When Agnes slowly walked up to him in a mauve, off-shoulder dress, the fitted design showcased her perfect figure beautifully.
Neal's heart skipped a beat. His face was full of excitement that he couldn't hide.
"You even came to pick me up?" Agnes said with a sweet smile.
That smile nearly melted Neal's heart. The tips of his ears turned a little red as he handed her the bouquet in his hands.
He chuckled softly. "I had to make sure you'd come. You... look really beautiful today, Agnes."
Agnes laughed. "Mr. Ruell, you're still as smooth-talking as ever.
"Today's your birthday. Since when does the birthday boy pick up guests? I could've come by myself."
Neal smiled. "I was worried about you. Come on, I'm already here anyway."
By the time they arrived, the Ruell Villa's main hall was already full of guests.
Neal stayed by Agnes's side as they warmly greeted people together.
When Emily saw Agnes arrive, she quickly walked over with a big smile and warmly held her hand.
"Agnes, you came! Oh, I'm so happy you're here.
"I know I went too far before. Please don't take it to heart.
"I was just too anxious back then. Let me apologize to you again."
Agnes smiled politely. "It's okay, Mrs. Emily. I understand. I didn't take it personally."
Emily nodded with relief. "That's good. Come, let me introduce you to some people."
As she spoke, Emily pulled Agnes along to meet her close friends.
Neal quietly followed behind them. Emily stopped walking, then turned to him and said, "Stop following us already. Don't you trust me? I'm your mom! I'll take good care of Agnes. Go take care of your guests."
Neal looked at Agnes, and she gave him a small nod.
Seeing how warmly his mother treated Agnes, he finally left.
Emily held Agnes's hand and brought her over to a group of wealthy socialites, warmly introducing her.
"Everyone, this is Agnes Sinclair. She's a friend of my son's."
Agnes smiled politely. "Hello, ladies."
The women all smiled and greeted her back.
"Oh my, Ms. Sinclair is so beautiful. Being young is wonderful..."
"Of course! Mr. Ruell is such an outstanding man. Of course, there wouldn't be anyone plain around him. Mrs. Emily, you're truly lucky!"
"And that daughter of the Hales title? She stole it! The mother and daughter from the Hales were treated so badly because of her!"
"Mrs. Emily, you need to be careful of that woman! She's already reaching into your family! Looks like your family is her next target!"
Emily's face filled with worry, and the smile she had earlier was gone. She sighed heavily.
"I know everything you're talking about. I don't know what kind of spell she put on my son.
"The whole family has been thrown into chaos lately. For this birthday party, he insisted on inviting her no matter what. Sigh..."
"Huh? But didn't everyone say your family was planning a marriage alliance with the Brogdons? The Brogdons have been talking about it publicly for a long time."
Emily looked even more frustrated. "It's because my son refuses no matter what. He drives me crazy. He won't even meet Ms. Brogdon.
"That girl is beautiful, and she comes from a great family. She's a thousand times better than that woman!"
"You should keep talking some sense into your son. A woman like that is fine for fun, but marrying into your family? She can forget about it!"
"Don't worry, Mrs. Emily. Your son isn't stupid. Once the excitement fades, she won't stand a chance anymore..."
Emily forced a smile and nodded, but she still looked deeply troubled.
During this time, the Ruells had tried every possible method, yet Neal stayed stubbornly set on Agnes. Nothing could change his mind.

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