She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 519

"You think everyone here is stupid? You're trying to throw mud on her name, and you think I can't see right through your filthy little scheme?!"

When it came to defending her granddaughter, Marcella was an unstoppable force of nature. Add in her age, which commanded immediate respect, and Alicia was left completely defenseless, her face flashing from white to a furious purple.

The surrounding guests shifted awkwardly.

Seeing his wife cornered, Edgar quickly stepped in to play the peacemaker. "My wife has always been a bit too blunt and outspoken. Please don't take offense, Madam. Allow me to apologize on her behalf. If this upsets your health, we'd never forgive ourselves."

Marcella scoffed loudly, muttering, "Hypocrites."

Fortunately, a massive commotion at the entrance diverted everyone's attention before things could escalate further.

The entire room turned to look.

An elderly, sharp-eyed man dressed in a simple, traditional suit walked into the banquet hall, flanked by several distinguished colleagues. For the first time all night, the whispers erupted into genuine shock.

"Wait... is that Heath? The absolute titan of medicine?! He retired from public events years ago! I've only ever seen his face in medical journals! What is he doing here?"

"He publicly defended Loyce's medical skills online recently. If he's here, her reputation as a genius doctor must be completely legitimate. There's no way you could drag him to a party otherwise. And look at the people with him—they're all pioneers. Their combined research practically defines modern medicine!"

Before the crowd could even process the shock of seeing the medical elite, an even louder wave of gasps swept through the room.

"Oh my god, it's Holt! The lead singer of Apex! Word is Loyce personally cured his vocal cords!"

"Look! It's the pop diva, Renee!"

"And Lillian, the movie star, with her CEO husband... Good god, they all came together!"

"Renee rejected our contract," Alicia ground out through clenched teeth. Even when Alicia had offered her the Langley Jewelers sponsorship and promised to fund her next album, the pop star had flatly refused.

Sybil's fists trembled. "Loyce, Loyce, Loyce! It's all because of Loyce!"

"She's coming down! The banquet is officially starting!"

Someone whispered loudly, and the buzzing hall instantly fell dead silent. Every single pair of eyes snapped toward the grand balcony overlooking the room.

The girl stood perfectly straight. She wasn't dripping in ostentatious jewelry; she simply wore an exquisitely tailored gown that highlighted her striking features. With a faint, perfectly composed smile on her lips, an invisible, commanding aura washed over the entire hall.

Loyce knew her family had poured their hearts into this event. Shedding her usual lazy, casual demeanor, she fully embraced the poised, untouchable elegance of a true heiress.

"She looks even more breathtaking in person than she did in those videos..."