Chapter 4

A month later, it was the Hart family's private dinner.

Ostensibly a family gathering, it was actually a celebration for Camilla, hosted by Mom and Dad. Apparently, her subsidiary's market value had tripled in a month, becoming a small miracle in the industry.

At the dinner, Camilla wore a dazzling red gown, her chin slightly raised, basking in the praise of all the relatives.

"Camilla is truly amazing, a credit to the Hart family!"

"Indeed, unlike some people who occupy a position but do nothing but squander resources."

Everyone's gaze subtly shot glances my way. I was wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans, sitting in a corner, intently gnawing on a king crab leg.

It tasted good, just a little salty.

Camilla, holding a champagne flute, gracefully approached me, looking down on me with a condescending air.

"Hazel, I hear you've been living quite comfortably lately, thanks to the money from selling the factory?"

I nodded. "It's alright. I have unlimited snacks now."

She scoffed, her voice low but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Some people are just born trash, a lost cause. Give them all the wealth in the world, and they'll still blow it. Give them an opportunity, and they'll ruin it with their own hands."

She paused, her eyes openly contemptuous.

"A month ago, we were given identical companies. I grew mine to be worth millions, while you personally dissolved yours. Now, for a mere four hundred thousand dollars, you sold the most precious sentimental keepsake Grandpa left you. Hazel, tell me, what good are you?"

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone stared at me, waiting to see my humiliation. My mom, Vivian Hart,'s face was a mix of embarrassment and shame, looking at me as if I were her enemy. My dad, Richard Hart, also had a face so grim he looked absolutely furious.

I slowly wiped my hands, looked up, and was about to say something.

Just then, on the large screen in the center of the banquet hall, where financial news was playing, an emergency bulletin suddenly interrupted.

"Breaking news from the city: To support urban development, the municipal government has decided to officially designate the South City suburb as a core development area, to build a brand new tech city..."

The anchor's voice clearly resonated throughout the hall.

On the screen, a huge development plan was displayed. A bright red circle was heavily marked in the center of the blueprint.

That location... I squinted. Why did it look so familiar?

The mocking expression on Camilla's face hadn't yet faded. She followed my gaze and scoffed, "What are you staring at? What does national news like this have to do with useless trash like you?"

The words had barely left her mouth. In the news, the anchor continued, her voice excited: "It is reported that the demolition compensation standards for this project will reach an unprecedented high. Among them, the former Starlight Machinery Plant, located in the core center, is estimated to receive demolition compensation of... a staggering two hundred million dollars!"

The Starlight Machinery Plant.

Wasn't that the factory I had just sold?

The entire banquet hall instantly fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone's eyes immediately fixed on me.

Camilla's smile completely froze.