The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1693

But she couldn't. She could only watch helplessly as Chloe entered the door before them.

"Can't you see? It's clear as day what Queen Julia is thinking. Blood is thicker than water after all."

"While Chloe is received with respect after presenting her invitation, Princess Becky and Barbara still need the consent of Duke Dubonnet to enter. The difference in treatment is clear enough for even a fool to see who Queen Julia favors. Better keep your wits about you and try to get on better terms with the real princess."

"But Barbara and Becky have been by the Queen's side since they were kids. The Queen wouldn't completely ignore them just because there's a new princess. If so, what does that make of her? She's just letting the new princess get accustomed to the environment; there's no need for comparison."

The whispers reached Barbara and Becky's ears, their faces turning sour.

"Please, princesses."d2

The servant reminded them. Barbara, maintaining a shallow smile, turned and walked into the grand entrance.

The Dubonnet estate was vast. To reach the banquet hall from the entrance, one had to traverse an escalator. Given the grandeur of the event and the discomfort of high heels, everyone chose to take the escalator.

When Barbara and Becky caught up, Damon was just stepping onto the escalator with Chloe. Chloe, clutching her gift box, squinted into the circular holes on the sides under the bright lights, but couldn't see what was inside.

Damon smiled at her curiosity and pointed to the box. "This ring has an outer layer. When you place it on the table, just take that off."

Chloe blinked, her curiosity piqued.

"What's inside? I don't even know what the gift is. How can it be the gift sent by me?"

Damon pursed his lips, "The birthday girl will love it. That's for sure." He had a hunch that if she were to know what was inside, he might have another enemy on his hands.

Chloe couldn't open the box now, so she clutched it to her chest. What the gift was, they would find out when Fiona opened it. This was certainly an unprecedented gift.

The silence was soon broken by two figures walking past them to their left.

Barbara, being dragged by Becky, looked entirely passive. Everyone knew Becky was impulsive and lacked tact, so her behavior was not surprising. Barbara, on the other hand, looked uncomfortable and apologized to Chloe, "I'm sorry."

Chloe gave a casual smile, "That's okay. You two can go ahead."

But Barbara held Becky back and chose to stand in front of Chloe and Damon, striking up a friendly conversation. "We're all here for Fiona's birthday, and there's no rush. Becky's just a bit impatient."

Chloe just smiled and didn't respond.