Chapter 11 The Invitation

Boom! The entire city of Oxbourne was abuzz. The news was about the Middleton Group, a colossal conglomerate with a market value in the hundreds of billions. Its reach extended across numerous industries, boasting a vast network of business partners and connections. It was no exaggeration to say that merely attending their heiress's wedding and networking with a single affluent individual or securing a project could sustain a small company for years. Consequently, Oxbourne was gripped by a frenzy. Countless people were eager to pay exorbitant prices for a wedding invitation, yet even with such offers, the invitations remained elusive. At the Prestons' residence ... Disregarding the doctor's advice, Charlie had discharged himself early from the hospital. He was currently yelling into his phone. "What's going on?" he shrieked. "Mona got married to someone else without even waiting for me to pursue her? "That was my golden ticket, my chance to change my life! "Who is this man who stole my opportunity?" "You? Pursue her?" Clarissa scoffed. "Stop living in a fantasy." Charlie was clearly unconvinced. He retorted, "What's wrong with me? I'm at least a thousand times better than that ungrateful Tyler!" The mention of Tyler brought a complex expression to Clarissa's face. After all, only a select few knew about Mona's promise to marry in exchange for saving Regina. It was information confined to the elite circles. Moreover, the Middleton family had deliberately kept Tyler's role in saving Regina a closely guarded secret. A low-tier family like theirs was oblivious to all of this. But Willa didn't bother about the groom's identity. She was solely focused on the potential benefits this wedding could bring to the Prestons. "The Middleton family is inviting the entire city to witness Ms. Middleton's wedding. "It will be teeming with influential people and opportunities." Her eyes gleamed with ambition. "If we could just get our hands on an invitation and sneak in, the Prestons could finally rise to prominence." Clarissa frowned at her naivete. "The Middletons might claim they're inviting the whole city, but with the limited space at the Regal Grand Manor Hotel, even third-tier families might struggle to get in," Clarissa said, her voice laced with skepticism. "With our Preston family's insignificant standing, getting an invitation would be like reaching for the stars." This dose of reality instantly silenced Willa and Charlie. But just then, an arrogant voice boomed from outside. "Who said it's hard to get an invitation to the Middleton family wedding? "As long as I'm involved, I guarantee all of you will get in." "Mr. Barton! "Can you get us the invitation to the Middletons' wedding?" Willa asked, rushing toward Elbert with an eagerness that bordered on desperation. However, Elbert had no interest in her. His gaze was fixed on Clarissa. "Of course! When have I ever lied to you? "As long as I make the move, the Middleton family invitations will be in our hands in no time." His confident boast made Willa and Charlie beam with joy. "Mr. Barton is as reliable as ever! "Clarissa, see how right I was when I told you to divorce Tyler?" Willa fawned, seizing the opportunity to trample on Tyler. Charlie's eyes lit up. "Mom, why even bring up that loser? "As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Barton is the only reliable man. "If Clarissa marries Mr. Barton, I'd feel a hundred times more at ease." Their behavior made it clear they were practically shoving Clarissa into Elbert's arms. Basking in the praise, Elbert laughed heartily. "With words like that, I'll definitely do everything I can to help you." He openly admired Clarissa's face, his eyes lingering on her cleavage. "Don't worry, Clarissa. I'll make sure you get into that wedding, dressed even more beautifully than the bride herself." "Thank you, Mr. Barton," Clarissa responded awkwardly, feeling a wave of discomfort. Mona was like a goddess. How could I possibly compete with that? Suddenly, Charlie blurted out, "It's a shame that jerk Tyler doesn't qualify to attend the event, or I'd make sure he humiliates himself in front of all the city's elites. "That bastard beat me so badly, I won't rest until I've gotten my revenge!" Only then did Elbert notice that Charlie was wrapped in bandages and wearing a hospital gown. "What's going on here? Who did this to my brother-in-law?" His question was music to Charlie's ears. "Who else? That damn Tyler! "After divorcing Clarissa, he wouldn't let it go. He came back to our house to steal something, and I caught him in the act. "My mom can testify. It was purely an accident that the ruby bracelet got broken. "But that thug beat me senseless, and I almost lost my life!" Clarissa's face paled instantly. "What did you just say? "Did you break Tyler's ruby bracelet?" She finally understood why Tyler had reacted so violently. When they were married, Tyler had told her that the ruby bracelet was the only keepsake left by his mother. Now that it was broken, the fact he hadn't killed Charlie was already merciful. Willa snorted, defending Charlie. "So what? It's just a bracelet. Does that justify nearly killing my son?"