"Exactly. No matter how you look at it, Ms. Brogdon and Mr. Ruell are a perfect match! As for the one standing next to them? Hah, that's the difference between the real thing and a cheap fake."
"Seriously. The two top families in Grandridge. Their family backgrounds, their looks, their style—they were made for each other. A perfect couple!"
"How embarrassing. That Sinclair girl is still standing there instead of leaving. Wow, she really has no shame."
"Haha, she thought she could climb into high society by holding onto some rich guy, but his family doesn't even accept her. What a joke!"
"Exactly! And she even showed up at their engagement party to stir up trouble. She may look pretty, but she's rotten on the inside!"
Standing under the spotlight, Vivian kept her graceful smile as she listened to the crowd gossip around her.
But every now and then, when she glanced toward Agnes, her eyes were filled with mockery and contempt.
Neal was completely stunned. He turned to Kenneth in anger, his eyes dark and cold as he demanded in a low voice, "Dad, what is this supposed to mean? What are you doing? What engagement party?!"
Kenneth gave a calm smile. A sharp look flashed through his eyes as he spoke in a steady but commanding voice, "Neal, today is your birthday party, but it's also your engagement party. This is the special gift the Ruells and the Brogdons prepared for you."
Kenneth looked at Vivian with a warm smile and said, "Ms. Brogdon comes from a respected family. She's a perfect match for our family. What she did today was meant to surprise you.
"Both our families agreed on this together."
Then Kenneth looked at Neal again. His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a clear warning.
"Neal, there are a lot of people here today. Don't embarrass our family!"
Kenneth then shifted his gaze to Agnes beside him and smiled meaningfully.
"Ms. Sinclair, what do you think? Don't Ms. Brogdon and Neal look like a perfect match?"
But before Agnes could answer, Neal suddenly exploded with rage. Pointing at Vivian, he cursed loudly for the first time anyone had ever seen, "I don't fucking want this surprise! Get out!!!"
Neal's reaction shocked everyone at the party.
Vivian's eyes instantly turned red. This was completely different from what she expected.
Wealthy families cared most about reputation. Even if they were angry, they would still keep up appearances in public, even if they planned to settle things later in private.
But she never imagined that Neal would refuse to even pretend in front of so many people.
He had completely torn away all respect and pride for both the Ruells and the Brogdons.
And all of it was for the woman beside him. A woman who was beneath her in every way.

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