Chapter 331 - 329: Invitation

Estelle hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly. "I was just thinking... Charles and I have grown up with this kind of relationship, this pattern, our whole lives. Even in high school and college, I don’t think I ever really thought about... this aspect of it."

"Mostly because no other girls ever liked him, or at least, none ever confessed to him. He always wore those thick glasses and just looked kind of dorky and out of it."

"But things are different now. Girls are starting to like him, so I feel like it’s really not right for me to act the way I used to. I should have some self-awareness."

It was rare to see Estelle speak so seriously about something, so Cecilia and Blair both quieted down to let her finish.

She let out a soft sigh, her gaze drifting to the side, focused on nothing in particular. With a wistful expression, she continued, "What that girl said earlier wasn’t completely without reason. I’m not his girlfriend, so what right do I have to order him around? And why should he have to be so good to me?"

"At the end of the day, Mr. Jennings works for my dad. But Charles doesn’t. He’s just Mr. Jennings’s son, not my servant."

"I think it’s best if I start maintaining some boundaries. I don’t want to be the reason he can’t date someone else."

After listening to her explanation, Cecilia and Blair couldn’t help but exchange a glance.

Blair didn’t know much about the history between the two of them, so she didn’t add anything else.

Cecilia, on the other hand, understood what Estelle was feeling. ’It seems she really has no romantic feelings for Charles, at least not yet,’ she thought. ’Otherwise, she wouldn’t be reacting like this.’

So Cecilia nodded. "If that’s what you’re planning to do, I support you."

’From her perspective, their relationship over the past decade or so has been too close. They aren’t lovers, but they’re even closer than friends. Their dynamic lacks any flexibility or room to breathe.’

’If something could create a temporary separation, allowing them both to step back and re-examine their relationship from a distance, it might lead to a different outcome.’

With Cecilia’s support, Estelle’s resolve hardened. "I’ll handle this properly."

Around noon, Cecilia suddenly received a call from James Lockwood.

"President Lockwood, to what do I owe the pleasure? Don’t tell me you have another new project you want me to invest in, do you?" Cecilia answered, her tone teasing.

Cecilia had genuinely come to accept James Lockwood. He had, after all, played a crucial role in helping her build her current network in Lorcain.

She was always one to repay a kindness, so whenever James Lockwood approached her, she was always generous.

"You’re joking, Miss Sterling," James Lockwood said with a laugh. "I can’t call you about investments every single time. If I did, you’d start avoiding me like I was a debt collector bringing the plague."

Before Cecilia could ask any further, James Lockwood got to the point. "Here’s the thing, Miss Sterling. I’ve noticed you haven’t attended any public functions in a while. There’s an internet industry gala this evening, and I was wondering if you might be interested?"

"An internet industry gala?"

"That’s right. It’s an official event focused on new media and online engagement. The attendees are all industry insiders, along with a lot of A-list celebrities and top influencers who have both fame and a massive following. Are you interested, Miss Sterling?"

Cecilia chuckled softly. "To be honest... it doesn’t sound that interesting."

James Lockwood chuckled at her response. "I know you prefer to keep a low profile, Miss Sterling. You can rest assured, all the media present today were invited by our company. We’ll make sure to edit you out of any photos or videos before the press releases go out."

"Nobody goes to these things just for the drinks; the networking is what’s crucial. You, of all people, should know how to benefit from an event like this, Miss Sterling. It would be a real shame if you didn’t come."

James Lockwood didn’t spell it out, but Cecilia understood his underlying meaning.

’She had met her brother and even Mr. Young at similar functions.’

’If you want to expand your network, you have to put yourself out there. That’s the absolute minimum!’

"Since you put it that way, President Lockwood, I won’t refuse. Send me the time and address. If an invitation is required, you can have a local courier deliver it to my university."

"Of course, no problem."

"Oh, right!" Cecilia suddenly thought of Blair and quickly added, "I’d like to bring my best friend along. Is that okay?"

"Of course. Anything for you, Miss Sterling."

And so, Cecilia received two invitations.

"An internet industry gala?" The moment Blair heard Cecilia was taking her to the event that evening, her immediate instinct was to refuse. "I’ll pass. I’ve never been to anything like that before!"

"I asked for a second invitation specifically for you!" Cecilia said, looking at Blair earnestly. "There’s a first time for everything. A lot of top-tier influencers will be there today, so you have to go. At the very least, it will broaden your horizons. You’re a streamer now, which, let’s be honest, makes you an influencer too."

Blair looked completely opposed to the idea. Ask her to get in a ring and fight, and she wouldn’t hesitate for a second. But a party that required evening gowns and schmoozing over drinks? That was something she was genuinely not comfortable with.

Cecilia grabbed her arm. Since the gentle approach wasn’t working, she decided to be more forceful. "You’re listening to me today. Just come and keep me company. Don’t you want to make money? Let’s start by giving you a taste of how the wealthy party. It’ll be your motivation."

Half an hour later, Blair found herself sitting in the styling studio at the Aetherium Business Club.

"Miss Sterling, what kind of look would you like for your friend?" the stylist asked Cecilia respectfully.

Cecilia answered directly, "You’re the professional. Just create a suitable look for her. She’s attending a gala this evening."

"Understood, no problem."

"Cecilia..." Blair looked at Cecilia’s reflection in the mirror behind her, her expression one of utter misery. "Can we just leave it at this? You know I almost never wear makeup."

Cecilia rested her hands on Blair’s shoulders and smiled faintly. "If you behave and go along with it today, I’ll cover six months’ rent for your master’s dojo. How does that sound?"

"Do it! Give me the works!" Blair shouted to the stylist. "Miss, bring out everything you’ve got!"

The stylist looked at Cecilia, blinking in confusion. Cecilia just nodded. "Take good care of my best friend. I’m going to go have coffee with your Mr. Gardner!"

「Meanwhile.」

Jasmine Sterling was also selecting an outfit for a private party that evening.

"Is this one better, or this one?"

"Should I pair it with a purse?"

"And shoes? High heels or flats?"

"Should I wear jewelry?"

Jasmine Sterling had taken out all the designer clothes, Hermes bags, and luxury jewelry her daughter had bought for her. Every time she assembled an outfit, she would ask the opinion of the one sitting before her.

It was none other than Yoda, who was sitting on the sofa, staring with its small, dark eyes.

The main reason was that she didn’t want to embarrass Wendy Duncan, so Jasmine Sterling wanted to look beautiful and presentable for the party.