Chapter 16

Among many women, there were always a few who lacked manners. "Why isn't she leaving yet? How dare she still stay here?" "Shirley is really something. After being talked about like that, I would've cried and run away. I could never face anyone again." But their words didn't faze Shirley at all. Upon seeing Shirley walk by, some socialites instinctively moved away from her, as if afraid of getting something dirty on them. Thus, a path was made in front of Shirley and Isabelle. Shirley had already composed herself and gracefully approached Isabelle. She smiled gently and said, "Mrs. Blackwood Senior, I am Shirley Weiss, the eldest daughter of the Weiss family. It's a pleasure to meet you." Isabelle glanced her over. Though her expression didn't reveal much, her tone was warm as she said, "If I remember correctly, Ms. Weiss, you weren't on the invitation list." Everyone was shocked that Shirley had come uninvited. After all, when Shirley was born, she was predicted to be a lucky charm for the family, bringing prosperity and good fortune to everyone around her. So many people tried to arrange a marriage with her that they almost broke down the doors of Weiss Manor. Later, the Weiss family's rise confirmed the prediction, and Shirley became known as the city's number one socialite. Even Samuel, who was once the least favorite child in his family, had risen to become a powerful CEO. For these years, Shirley had truly been living a life of glory. But now, Samuel had broken off their engagement, and Owen had fallen unconscious. The once-proud top socialite of the city had become a laughingstock overnight. It showed that Adrian's predictions couldn't be trusted. It was all just a coincidence. Otherwise, why would Samuel leave her? Emily sneered. "Ha! She even shows up uninvited to a matchmaking banquet. The so-called top socialite has really lost all sense of dignity." Standing next to Jessica, Beatrice also said, "Even if Samuel doesn't want her, she doesn't have to be in such a rush to come out and get matched up, right?" These comments weren't the harshest, but when thought over, they were genuinely malicious. At this point, Jessica spoke up, displeased, "Beatrice, stop talking nonsense." Jessica's reprimand earned her quite a bit of admiration. Fortunately, Isabelle was a reasonable woman who was not swayed by their remarks. She continued to ask, "May I know the purpose of your visit, Ms. Weiss?" Shirley answered frankly, "I am here for your grandson, Benjamin Blackwood." The crowd collectively gasped. Shirley was so bold and direct! Isabelle observed Shirley before her. She was beautiful, elegant, and carried herself with a natural grace that was hard to dislike. Her eyes were clear and honest, and her demeanor exuded confidence without a trace of awkwardness. Even after all the disparaging comments from earlier, Shirley showed no reaction. She hadn't even spared those women a glance. Such composure and poise at her young age truly made her stand out. Isabelle suddenly chuckled. "I can't make that decision for you. How about this? Ben dotes on Damian the most. If you can make Damian laugh, perhaps Ben will see you in a different light." Jessica nearly burst out laughing upon hearing this. Damian was practically a withdrawn little fool, sensitive and highly wary of strangers. Even if Shirley spent the whole day trying, Damian wouldn't smile at her. The rest of the crowd also felt that Isabelle was intentionally giving Shirley a hard time. They imagined Shirley might end up like Emily, with her face smeared in cake. However, Shirley's gaze simply shifted to Damian. At that moment, Damian was staring intently at Shirley with his round, crystal-clear eyes. They sparkled like precious gems. Shirley's face softened. "Hello there, little one. We meet again." The boy remained motionless without even blinking. Shirley offered a gentle smile and extended her hand toward him. In a soft voice, she asked, "May I hold you?" The socialites couldn't help but sneer. Marie had just failed to coax him earlier, proving that good looks didn't work on this child. Surely, Shirley was about to make a fool of herself. They thought Shirley, with her habit of always stealing the spotlight wherever she went, deserved to be taken down a peg. Watching her stumble would undoubtedly make their evening worthwhile. But what happened next left everyone dumbfounded. What did they just see? The cold, doll-like Damian actually extended his arms toward Shirley! This was beyond anyone's expectations. Even Isabelle was astonished. Damian, who had never let a stranger near him before, was letting Shirley hold him. This was unprecedented. The small, soft boy carried a faint milky scent that made Shirley reluctant to let go. She couldn't help but plant a light kiss on his chubby cheek. Damian froze, with his wide eyes filled with surprise. Then, after a moment, he giggled. It was a shy, awkward, but undeniably happy laugh. Damian smiled! He really smiled! Everyone stared at Shirley in amazement. She stood there with a breathtaking smile. Truly, people of all ages and walks of life seemed to be drawn to beauty. Even her grandmother, Elena Stone, now regarded Shirley with a hint of admiration. Just then, Jessica stepped forward and smiled warmly at Damian in Shirley's arms. "Damian, you're just too adorable. I can't resist wanting to hold you, too. May I?" Damian coolly glanced at Jessica before burying his charming little face into Shirley's neck. Jessica's smile froze for a moment, but she quickly recovered and turned to Shirley with a smile. "It seems Damian really likes you!" Shirley's indifferent gaze swept over Jessica's fake smile. "I didn't expect him to be so approachable." The word "approachable" hit Jessica's pride like a slap. Shirley remained calm and composed. She responded with a simple and casual remark that delivered a subtle yet impactful retort. Her response was both graceful and strikingly effective. Isabelle's impression of Shirley grew increasingly favorable. She instructed the staff beside her, "Bring over Ms. Weiss' birth chart." The elders in Elderstone were devoutly religious. On the first and 15th day of every month, they would pray. They also placed great faith in astrological compatibility and face reading. By requesting Shirley's birth chart, Isabelle was showing her approval. If the chart aligned, she would not oppose Shirley getting close to Benjamin. Marie's gaze toward Shirley became conflicted. Shirley truly was no ordinary woman. Jessica, however, grew anxious. If Shirley truly won Benjamin over, it would jeopardize Wayne's plans. The harsh criticism Jayden had hurled at Shirley earlier had been intended to thwart her efforts to gain a powerful ally. Yet, despite being humiliated, she had still managed to win Isabelle's favor. This couldn't happen! Jessica could not let Shirley succeed. After giving her instructions to the staff, Isabelle turned to Benjamin and called out, "Ben, come here!"