically, the Hawthorne Family should despise her.

But surprisingly, they invited her to a charity banquet, issuing several calls to her company as a VIP, sincerely expressing apologies on behalf of Ethan’s relatives, asking her to give them a chance to make amends.

Though Riley wasn’t very experienced, she was not naive either.

She knew the Hawthorne Family’s actions were simply for show, aiming to pacify public outrage.

Her agent advised her not to attend, and Riley didn’t want to give these people an opportunity to use her to restore their reputation.

But hearing Conrad Sterling would attend, she couldn’t resist and came anyway!

Ultimately unable to control herself, wanting to be closer to him.

Even if it was just for the duration of a charity banquet!

Rainie personally hosted Riley Osborne, inviting her to the inner circle, seating her beside herself.

This made their table even more surreal!

Anna caught a glimpse of Conrad Sterling, just a quick glance.

Wow, with new flames and old loves all gathered, President Sterling really kept his cool!

"Miss Osborne, I propose a toast to you!"

Before starting the banquet, Rainie poured a glass of wine for Riley Osborne, sincerely stating, "Actually, as a representative, I use this drink to apologize on behalf of the entire Hawthorne Family for letting Ethan Hawthorne become such an awful person. Our family has been deeply reflecting and feeling guilty during this time, hoping for your forgiveness!"

This gesture from Rainie took Riley Osborne by surprise.

Drinking this glass would symbolize letting bygones be bygones?

Furthermore, regarding the effects amidst so many media reporters and business dignitaries, Riley didn’t know what consequences might follow, she wasn’t sure whether she should accept.

Her eyes swept across the table seeking help, finally landing on Anna Thornton.

Anna: "..." Meow meow meow?

Why look at me? What’s it got to do with me?

Anna quietly grabbed a piece of watermelon from her plate and ate.

In reality, Riley Osborne mainly wasn’t sure about President Sterling’s next plan and intentions.

She dared not rashly accept Rainie’s offer, nor hastily forgive them.

Especially since the first time she sued Ethan Hawthorne, the Hawthorne Family had used their power to exert great pressure on her.

How clever was Rainie Hawthorne?

Not drinking the wine she offered? No problem!

Rainie, to express apology, drank it herself!

But then, Hawthorne family members lined up one by one with wine cups to apologize to Riley, seeking her forgiveness.

Refusing one person’s face could she refuse so many faces?

And these people were of various ages, even a seventy-year-old white-haired elder staggered in front of Riley, cursing his failure to raise his grandson properly. His lament was heart-wrenching, nearly causing him to faint; what could Riley do?

She couldn’t simply let the elderly faint before her and call for emergency services; if something went wrong, she couldn’t bear the responsibility. Hence, she had to drink the wine!

After the first glass, then a child offered the second one, could she not drink it too?

Riley could only drink glass after glass until she couldn’t take it anymore and headed to the restroom to vomit.

Shortly after Riley left the table, Conrad Sterling suddenly stood up.

Anna’s eyelid inadvertently twitched...