Benjamin pretended to help me take off my coat. "I'll take it to the cleaners for you."

I yanked my arm away, annoyed. "No need."

I immediately grabbed a tissue to blot the red wine from my hair. Today was too important to let this ruin it.

Fortunately, the glass had only held a little wine. My hair was damp but still looked fine, and the tiny stains on my black suit didn't matter much.

A few of my old classmates rushed over, yanking my coat off. One of them even jabbed me in the back.

"Jared, Mr. Prescott didn't mind at all and even offered to get your clothes cleaned. Why are you acting all high and mighty?"

"Exactly! We all saw it. You bumped into Mr. Prescott's hand yourself and spilled the wine. Don't tell me you're trying to scam him for money?"

The fabric tore under their tugging. The suit wasn't expensive, but it carried sentimental value, and I didn't have time to change into another outfit.

I glared at them and said sternly, "Give it back."

They ignored me and tugged even harder. I had no choice but to try and pull it back.

Riley sneered. "Jared, some things never change. What now? Are you going to drop to the floor and play the victim to get sympathy? I know you're good at that pathetic pity act. It's disgusting."

Benjamin's driver hurried in from the entrance. "Mr. Prescott, Ms. Prescott has arrived."

Everyone's faces lit up with anticipation.

"I heard that Ms. Prescott left right at the height of the financial boom. She's spent all these years building her career abroad. The Prescotts wouldn't be where they are today without her. She's done most of the work herself."

Benjamin puffed up with pride. "Of course. My aunt is the backbone of our family. Even my dad respects her. She's always doted on me. She flew back for my engagement and brought her husband with her.

"They got married in secret, and he's a young, formidable entrepreneur himself. They're here this time to merge our family businesses in the country."

Gasps echoed across the room. "Is the Prescott family about to become the richest in the country?"

"Mr. Prescott, Riley, with your companies growing this big, you'll definitely need more hands. Don't forget your old friends. We're all ready for you to take us to the top!"

Riley beamed, basking in the praise.

Outside, the sound of confident footsteps announced Rose Prescott's arrival.

Taking advantage of the crowd crowding the doorway, I quickly picked up my coat and slipped it on. After smoothing down my hair, I put on my ring and walked to the entrance—only to have someone yank my hair.

"Jared, don't tell me you're trying to cozy up to Prescott Group too. What could you even do? Serve the executives?" Benjamin jabbed my shoulder. "Stop dreaming. Do you think that my family runs a clubhouse where you can just waltz in?"

I lost my balance, tripped, and fell to the ground. My ring dropped, and Riley ground it under her high heel.

"Jared, don't tell me you're scheming to get close to me. How pathetic."

They snapped their fingers at the security guards. "Drag him out."

My temper flared, and I growled, "Touch me if you dare!"

Benjamin punched my right cheek. "And what if we do?"

Riley kicked the ring across the floor, then drove her heel into my knee. "Jared, you think you can win me over with something that disgusting? Get lost!"

Just then, the bodyguards chorused, "Welcome back, Ms. Prescott!"

Two rows of black-clad bodyguards stood at attention, offering a respectful greeting to the woman with the cold, sharp eyes.

Rose's expression remained icy as she gave a slight nod and walked straight into the banquet hall.

Benjamin immediately plastered a smile on his face, striding over with Riley. "Aunt Rosie, you finally came!"

"Ms. Prescott, you must be tired from the trip," Riley said, trying to butter her up. "Let me help with your shoulders."

Rose radiated such overwhelming authority that everyone instinctively shrank back. Even Benjamin chose his words carefully, speaking with the utmost respect.

Rose said nothing. When her gaze landed on me, her eyes turned cold, and her expression hardened into a frozen mask.

No one noticed the deep concern buried beneath that gaze. They assumed she was angry that her nephew's engagement party had been disturbed.

Benjamin quickly signaled the guards. "Drag him out! How dare a kept man like him show up here?"

Riley quickly added, "Hurry up! Don't let Ms. Prescott sees this disgrace!"

Rose's expression darkened. Without hesitation, she slapped them both.

"Unbelievable! How dare you insult my husband like this?"