C17 The Banquet.

Meanwhile, at Fuller Mansion.

Toby Fuller was fixated on the trending topic, his brow furrowed in concern.

Assistant Benson stood nervously at his side. "Sir, I had nothing to do with this. It must have been deliberately leaked by someone. Do you want me to take care of it, maybe get the topic suppressed?"

"No need," Toby Fuller muttered, his lips tight as a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. "It's the work of the Aguilar family."

Assistant Benson caught on quickly.

The Aguilar family had intentionally leaked the video to undermine Sonia Reed. If they intervened to bury the story, it would surely displease the Aguilars. Toby Fuller wasn't about to risk alienating his future father-in-law over Sonia Reed.

"What about this situation, then?"

"Forget it," Toby Fuller said curtly, shutting off his phone and looking up. "Has the Heart of the Sea arrived?"

Assistant Benson nodded. "It came in yesterday. Per your instructions, I had Miss Aguilar's English name engraved on it."

"You can leave now."

Toby Fuller massaged his temples, his eyes inadvertently catching sight of the red divorce certificate in the wastebasket, which only intensified his headache.

The following day.

The Strongview Group had a stellar reputation in City A, and the Aguilar family's banquet was a gathering of the elite.

Leon Aguilar and his wife mingled with the guests.

He was a distinguished middle-aged man with a beard, and his wife epitomized the affluent matron.

As the piano music began to play, Khloe Aguilar, clad in a green gown, took her seat at the piano with grace and poise, capturing the attention of everyone present.

Once the piece concluded, Toby Fuller emerged from the crowd and took Khloe's hand.

Leon Aguilar addressed the room with a smile. "I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to join us today. We're not just celebrating my daughter's recovery, but I also have another joyous announcement."

His gaze swept over the attendees before settling on Toby Fuller. "Toby Fuller will be joining our family as my son-in-law."

The revelation sent a ripple of surprise through the assembly.

The buzz about Mr. Fuller's divorce was still fresh, and now he was becoming the Aguilar's son-in-law. The video that had gone viral the day before came to mind.

The crowd murmured among themselves, reflecting on the significance of a well-matched union.

Toby Fuller, a man of striking looks, appeared to be the perfect match for the equally gentle and beautiful Khloe.

He produced a golden box and, opening it, knelt before her.

The intent of his proposal couldn't be clearer.

Khloe's face lit up with shock and delight, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Khloe, will you—" Toby Fuller began.

But his words were cut short by an ill-timed laugh.

"Sorry for my tardiness," a voice chimed in.

Toby Fuller's eyes darkened with complexity as he turned to see who had interrupted.

Sonia Reed, dressed to kill, made her entrance, flanked by Connor and Ryan Dwyer.

The crowd gasped in surprise; they all knew her as Toby Fuller's former wife.

Her timing was nothing if not dramatic.

Ruth Lee, seeing her son's moment disrupted, pointed at Sonia Reed in outrage. "Who let you in here?"

Connor stood with his arms folded. "We're here for Miss Aguilar's celebration."

"You..."

Leon Aguilar held back Ruth Lee from saying more, his eyes on Sonia Reed.

He was not one to act rashly, but his smile had noticeably faded. "Though I didn't send an invitation, you're welcome here."

"Is this the woman who caused my daughter's accident?" Mrs. Aguilar mused upon seeing Sonia Reed for the first time, sensing something off about her but unable to place it.

Then it hit her—this was the woman who'd nearly killed Khloe.

Mrs. Aguilar was far from cordial. "Miss Reed, we have unfinished business, and yet you have the audacity to show up at my home?"