On the day of the Faulkner Family matriarch’s birthday.
The Faulkner Family invited all the high society members of Aethelgard, with many journalists and media also on the list.
Luxury cars arrived at the entrance one after another, continuously driving in; this was a grand high society banquet.
At this moment, Eleanor Sterling was enthusiastically held by the Faulkner Family matriarch, who began introducing her to everyone, "This is my granddaughter-in-law, Eleanor. Please look after her in the future."
Eleanor Sterling smiled throughout the night, her smile becoming stiff.
She felt the protagonist of the banquet was not the matriarch but herself.
Everyone who came to attend the banquet now knew that Eleanor Sterling was a cherished younger generation in the matriarch’s eyes, coupled with Alaric Faulkner.
Suddenly, a sense emerged that the position of the future family head of the Faulkner Family might very well be Alaric’s.
Eleanor Sterling took a deep breath. The most update n0vels are published on novel⸺fire.net
Alaric Faulkner was summoned to the study by Old Master Faulkner, discussing unknown matters, leaving Eleanor alone accompanying the matriarch.
She gathered her energy and entered the next round of socializing.
Juliet Sterling and Zachary Faulkner stood in a corner, observing Eleanor Sterling’s dazzling presence, their expressions showing some reluctance.
Juliet whispered, "Hasn’t Felicity arrived yet?"
Zachary furrowed his brows, "I’ve already messaged her; she should be here soon."
Juliet smiled slightly, finally relaxing a bit.
Once Felicity Crawford arrives, she’ll see how Eleanor Sterling continues to steal the spotlight.
At this moment, a commotion was heard at the entrance.
Felicity Crawford and Leo Crawford walked in together, attracting considerable attention.
Juliet’s eyes lit up with joy, quickly patting Zachary to remind him, "Felicity is here; go welcome her."
Zachary stepped forward enthusiastically, greeting them, "Uncle Leo, Felicity, you’re here. I’ve been waiting for quite a while."
"We were delayed a bit on the road," Leo nodded toward Zachary.
Zachary warmly ushered them inside.
After they left, many people began whispering to each other.
"They are from the Crawford Family; Zachary Faulkner and Ms. Crawford seem to be dating."
"The Crawford Family appears to have close ties with the Jennings Family."
"The situation within the Faulkner Family is becoming increasingly complex."
Juliet also stepped forward to greet them, then brought Zachary Faulkner and Felicity Crawford to introduce them to the matriarch.
"Felicity, you and Zachary are nearly engaged; you may start addressing everyone accordingly."
In front of everyone, Juliet deliberately spoke loudly.
Her words caused surprised gazes to fall on Zachary Faulkner.
Everybody knew of the relations between the Crawford Family and the Jennings Family; if Zachary Faulkner and Felicity Crawford got engaged, it would be a strong alliance with the Jennings Family.
In that case, the position of family head in the Faulkner Family was uncertain; everyone’s gaze toward Zachary Faulkner changed.
Felicity Crawford, not shy about it, gracefully approached and softly addressed, "Grandmother."
The matriarch gave a faint smile, her demeanor warm and kind, "Wonderful, show your manners, Felicity, come sit."
Felicity Crawford stepped forward and sat beside the matriarch.
Now, everyone felt that Felicity Crawford also gained the matriarch’s favor; both Eleanor Sterling and Felicity Crawford were liked by her.
However, Eleanor Sterling’s family background was entirely outmatched by Felicity Crawford’s; it was not a fair comparison.
Many watched Eleanor Sterling with a hint of sympathy in their eyes, thinking she was beautiful and capable, yet, it was unfortunate her family did not hold up.
The younger generation of the Faulkner Family gathered around the matriarch; the side branch members noticed the attention Zachary Faulkner and Felicity Crawford received, a trace of malice flashed in their eyes.