Chapter 11 Whose Card?

"Look! My esteemed son-in-law has truly made a name for himself. Even Mr. Mester himself came here in person to deliver the invitation."

"He certainly wouldn't settle for an ordinary invitation like some others!"

It was a rare chance to show off, and Susan wasn't about to let it slip away. She was determined to bask in the glory.

The members of the Collins family, feeling overwhelmed, bowed their heads and dared not retort.

But Loretta couldn't hold back any longer. She snorted suddenly, unable to contain her disdain.

"Aunt, you know what? This pure-gold invitation surely isn't meant for Chris."

Susan furrowed her brow, unhappily asking, "Loretta, what do you mean? Everyone saw Mr. Mester give it to my son-in-law, Chris Shelby. Are you blind?"

Loretta sneered, "I don't mean to offend, but your son-in-law, Chris, is nothing more than a loser."

"Besides, I heard he used to be a beggar before marrying Esther. Do you really think Mr. Mester would personally deliver an invitation to a beggar?"

"He must have made a mistake. The invitation isn't for Chris!"

"What?"

Susan was at a loss for words, unable to refute Loretta's argument. Her words did make sense.

Loretta laughed, reveling in Susan's silence. "Ha! You can't deny it, can you? Deep down, you also doubt it, but you have no explanation."

"So, that's the truth. Mr. Mester made a mistake."

"I was afraid of that. I didn't think Mr. Mester would personally deliver an invitation to a loser."

"Will Chris be thrown out if he takes the card to the banquet?"

"He will be! Mr. Mester will realize his mistake because he doesn't even know this guy."

"Ha..."

The Collins family once again found satisfaction in their certainty.

"Nonsense! Mr. Mester wouldn't make a mistake!"

Hearing their laughter, Esther finally reached her limit.

Although Chris hadn't explained it to her, she believed in her husband. She trusted him.

Loretta approached, mocking her. "Esther, you need to face the truth. Your husband has always been a loser. He can't compare to Alfred in any way."

"And you'll forever be a nobody. You'll never become a lady of nobility."

"You..."

Esther glared at Loretta, seething with anger.

"Don't believe it? Let me show you how hopeless you truly are."

Loretta snorted before approaching Chris. She asked coldly, "Chris, do you really think this card is meant for you?"

Chris responded calmly, "Of course it is."

"Aha!"

Loretta burst into laughter upon hearing his response.

"What a shameless man! Why on earth would Mr. Mester personally send a card to you?"

Chris squinted and asked, "If not for me, then is it for you?"

"Exactly. This invitation is meant for my husband, Alfred!" Loretta proclaimed loudly.

What?

It was for Alfred?

Nobody could comprehend her words.

Even Alfred was taken aback by the revelation.

Mr. Mester had sent an invitation to him?

He knew exactly who he was.

He was just a nobody, someone Mr. Mester wouldn't even spare a glance for.

He wasn't even worthy of exchanging words with Mr. Mester.

The people found it hard to believe. Loretta smiled and explained, "Perhaps you don't know yet. The Harker family has secured a major project in the industrial area. Soon, the Harker family will be one of the top-class families on the East Coast!"

"That's why this invitation is specifically for Alfred."

"But Mr. Mester made a mistake and gave it to Chris."

Her explanation seemed reasonable.

"Wow, the invitation was really meant for Alfred."

"That's astonishing. The Harker family won the project in the industrial area and will become a top-class family."

"Alfred, don't forget about us in the future."

"Alfred, you must help us in the future."

The Collins family began to flatter Alfred.

Their flattery only inflated Alfred's ego.

Michael looked at Alfred in shock and asked, "Alfred, did Mr. Mester genuinely intend to send the card to you?"

Alfred nodded, pretending to be modest. "Yes, Grandpa. It's for me. I wanted to keep a low profile, but Mr. Mester wouldn't allow it!"

"Fantastic! Will the Harker family truly become a top-class family?" Laurence asked, brimming with excitement.

Alfred looked at Laurence and smiled. "Yes, Dad. Loretta spoke the truth. The Harker family is set to become one of the top-class families."

"Congratulations. Alfred, I'm proud to have such an outstanding son-in-law."

"The Collins family will also reap the benefits when the Harker family ascends to top-class status."

"Not like someone who only brings shame upon us."

The members of the Collins family engaged in excited discussion. Their opinion of Chris soured once again.

Michael exclaimed joyfully, "Wonderful! Alfred, you must assist the Collins family."

Laurence smiled, "He's my son-in-law, and he'll definitely help us. He's nothing like those who only know how to boast."

As he spoke, Laurence cast a disdainful glance at Susan and her family.

Susan and John remained silent, their faces filled with anger.

Loretta smiled at Esther. "Apologies, Esther. My husband is truly capable. Even Mr. Mester must show him respect."

"Let us know if you need our assistance. After all, we're family. Though you're as poor as beggars, we'll help you."

Esther grew increasingly furious at Loretta's humiliation.

But she couldn't say a word. After all, it was Mr. Mester's pure-gold invitation!

Not even the Jefferson family was worthy of such a card.

Alfred smiled, feigning modesty. "It's just an invitation, nothing extraordinary."

Michael chuckled, "Alfred, let me propose a toast to you."

Alfred drank, his arrogance growing with each passing moment.

Suddenly, Chris spoke up, "Alfred Harker, are you absolutely sure this invitation isn't for you? How shameless can you get!"