Evelyn Ross turned her phone screen toward the attendant.

"Can I enter now?"

The attendant glanced at it and immediately bowed, stepping aside. "Please, go right in."

Julian Evans frowned deeply. "Where did you get an invitation?"

He stepped closer, staring intently at the screen. "These events are strictly name-based. Don't even think about trying to sneak in!"

His pupils constricted sharply the moment he saw the name.

At top-tier industry gatherings, invitations usually listed both the company and the attendee's title.

Jason Lawrence's invitation was earned through his own merit, not the Vance Group's prestige.

But there were always exceptions.

Evelyn's invitation bore only three simple words.

No title.

No company.

Julian's voice turned hoarse. "How did you get this invitation?"

"None of your business."

Evelyn put her phone away and looked at Jason. "Shall we go in?"

Jason's previously stifled mood instantly lifted.

He quickly caught up. "Where did you get that invitation?"

Before she could answer, he had a sudden realization. "It was Mr. Vance, wasn't it? Not listing a company actually avoids a lot of trouble."

His expression darkened. "Julian went too far today. I'll ask my cousin to address this when we get back!"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

What happened to hating those who relied on connections?

Jason awkwardly rubbed his nose. "I only dislike incompetent people who rely on connections... There are too many slackers at Vance Group. Let's not talk about that."

He picked up a champagne flute. "Let me introduce you to a few people."

Before Evelyn could refuse, he was already pulling her toward a group. "Mr. Lu!"

A middle-aged man, addressed as Mr. Lu, was chatting and laughing with others. He smiled upon seeing Jason. "Rare to see you at an event. Do you have time to enlighten us old-timers today?"

Jason gently nudged Evelyn forward. "I brought a newcomer to learn. She's the expert who solved a problem that stumped me for a month."

Curious glances immediately fell upon them.

Any problem that troubled Jason was certainly not ordinary.

Mr. Lu laughed. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Before he finished speaking, a soft, gentle voice interrupted. "Mr. Lu, it's been a long time."

Isabella Ashcroft walked over gracefully, arm-in-arm with Julian.

Her blue evening gown made her look gentle and lovely.

Mr. Lu and the others immediately surrounded her. "Miss Ashcroft! You're here today. Will Dr. Nan be attending?"

Isabella smiled faintly. "I'm here with my fiancé. He also works in the new energy sector."

Julian extended his hand. "Julian Evans, Vance Group."

Mr. Lu shook his hand enthusiastically. "So you're the young Mr. Evans! I've heard so much about you!"

"You two are a perfect match..."

"Miss Ashcroft, when will Dr. Nan finally make an appearance? We're all eager to meet the real person!"

The crowd's focus instantly shifted to Isabella.

Jason and Evelyn were pushed to the periphery.

"They did that on purpose!"

Jason's expression turned grim. "But combined, these people don't carry the weight Dr. Nan does. When James Klein arrives later, be proactive."

Evelyn remained silent.

Jason continued, "Don't worry about losing face. Too many people want to connect with James. I've barely exchanged a few words with him myself..."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Then I'll introduce you."

Jason thought she was joking. "Just try to get on his radar first."

A sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.

James Klein had arrived.

He wore a light gray suit and looked aloof, a stark contrast to his usual self.

The crowd immediately surged forward.

"Mr. Klein! What project are you busy with lately?"

"Any new directions you can share?"

...

Isabella and Julian didn't approach immediately.

Instead, they walked toward Evelyn.

Isabella smiled warmly. "Evelyn, would you like me to introduce you to Mr. Klein?"

Julian snorted coldly. "She managed to get an invitation. She probably already has connections. No need for you to bother."

Isabella gently patted his arm. "Mr. Klein has high standards. He doesn't just talk to anyone. I thought I could help... Never mind. It was presumptuous of me."

Jason ignored them and handed Evelyn a glass of champagne. "Go offer a toast."

Julian scoffed. "Vance Group doesn't need to rely on looks to build connections! James isn't that kind of person. Countless beauties have tried and failed to get information about Dr. Nan from him. Do you really think you're that charming?"

Isabella gently interrupted him. "Julian, let's go see Mr. Klein."

They walked toward James.

Isabella called out brightly, "Mr. Klein!"

James, initially indifferent, glanced at Isabella and was about to look away when his eyes suddenly fixed on a point behind her!

His eyes lit up, and he strode purposefully past Isabella and Julian.

Isabella's heart leaped with joy.

She had interacted with James a few times, but he had always been lukewarm.

She didn't expect him to be so respectful in public.

Julian also straightened his posture.

Dr. Nan clearly valued Isabella greatly.

They both smiled and stepped forward to greet him.

Isabella began to introduce, "Mr. Klein, this is..."

But James swept past them like a gust of wind, heading straight for Evelyn.

He stopped in front of her, his voice filled with surprise. "What are you doing here?"