Chapter 323

Rage bubbled up in Esme's chest as her eyes locked onto those giant letters. Her manicured nails dug into her palms, but this time, she was too angry to feel the pain. "Esme! Esme!" Oscar's frantic calls finally snapped her out of her trance, and she turned to face him. Oscar looked frantic. He glanced around to make sure no one else was around before whispering, "Esme, what are we going to do about Zelda's investigation? If they trace this back to me, I'll definitely get kicked out of the institute!" Esme's already foul mood worsened at Oscar's pestering. "What can we do? The video isn't fake, and I wasn't the one who spread the rumors. It's my birthday party, so stop bothering me with this nonsense!" With that, she walked away, plastering a smile back on her face. She refused to let herself look defeated on her birthday. A little while later, Jasmine arrived. Even though she was slightly late, she caught sight of the illuminated letters on the hotel's facade. When she spotted Esme sulking on a couch with Julia whispering to her, she quickly walked over. Seeing Jasmine approach, Esme's eyes welled up with tears, and Julia tactfully excused herself. "Mom," Esme called out, barely holding back her tears. "What's wrong?" Jasmine asked. She was dressed in a tailored blue dress, exuding elegance and confidence. Despite her age, her careful upkeep made her look youthful. "That bitch, Zelda, shares my birthday and is holding her party on the top floor of the Grand Daprein Hotel! She's even wearing the Fleur Enchantée dress by Fiera Maison. Grandma didn't fail to get one; she gave it to Zelda instead! This was supposed to be my night, but Zelda completely stole the spotlight. Mom, it's not fair!" Esme sniffled, her voice thick with resentment. Jasmine rubbed her back soothingly. "It's okay, Esme. No matter who Zelda associates with, you're still the Munoz family's heiress. She can never compete with that status." Comforted by her mother's words, Esme's expression softened slightly as she nodded, falling silent. After composing herself, Jasmine began introducing Esme to various business tycoons. Though not born into high society, Jasmine had built considerable connections during her years as Mrs. Munoz. Esme put on a brave face, smiling and greeting everyone alongside her mother. Just as the party was in full swing, a black Bentley pulled up outside. Two distinguished-looking men stepped out—Damian and his father, Eden. Their arrival immediately drew everyone's attention. "Mr. Eden Munoz and Mr. Damian Munoz have arrived!" Damian and Eden strode confidently into the venue, their presence commanding attention. Jasmine's eyes lit up as she leaned toward Esme and whispered, "Look, Damian and Eden are here. With them attending, you're still the star of the evening." Esme's earlier gloom vanished as she smiled. Then, she linked arms with her mother and nodded, feeling reassured. Jasmine led Esme to greet them, "Eden, Damian, you're just in time! The party's only just begun." Damian's expression remained indifferent as he glanced at Esme. "I have some business to take care of, so I won't be staying for your party," he said flatly. Before Esme could respond, Damian turned and headed inside. His destination was clear—the top floor of the Grand Daprein Hotel. It was clear that Damian had come for Zelda, not Esme.