No Need to Come Downstairs

Hazel Lewis knew that Megan Sterling had recently returned from abroad. She was Julian Sterling's cousin, so she would definitely be very helpful in getting Hazel into the Sterling family. So when Megan Sterling appeared at the banquet, Hazel immediately went up to ingratiate herself with her.

Before long, the two of them were getting along like old friends.

She said plenty of flattering things and also talked about how deeply she admired Julian Sterling. Megan Sterling merely smiled faintly and said she would help her deal with that woman, Claire Bennett.

As the night grew darker, Julian Sterling stood at the banquet venue and still had not seen Claire Bennett anywhere. At first he had thought that girls needed a little time to do their makeup, but he hadn't expected that after waiting so long, he still wouldn't see her.

Julian Sterling gradually sensed that something was wrong.

He took out his phone and called Claire Bennett, but it showed that her phone was already turned off.

Hearing the cold mechanical voice, Julian Sterling's expression darkened.

He grabbed Ruby Sterling, who was eating. At that moment Ruby's cheeks were stuffed full, and Julian Sterling nearly scared her into choking. She patted her chest and hurriedly swallowed the food in her mouth.

Only after she recovered did she ask, "Bro, what is it?"

Julian Sterling said with a grave expression, "Claire's gone. Go find her. I just called her, and it said her phone is off."

"Okay, I'll go right away!" Ruby Sterling immediately grew tense and quickly agreed.

As the night grew darker, the Sterling family estate became even livelier.

Luxury cars arrived one after another at the entrance. Quite a few came and went, bringing many distinguished guests.

There was naturally no need to say more about the Sterling family's status in New York. Quite a few people had their eyes on the Sterlings, and the one who drew the most attention was probably Julian Sterling. After all, he was Old Mr. Sterling's most beloved grandson, and rumor had it that the future of the Sterling family would very likely be placed in his hands.

Previously, Julian Sterling had always been in Chicago and had also kept a very low profile, so many people had heard his name but never seen him in person.

Today, at Old Mrs. Sterling's birthday banquet, Old Mr. Sterling brought him around to exchange pleasantries with the guests, and only then did everyone get a concrete impression of him. After seeing the handsome, impressive Julian Sterling, quite a few people with unmarried daughters in their families began entertaining little thoughts.

If they could become in-laws with the Sterling family, then in New York they would surely be able to get anything done.

Julian Sterling had appeared once before at Claire Bennett's grandfather's birthday banquet, but after Old Mr. Sterling found out, he immediately ordered people to suppress the news.

Although at his last birthday banquet it had been announced that Julian Sterling was not single, there wasn't any woman by his side now. In their circle, having a girlfriend or two was normal enough. Actually being able to marry into the family was the real skill.

So in everyone's eyes, Julian Sterling was now a golden bachelor.

Quite a few people became even more enthusiastic, constantly trying to get close to Old Mr. Sterling and leave a good impression.

Old Mr. Sterling brought Julian Sterling around the venue to greet guests, but in truth his mind was no longer here.

Claire Bennett's phone was off, and Ruby Sterling had just gone to look for her. He had no idea how things were now.

...

Hazel Lewis and Daniel Lewis were also at the banquet. Hazel Lewis had originally been thinking about Julian Sterling the whole time, and today was Old Mrs. Sterling's birthday banquet, so naturally she spared no effort in currying favor with Old Mrs. Sterling.

Following at Old Mrs. Sterling's side, she flattered her intimately, saying, "Old Madam, I wish you blessings as vast as the eastern sea and everlasting youth."

After speaking, she handed over the carefully prepared gift in her hand.

Old Mrs. Sterling was not all that warm toward Hazel Lewis. Although Claire Bennett's mother had been connected to the accident involving her son, she still liked Claire Bennett more, and now Claire Bennett was pregnant too.

But Old Mr. Sterling was not very satisfied with Claire Bennett, so Old Mrs. Sterling could only go along with him.

She nodded, accepted Hazel Lewis's gift, handed it to the servant beside her, and replied, "Very thoughtful of you, Miss Lewis."

Hazel Lewis didn't know what the situation was now between Claire Bennett and Julian Sterling. Megan Sterling also hadn't said much just now about Claire Bennett, so Hazel had absolutely no idea what Old Mrs. Sterling and the others' attitude toward Claire Bennett was like now.

Thinking this, she moved closer to Old Mrs. Sterling and said in a low voice, "Old Madam, a woman of Claire Bennett's status probably isn't suitable to be the Sterling family's daughter-in-law. In an occasion like today, if she came, she would probably be so nervous she wouldn't know what to do."

As she spoke, Hazel Lewis confidently straightened her chest and said with a faint smile, "I've been helping my family handle quite a few major occasions like this since I was young, so I have a lot of experience..."

Hazel Lewis wanted to use this opportunity to let Old Mrs. Sterling see her good points.

How could a woman like Claire Bennett possibly be better than her.

She was completely confident that, in terms of status, she could crush a woman like Claire Bennett!