Chapter 43 Trouble Arises at the Reunion Banquet
Aurora's phone wasn't in her hand at all; she was in her room changing clothes and putting on makeup.
Dean made several calls, but no one answered.
The onlookers were gossiping, looking at Dean with disdain.
Everyone in the social circle knew that White Group was going bankrupt. Dean didn't have an invitation but still wanted to barge in, which everyone saw as an attempt to cozy up and seek investment.
Who would want to invest in a small company like White Group?
Dean's face turned completely red with embarrassment.
The security guard sneered. "If you don't leave, we'll have to throw you out. Do you even know where you are? Today, Mr. Kevin Robinson is hosting a banquet for his adopted daughter. If anyone dares to cause trouble, they'll have to face the consequences of offending Mr. Kevin Robinson."
The news that Dean was stopped by security reached Aurora's ears. Jack, standing nearby, scoffed. "How shameless. When they sever ties, they said it was for good. Now they're trying to suck up again. Aurora, you can't let them in."
Aurora frowned. She hadn't expected Dean to actually come.
Kevin walked in at this moment and asked Aurora, "Aurora, how do you want to handle this?"
After all, it was a personal grudge between Aurora and Dean, so it was up to Aurora to decide.
However, Dean's actions today were indeed looked down upon.
He had been so afraid of being implicated that he cut off his father-daughter relationship with Aurora overnight. Now, he wanted to reconcile, just to take advantage of Aurora.He was truly selfish.
Aurora pondered for a moment and said calmly, "Let them in."
"Alright." Kevin respected Aurora's decision and immediately went to have Dean brought in.
Kevin also admired Aurora's approach. If Dean caused a scene at the door and weren't let in, it would damage Aurora's reputation.
Inviting him in openly would only embarrass Dean.
Seeing Dean severing ties one moment and clinging on the next, people would only say Dean was selfish, not Aurora.
Jack was unhappy. "Aurora, why are you letting him in?"
"If I don't, I'll be labeled as ungrateful and be criticized," Aurora said with a self-deprecating smile. "Dean is counting on that, which is why he dared to come."
"How insidious," Jack said angrily, "Aurora, no matter what he says, you can't agree to it. If it comes to it, I'll pay back the money for my treatment once I get my bonus."
Realizing he had said too much, Jack quickly shut up.
"What bonus?" Aurora questioned, "Jack, have you been racing behind my back again?"
"No," Jack quickly thought of an excuse. "I designed a car for a friend. He said if it wins first place, there's a million-dollar prize."
Aurora knew Jack loved cars and designed models in his spare time.
"You're not lying to me?"
"Absolutely not." Jack changed the subject. "Aurora, I'll go keep an eye on him so he doesn't cause more trouble."
"Alright." Aurora believed him for now. She didn't want Dean to cause any more issues either.
Aurora was in high spirits today. On such an important day, she still hoped John would come.
"Aurora."
Sophia rushed in excitedly. "Congratulations! After today, you'll be the adopted daughterr of the Robinson family. Let's see who dares to bully you now."
Sophia handed over a gift box. "A present for you."
Aurora smiled. "Thank you."
"By the way, where's your boyfriend? Isn't he here yet?"
Aurora's tone was disappointed. "John is working; he can't make it."
"How can he miss such an important day?" Sophia noticed Aurora's unhappy expression and teased. "Maybe he's planning a surprise for you. Important people always make a grand entrance."
Sophia's words made Aurora a bit hopeful.
As the reunion banquet was about to start, Sophia headed to the hall first.
Aurora, feeling a bit bored, decided to take a walk in the back garden.
The guests were all in the front hall, which was very lively. Aurora could hear the noise from the back garden.
The closer it got to the start of the banquet, the more nervous Aurora became.
"Aurora, why are you still here?"
Ashley found her. "The banquet is about to start. Come on, let's go to the front hall."
"Alright."
"Don't be nervous, just relax," Ashley said, gently patting Aurora's hand. "By the way, Mr. Lewis is here, too."
"Mr. Lewis?"
Aurora was quite surprised.
Why was that man here?
Ashley observed Aurora's expression and smiled. "For such a big event, of course, Mr. Lewis would come."
Ashley implied that Mr. Lewis had his eyes on Aurora, so he had to come for her.
Aurora didn't understand Ashley's implication and thought Mr. Lewis was here for Kevin and the Robinson family.
The Robinson family was a top-tier family, one of the four major families in Silvercrest City. Even if they couldn't match the Lewis family, the Robinson family had made such a big deal out of this event that political and business elites were all here. It made sense for the Lewis family to send someone.
Aurora nodded, and Ashley was pleased, thinking Mr. Lewis indeed valued Aurora.
In the front hall, the lights were dazzling, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers.
Men gathered in groups, holding wine glasses and chatting, while women clustered together, laughing and competing in beauty.
The sound of piano music flowed like a stream, and the entire hall suddenly quieted down. All the lights and eyes turned to the staircase on the second floor.
Under the sparkling crystal chandelier, Aurora, in a starry long gown, walked down the stairs with Ashley, each step elegant and noble.
All the brilliance seemed to gather on her, as if she were a celestial being descending to earth.
In her presence, the stars and lights dimmed, her slightly curled long hair moving as if carried by the wind, enveloped in starlight.
Everyone at the banquet held their breath, stunned by Aurora's beauty.
The internet had been buzzing for days about "Kevin adopting a goddaughter," leading to much speculation about who the lucky girl was.
People had imagined what she might look like, but seeing her in person was still breathtaking.
She was stunning.
Every gesture was like a rare orchid blooming in a secluded valley.
The men were mesmerized, and the women were both envious.
The most jealous was Emily.
She had begged Daniel to bring her, and now, seeing everyone captivated by Aurora, she felt her jealousy surge like a tidal wave.
Daniel beside her was staring without blinking.
Emily called his name several times, but he didn't respond, making her even angrier. Her gaze at Aurora was filled with venom.
'Let you bask in the limelight for now; you'll be humiliated later.' Emily thought.
In a room on the second floor, John's eyes were also fixed on Aurora.
He had always known Aurora was beautiful, but at this moment, he wished he could hide her away and gouge out the eyes of those staring at her.
Todd, sensing the sudden drop in temperature, immediately knew someone was jealous again.
A man's possessiveness was truly terrifying.
Kevin observed everyone's reactions, glanced at the second floor, and then spoke loudly on stage, "First, I'd like to thank and welcome everyone for attending the banquet."
The audience applauded.
Ashley led Aurora onto the stage. Aurora smiled and took Kevin's arm. Kevin looked at Aurora with fatherly love, making them seem like a real family.
Dean's face turned livid, and he looked away.
Kevin continued with a smile, "This is my adopted daughter, Aurora. I've never had a daughter, and from today on, Aurora will be like my own. I solemnly promise that no matter who Aurora marries in the future, I will give her three percent of Robinson Group's shares as a dowry."
Three percent of the shares?
The crowd was shocked.
Three percent of Robinson Group's shares would be worth billions a year.