Ethan Valentine sneered.

"Then what do you suggest? Have her sit at the head table? Surrounded by elders? Is she even worthy?"

Mina Sherwood frowned.

"Evelyn is the guest of honor today. Why shouldn't she sit there? You—"

Ethan cut her off.

"Guest of honor or not, if your status isn't high enough, don't overstep."

If she were a legitimate daughter of the Valentine family, sitting at the head table would be fine.

But what was Evelyn? Just his uncle's illegitimate love child!

His words made Mina's expression darken.

"You…"

Penelope Valentine stepped forward smoothly.

"Sister-in-law, the seating was arranged in advance. Please don't make a scene. Everyone is waiting for the banquet to begin."

Mina was left speechless, a suffocating anger堵在胸口.

Evelyn patted her shoulder.

"Just sit. It makes no difference to me where I sit."

Mina took a deep breath and reluctantly sat down.

Once she was seated, the rest of the Valentine family took their places.

Despite their earlier poor attitude, their upbringing was ingrained. Their manners remained impeccable.

Evelyn walked to the third table and took a random seat.

Soon, several young women came over and sat near her, eyeing her curiously.

Someone whispered.

"I heard she's the guest of honor today? Why is she sitting here?"

A girl friendly with Penelope scoffed.

"She's just a love child."

"Ah? She's the one the Valentines have been waiting for all these years?"

"Don't be silly. Even Penelope is at the second table. You can tell from the seating, the family doesn't value her at all."

"True... It seems the Valentines aren't that重视女孩嘛."

"Are you stupid? How could she be valued? Whether she's from the main or secondary branch, would those brothers ever accept her?"

"By the way, which branch are you from?"

Someone addressed Evelyn directly.

Evelyn ignored them, picking up her chopsticks to take some cold appetizer.

These people were deliberately talking about her within earshot, thinking she was an easy target.

Why should she give them the time of day?

Her attitude made the young women even more disdainful.

"So rude. She doesn't even answer when spoken to."

"I know her. Evelyn Ross. She just got divorced recently. Came from a humble background. Has no class."

"Divorced? Tell us what happened!"

They immediately began gossiping again.

They also cast ingratiating looks toward Penelope.

Penelope had always boasted about how much the Valentines valued her, but outsiders were半信半疑. Otherwise, Fiona Valentine wouldn't have married into the Jiang family, a less prestigious match.

Now, seeing the illegitimate daughter seated below Penelope, someone immediately flattered.

"In my opinion, Miss Penelope grew up with the brothers. Their bond is deep. No love child can compare."

"Exactly! The seating was arranged by Ethan Valentine. His attitude is clear."

"But is she Ethan's full sister? Or Charles Valentine's full sister?"

Someone suddenly interjected.

"Couldn't she be from the third branch?"

Everyone fell silent.

The third branch only had Third Master Valentine, who was unmarried. If she were his daughter, she'd be the legitimate heiress. Her status would be higher than all seven brothers. Why would she be sitting here?

The speaker laughed at herself.

"Just talking nonsense. How could that be!"

Evelyn continued eating,懒得理会 these无聊的议论.

If Third Master Valentine had specifically called her back just to humiliate her, then perhaps this recognition wasn't worth it.

As she thought this, the light beside her dimmed.

Penelope stood next to her, leaning down to whisper in her ear.

"Evelyn, so what if you're the biological one? The brothers and the guests only recognize me as the Miss Valentine! You're just a divorced, used woman. You're nothing!"

She straightened up, lifting her chin proudly.

Evelyn's expression remained blank.

Just then, Marcus Valentine walked in. Seeing them, he paused.

He walked directly to Evelyn.

"Why are you sitting here?"

Evelyn glanced at him coolly.

"Ethan Valentine arranged it."

Marcus frowned, looking at Ethan.

"What's going on? Don't you know who the guest of honor is today?"

Ethan pulled him aside, lowering his voice.

"Big brother, I know. But I just don't want Uncle to acknowledge her!"

Marcus was stunned.

"What?"

"I said I—"

Before he could finish, Third Master Valentine and the elders entered from outside. Third Master Valentine spotted Evelyn immediately and smiled.

"Good. Before we begin, let me introduce everyone. This is my daughter, who was living away from home!"