Chapter 12: The Engagement Banquet

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. News of Eric Chilton's engagement banquet had spread across River City, becoming the most anticipated social event of the season. Every influential family received an invitation, and countless media outlets gathered outside the luxurious Imperial Crown Hotel, hoping to capture exclusive photographs of the future Mrs. Chilton.

Inside the Judd residence, professional stylists worked around Stella from early morning. Her long chestnut hair was loosely pinned into an elegant updo, while a custom-designed silver evening gown perfectly highlighted her graceful figure. Unlike the extravagant dresses worn by many socialites, Stella's outfit reflected quiet confidence and timeless elegance.

Mrs. Judd couldn't stop smiling.

'You've grown so much,' she whispered while gently adjusting Stella's earrings.

'Your grandmother always said a woman's greatest beauty isn't her appearance but her confidence. Today, I finally understand what she meant.'

Stella hugged her mother warmly.

'Thank you... for always believing in me.'

Outside the mansion, Eric's familiar Rolls-Royce arrived precisely on schedule.

When Stella stepped outside, Eric momentarily paused.

Even someone as calm as him couldn't hide the admiration in his eyes.

'You look beautiful,' he said sincerely.

Stella smiled.

'You're becoming predictable.'

'You say that every time we meet.'

Eric actually laughed.

'Because every time it's true.'

Their relaxed conversation immediately eased Stella's nervousness.

As they arrived at the Imperial Crown Hotel, camera flashes illuminated the entrance nonstop.

Reporters shouted questions from every direction.

'Mr. Chilton! Miss Judd! Please look this way!'

'When is the wedding?'

'How did your relationship begin?'

'Are the recent rumors completely false?'

Without saying a word, Eric gently reached for Stella's hand.

She naturally intertwined her fingers with his.

The simple gesture instantly became tomorrow's headline photograph.

Inside the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled above hundreds of distinguished guests.

Members of the Chilton family welcomed influential businessmen, politicians, celebrities, and long-time family friends.

Grandpa Chilton personally greeted Stella at the entrance.

'Tonight,' he announced loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear,

'the Chilton family officially welcomes Stella Judd as Eric's future wife.'

Warm applause echoed throughout the ballroom.

Many guests approached Stella to offer congratulations.

Unlike previous social gatherings where she had always followed Noel around, tonight she stood confidently beside Eric as an equal.

Across the room, Noel silently watched everything unfold.

He had never imagined seeing Stella smile so freely while standing beside another man.

Each genuine smile somehow made his chest feel heavier.

Sophie quietly stood beside him.

'Mr. Noel... are you alright?'

Noel forced a small smile.

'I'm fine.'

But even he knew he wasn't.

Meanwhile, Vivian Chilton observed Stella with narrowed eyes.

Although Grandpa Chilton had publicly accepted her, Vivian still refused to believe Stella truly belonged in their family.

'She's hiding something,' Vivian thought.

'And sooner or later, everyone will see it.'

Shortly afterward, the banquet host stepped onto the stage.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' he announced enthusiastically,

'please welcome Mr. Eric Chilton and Miss Stella Judd.'

The spotlight immediately fell upon the couple.

Eric calmly led Stella onto the stage before accepting the microphone.

'Many people have asked why I chose to marry Miss Judd,' he began.

'My answer is very simple.'

'Because I trust her.'

The ballroom became completely silent.

'In business, trust is rare.'

'In life, it's even rarer.'

'I believe Stella possesses honesty, kindness, courage, and strength.'

'Those qualities matter more to me than beauty, status, or reputation.'

Eric then turned toward Stella.

'Thank you,' he said softly,

'for choosing me.'

For a brief moment, Stella forgot the hundreds of people surrounding them.

His words were simple.

Yet they carried more sincerity than anything Noel had ever said in her previous lifetime.

She accepted the microphone with slightly trembling hands.

'I don't know what the future holds,' she admitted honestly.

'But I promise to face every challenge beside Eric—not behind him.'

'Marriage isn't about depending on someone.'

'It's about becoming someone worthy of standing beside them.'

Thunderous applause filled the ballroom.

Even several influential business leaders nodded approvingly.

Grandpa Chilton couldn't hide the pride on his face.

However, just as the atmosphere reached its happiest point, the giant LED screen behind the stage suddenly flickered.

The lights dimmed unexpectedly.

A slideshow automatically began playing.

The first image showed Stella and Noel together during their college years.

The second showed Stella secretly watching Noel at various public events.

The third displayed manipulated photographs making it appear as though Stella had desperately chased Noel for years.

Whispers instantly spread throughout the ballroom.

'What's happening?'

'Who put those pictures there?'

'Wasn't she deeply in love with Noel?'

Stella froze.

Eric immediately looked toward the control room.

'Turn it off!' he ordered coldly.

Before the technicians could react, one final sentence appeared across the massive screen in bright red letters.

'Can a woman who truly loved one man suddenly fall in love with another... or is this marriage nothing more than a calculated lie?'

The ballroom fell into stunned silence.

Some guests looked shocked.

Others turned toward Stella with questioning eyes.

Only one person quietly smiled in the crowd.

Vivian lowered her champagne glass.

'Now,' she whispered to herself,

'let's see how you survive this.'