The elevator doors slid shut, and Melody Summers finally let out a sigh of relief.

Today had been absurd. Utterly and completely absurd.

Who would have thought that Building 4 of the ordinary Metropolis Residences could attract such a motley crew of characters, all to put on such a grand farce for her benefit?

She hadn’t gotten anything done all day, just dealt with this pile of crap.

Back on the 16th floor, looking at the quiet hallway, Melody Summers thought to herself, ’If this keeps up, I should just buy both 1603 and 1604. That way, I won’t have to deal with any more bizarre new neighbors...’

******

The Lancaster Villa.

Elaine Hughes gently opened the exquisitely wrapped gift box in front of her, taking out an indigo qipao with a subtle pattern.

The qipao was made from the finest silk, soft and smooth with a faint sheen. Not only was the fabric top-grade, but the craftsmanship was also exquisite. From the collar and cuffs to the hem, every detail was flawlessly executed. One look was all it took to know it was incredibly valuable.

Besides the qipao, there was also a white fur shawl.

The fur was snow-white, without a single stray hair. It was high-quality, with a delicate touch. When the light hit it, each strand of fur glimmered with a soft luster, giving it an appearance of immense warmth.

Staring at the qipao and fur shawl before her, Elaine Hughes was stunned.

With a shocked expression, she asked Robert Lancaster, "Where... where did all this come from? How could our family possibly have the spare money for this stuff right now!"

Hearing this, Robert Lancaster lowered his gaze slightly. He didn’t answer Elaine’s question, simply saying in a deep voice, "There’s a party at The Nimbus Hotel tomorrow. Get yourself dressed up nicely and come with me."

"A party?" Elaine was even more surprised now.

Ever since the Lancaster family went bankrupt and was pushed out of high society, they no longer had the status to attend such gatherings.

Elaine couldn’t even remember the last time she had attended a party! 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Elaine’s expression was a mixture of delight and shock. She pressed on, "What kind of party is it? Why would they suddenly invite us?"

Robert knew Elaine would press for details, so he delivered his prepared lines. "It’s just a corporate-sponsored gathering... An old friend of mine heard our family has fallen on hard times and offered to help us through this rough patch..."

"We’re going tomorrow to meet him and reconnect... Anyway, just get yourself ready. Use all those lotions and potions in your little bottles and jars. Dress up nicely. Don’t let people laugh at us."

In truth, Robert was a little worried. The Elaine of today was not the same woman from before the disaster.

Before the disaster, Elaine had been a top-tier client at cosmetic clinics, undergoing several procedures each month and getting weekly body treatments that cost tens of thousands. She was pampered from the tips of her hair to the heels of her feet, with barely a trace of age on her face.

But after the disaster, Elaine had lived a hard life. Not only did she look haggard, but fine lines had appeared at the corners of her eyes, and there were even faint streaks of gray in her hair...

Robert was worried. He wasn’t sure if Bernard Simmons would still be interested after seeing Elaine in this state...

If Bernard wasn’t satisfied with Elaine, would he still make good on the supplies and house he’d promised the Lancaster family?

The thought made Robert’s brow furrow slightly. He urged Elaine again, "Have Sylvia figure out a way to buy some hair dye, and dye your hair! You have to look your absolute best this time. We can’t have people thinking the Lancasters don’t show respect!"

Hearing this, Elaine was momentarily confused—she couldn’t figure out what dyeing her hair had to do with showing respect.

But she still nodded and said with a smile, "I know. Don’t you worry, darling. I’ll get all dressed up. I won’t embarrass you!"

Regardless, Elaine was thrilled at the prospect of attending a party.

After all, parties, dinners, and socializing—these were Elaine’s strengths!

Before the disaster, Elaine had always been the center of attention at every banquet. No matter how many wealthy wives or young heiresses were present, if Elaine was there, the media’s flashbulbs were always on her.

Unfortunately, after the disaster, the Lancaster family went bankrupt, and she lost her greatest pleasure in life.

Now, with a chance to return to the glitzy world of high society, Elaine felt the blood fizzing in her veins with excitement.

She delightedly scooped up the exquisite qipao and fur shawl from the table and headed to her room to get ready.

Watching Elaine’s departing figure, Robert’s calm expression gradually turned sinister...

Elaine didn’t know about the deal Robert had made with Bernard Simmons, and Robert had no intention of telling her.

He was simply too worried she wouldn’t cooperate.

If she resisted, it would introduce too many unpredictable variables.

Things had progressed to this point. Robert couldn’t allow any mishaps. The deal had to proceed as planned...

...

Elaine returned to her room and began to rifle through the collection of bottles and jars on her vanity.

She had long since used up all the luxury face creams and serums and had no money to buy more. As a result, the bottles and jars were almost all empty.

Elaine couldn’t bear to throw the empty bottles away, keeping them lined up on her vanity as if she still possessed their contents.

She checked them one by one, hoping to scrape out some remaining liquid from one of the bottles.

Just then, Sylvia Lancaster walked in, holding a bag.

The moment Elaine saw Sylvia, her mood soured. She shot Sylvia a glare and snapped, "What are you doing here? Who let you in! Get out!"

Hearing Elaine’s words, Sylvia’s expression didn’t change in the slightest, and she felt no inner turmoil. She no longer cared about this adoptive mother of hers, so Elaine’s words couldn’t hurt her.

Sylvia simply placed the bag she was holding on the table and gave Elaine a faint, placating smile. "Mom," she said in an ingratiating tone, "I know you’re going to a party tomorrow. I got you some skincare products and hair dye. Let me help you dye your hair first!"

Elaine eyed the bag suspiciously and opened it. When she saw several bottles of high-end skincare inside, her anger flared instantly.

She shot to her feet, grabbed Sylvia viciously by the ear, and snarled, "You wretched girl! Instead of using your money to help the family, you spend it on this useless stuff to doll yourself up, is that it!"

"Look at the times we’re in, and you still have spare cash for things you can’t eat or drink! You... you little bitch! How can you be so vain! No wonder you wouldn’t give me your money!... I’m going to kill you!"

With that, Elaine yanked even harder on Sylvia’s ear.

Elaine had asked Sylvia many times before to hand over her account balance for her to manage.

But Sylvia wasn’t a fool. She knew that if she handed over her money, she could be kicked out by the Lancasters at any moment.

At a time like this, if she wanted to stay with the Lancaster family, she had to maintain financial control. She had to keep the money in her own hands!

So, no matter how Elaine tried to persuade or threaten her, Sylvia had steadfastly refused to hand over her account balance.

Elaine was already furious that Sylvia wouldn’t give up her money. Now, seeing that Sylvia had bought so many skincare products, her rage became completely uncontrollable.