Chapter 172: Don’t make me remember it

As everyone’s eyes remained fixed on Adrian, Logan took the opportunity to step forward and accept the microphone.

He offered the crowd a polite smile before speaking in a clear, professional voice.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Pristine Group, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to tonight’s charity event."

The conversations gradually faded as the guests turned their attention toward him.

"First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to attend. Your presence here is not only a testament to your generosity but also a reflection of your willingness to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others."

Logan paused briefly, allowing his words to settle before continuing.

"Tonight’s event has been organized to raise funds and awareness for those in need. Every contribution, regardless of its size, can help provide better opportunities, essential resources, and hope to individuals and families who need it most."

A warm round of applause spread through the hall.

"We are also grateful to the organizations, business partners, volunteers, and staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this evening possible. Without their dedication and support, this event would not have come together so smoothly."

Logan glanced briefly toward the elegantly decorated hall before returning his attention to the guests.

"We hope everyone enjoys the evening, takes the opportunity to connect with one another, and, most importantly, remembers the purpose that brought us all together."

He then turned slightly toward Adrian, who stood beside him.

"And now, it is my privilege to invite the man whose vision and generosity made tonight’s event possible. Please join me in welcoming the founder and chairman of the Pristine Group, Mr. Adrian Graham."

The hall erupted into applause as Logan extended the microphone toward Adrian.

Vincent and Dorothy stood among the crowd, their attention fixed on the man before them. Despite Vincent’s desperate desire to work with Adrian Graham, this was the first time he had seen the elusive businessman in person.

He was already familiar with Logan, who had handled the negotiations as Adrian’s most trusted representative—and had been the one to reject the Hayes family’s proposal.

Vincent had once believed that winning Logan’s favor would be a direct ticket into Adrian’s good books. Unfortunately, he had quickly discovered that impressing Logan was far more difficult than it appeared.

"Where is Julianna?" Dorothy suddenly asked, pulling Vincent’s attention away from the stage.

"Wasn’t she talking to Hannah earlier?" Vincent muttered, scanning the crowd.

After Dorothy had humiliated herself in front of Grace, the Hayes family had been doing everything possible to avoid drawing the Sterlings’ attention. They didn’t want to risk being ignored by the family while still trying to flaunt their supposed connection to them.

Julianna, however, seemed to have a different approach.

She had always believed she maintained a good relationship with Hannah. In her mind, Hannah was the easiest person to approach within the Sterling family, especially since she had once openly disliked Clara.

But now, not seeing Julianna anywhere near Hannah made Vincent frown.

"Didn’t you say she was with Hannah?" Dorothy asked again, her voice edged with impatience.

"I said I thought she was," Vincent replied, his expression darkening. "That doesn’t mean I know where she is now."

Dorothy glanced around the hall, her eyes narrowing.

"She should be here. This is not the time for her to disappear."

Vincent’s gaze shifted toward the crowd again. For some reason, an uneasy feeling began to settle in his chest.

Vincent had placed his faith in whatever Julianna had planned, and now, seeing her nowhere in sight, he couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

"Oh, there she is," Dorothy suddenly said.

Vincent followed her gaze and noticed Julianna walking toward them.

"Where did you go?" he asked.

Before Julianna could answer, Dorothy’s eyes fell on the stain covering her dress.

"What happened to your dress?"

Julianna glanced down at the stain, and the memory of the little girl from earlier immediately resurfaced.

"Don’t make me remember it, Mom," she said with a frustrated sigh. "Some silly little girl decided to ruin my dress. And guess what? Hannah actually took her side."

Vincent’s expression changed slightly.

"Hannah?" he repeated.

"Yes," Julianna replied, her annoyance deepening. "That little girl spilled champagne on me, and instead of apologizing properly, Hannah acted as though I was the one at fault."

Dorothy frowned. "How dare she?"

Julianna clenched her jaw, clearly irritated by the memory.

"I tried to remain polite, but Hannah deliberately humiliated me in front of that child. She even walked away with her as though I were some unreasonable woman."

Vincent’s brows drew together. He had expected Julianna to use her supposed relationship with Hannah to their advantage, not end up offending her.

"Did you say anything to upset her?" he asked cautiously.

Julianna’s eyes flashed. "Of course not. I was perfectly civil."

Dorothy immediately nodded in agreement. "My daughter would never behave rudely without a reason."

Vincent remained silent, though a faint sense of uneasiness settled in his chest.

Julianna noticed his expression and quickly added, "Regardless, it doesn’t matter. Hannah’s attitude won’t affect what I have planned."

Her lips curved into a small, confident smile.

"And once Clara’s reputation is ruined tonight, none of this will matter anymore."

Dorothy looked at her daughter in confusion.

"What do you mean?" she asked, wondering what Julianna was referring to when she mentioned Hannah’s attitude.

Julianna glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to them before lowering her voice.

"Hannah has changed," she said, her expression darkening. "She actually defended Clara in front of me."

Dorothy’s eyes widened. "She defended Clara?"

"Yes," Julianna scoffed. "That little girl spilled champagne on my dress, and instead of reprimanding her, Hannah acted as though I was the one who had done something wrong."

Vincent frowned. "Perhaps you should have been more careful with your words. Hannah has always been quite straightforward."

Julianna shot him an irritated look.

"I was perfectly polite, dad. But she deliberately embarrassed me and then walked away with that child."

Dorothy’s face tightened with displeasure. "How dare she treat you like that?"

Julianna’s fingers curled into fists at her sides.

"I don’t understand what happened to her. She used to dislike Clara. She even opposed her marriage to Dominic. But now, she’s acting as though she’s Clara’s personal protector."

Vincent’s expression grew thoughtful. If Hannah had truly changed her attitude toward Clara, then Julianna’s plan might become more difficult than they had anticipated.

"Are you sure you haven’t misunderstood her?" he asked.

Julianna’s eyes flashed.

"I know exactly what I saw, Dad. Hannah is no longer on our side, which is why I am now more determined to ruin everything for Clara"