Rose heard the constant praise from the crowd and the flashing cameras of reporters. She loved the feeling of being looked up to and admired by everyone. Her smile grew more radiant.
She should have had that bitch Emily come so that Emily could see the difference between them.
Now, Rose was no longer the shadow behind Emily. Their positions had been reversed.
"Miss Hopkinson, will Mr. Scott be here today? Why didn't you attend the dinner party together?"
Rose's face darkened. Derek didn't answer her calls, so she didn't even know if he would be here today.
"Well, Derek said he would give me a surprise, so I can't answer your question for now." This implied that it was a little secret between her and Derek.
People around gave knowing smiles.
"I was wondering who was blocking the door. Turns out to be you. Then I'm not surprised since you never think about others."
A melodious female voice stood out among a chorus of compliments.
Rose considered Emily her mortal enemy. She recognized Emily's voice at once.
"Emily. This is not the kind of place for you. Oh, let me guess. Did you hook up with a man here so he could bring you in? Where is he? Show me. I hope he was not another jerk. After all, you don't want to embarrass yourself like you did five years ago, do you?" Rose rolled her eyes.
"Is she Emily? The girl who was caught up in a scandal five years ago? She doesn't look like that kind of person."
"Well, you can't judge a book by its cover."
Rose listened as those around her belittled Emily, and she lifted her chin proudly.
Emily was in a stunning long blue dress, confident and beautiful.
She walked toward Rose, and Rose immediately felt her pressing aura.
"The ladies were right. But before questioning someone's integrity, it's best to get the facts first. Otherwise, you will be slandering."
Emily finished speaking calmly and then turned her head to Andrew behind her. "It's about time. Let's get inside now."
She didn't look at Rose again and walked straight in.
Rose was ignored once again. She stopped Emily's way and said, "Wait. I'll be representing the Hopkinson Group today. See? My invitation. You only represent the branch office. If I don't want you to tag along, you can't get in!"
The farce at the entrance had caused a jam. Other guests who came to the banquet were trapped in their cars and unable to get out. Those who had arrived at the entrance couldn't get in. But the reporters were excited and kept taking photos at the scene.
Emily didn't want to be surrounded by people like a clown at the entrance. Her hand reached into her handbag. She was about to take out the invitation given by Carlos from her clutch bag.
"Why aren't you going in?"
A deep male voice broke the deadlock.
Looking at him, Emily smiled.
Carlos winked at her.
"Who are you? Do you know Emily?" Rose looked at the handsome man in front of her and was so jealous. Why were all the men around Emily so outstanding?
"I'm Carlos, and Emily is my guest. I believe that I'm allowed to bring her in." Carlos nodded to the people around him, completely ignoring Rose.
Carlos held this banquet. His technology company grew rapidly during the past four years and had become a giant in the industry. People were desperate to attend the banquet after knowing about it and pulled all kinds of strings to get an invitation. Therefore, when Carlos mentioned his name, everyone knew who he was.
Carlos didn't say more. He wrapped his arm around Emily's shoulder and led her inside.
Soon, the jam at the entrance was cleared, and the traffic flow returned to normal. However, people got more curious about what just happened.
As they reached a place where no one was around, Emily removed Carlos' hand from her shoulder.
"So this is the surprise, right?" She arched an eyebrow.
"I waited for so long, but you didn't call. So, I had to come without a plus one," Carlos said with a distressed tone.
Andrew was very confused. When did Emily and Carlos know each other? And they seemed close.
"Didn't you tell me that technique needs to be modified before it can be applied to toys?"
"Right. I just made it happen a little bit sooner," Carlos said, feeling a bit guilty as he rubbed his nose.
"So you made such a big show out of it?"
"I like being this open. If I have some good stuff, I want to show it off. When I see people flatter me and envy me, I feel great!"
Emily felt a headache as she listened to Carlos.
But as things had come to this point, she wouldn't hold back either.
Andrew also understood some things from their conversation. Carlos' company had chosen a partner for the project.
He wanted to see the look on people's faces when they heard the news.
At this moment, he suddenly understood why Carlos enjoyed watching others' jealous and shocked looks.
Andrew expected to see that too!
The banquet was about to start. People quieted down and took their seats.
The front row was reserved for the Hodgkinson Group. Rose smiled proudly. But when she thought of Emily being brought in by Carlos, her smile disappeared.
Laura returned to Rose and asked, "What's wrong with you? You look upset."
Rose was about to answer, but Carlos had already taken the stage, so she had to shut her mouth and applaud.
"Thank you very much for coming. I believe everyone came here for our product, so I won't keep you waiting. Here is the introduction of our products."
After Carlos finished speaking, the lights dimmed and everyone focused on the screen.
"This smart product has gone through rigid tests and has completed iterative upgrades through a massive database learning. It currently has two versions: the children's version and the standard version."
As everyone listened, their eyes grew brighter. They had a keen sense of business and could tell the immense potential profit from it.
Carlos looked at the fanatical eyes below with great satisfaction. The higher their expectations, the better the result would be later.
Half an hour later, the lights in the hall were turned back on.
"This is awesome. I'll get the contract."
"Your company is having financial issues, so don't drag others down. We are also a technology company. It makes more sense for them to collaborate with us."
"I have money. The contract is mine."
People had already started quarreling.
"Please keep quiet. Although the product has been introduced, I cannot make the final decision."
Before everyone could question Carlos, Carlos changed the topic. "The representative of Silvery Waterfall is also here today. The second important thing for today is to introduce her to everyone!
"Now, let's invite her to the stage."
Everyone followed Carlos' hand and saw a beautiful woman walking up to the stage.
"Good evening everyone, I'm Emily, and I represent the Silvery Waterfall."
Rose stood up in shock when she saw Emily walking up the stage. She clenched her fists, leaving marks on her palms with her nails.