Chapter 117: You're Jealous Because I Stole Your Spotlight

The security guard handed over the invitation. "Young Master Shi, there are indeed four names on the invitation."

Shi Shaoxun glanced at the invitation and said, "The invitees are Shen Chutang, Shen Xuejun, Liu Shuhua, and Shen Tingting. But this person claiming to be Shen Chutang, the one in the yellow dress, is not on the list."

In an instant, all eyes turned to Shen Duoduo, who instantly felt embarrassed.

"I—I came with my uncle. Isn't that allowed?"

Shi Shaoxun crossed his arms. "Tonight’s masquerade ball does not permit guests to bring companions, male or female. Not even your uncle, let alone your own father!"

Those nearby nodded in agreement. Shen Xuejun, feeling the stares, flushed and said to Shen Duoduo, "You should leave immediately."

Shen Duoduo was unwilling to give up. She had dressed up specifically for the occasion, while Shen Chutang was casually dressed, showing disrespect for the event. Why should she be driven away while Shen Chutang stayed?

"Why, Uncle? I’ve prepared for this day for so long! Besides, what harm does one more person do at such a grand event? Could that young master be so petty as not to accommodate one more guest?"

Shen Chutang was the first to applaud.

"Wow, I’ve rarely seen someone be so shameless yet so refreshingly candid."

Shen Duoduo’s face darkened. "What did you say?"

With an innocent expression, Shen Chutang replied, "Isn’t it true? They just mixed up the guest list. You feigned ignorance and took my invitation spot. Now that you’ve been exposed, you’re angry and questioning why the host won’t let you in. Don’t you find that ridiculous?

By your logic, anyone should be able to bring their whole family. If that’s not allowed, then it’s the host’s fault?

If you’re so capable, why don’t you hold your own ball? Bring whoever you want then, no one would say a word."

Several wealthy young ladies passing by burst into laughter at Shen Chutang’s words, their eyes filled with disdain as they looked at Shen Duoduo.

Shen Xuejun was losing face and whispered, "Duoduo, I told you at home—if you can’t bring anyone, just leave. Don’t make a scene here and embarrass yourself."

Shen Duoduo felt wronged. She was so close to meeting the young master, only to be blocked at the door by an unexpected obstacle!

She was so beautiful; surely the young master would soften upon seeing her!

Given Shen Xuejun’s current plight, with no clear path to rise again, her best option now was to rely on her looks!

"Shen Chutang, don’t talk big here. This ball is hosted by the young master; how do you know she won’t invite me? I’m so beautiful—are you just jealous I’m stealing your spotlight?"

Shi Shaoxun felt sickened. Was this woman out of her mind? Compared to Shen Chutang’s beauty? Where did this arrogance come from?

Shen Duoduo was all in. "I won’t leave without seeing the young master! Are you really going to heartlessly turn away a young lady who’s come all this way?"

The "young master" she referred to was naturally the crown prince of the capital.

At that moment, someone upstairs raised a hand. Several security guards immediately dragged Shen Duoduo out without mercy.

She was thrown harshly to the ground and cried out in frustration, "How dare you treat me like this! The young master will never forgive you!"

Shi Shaoxun’s eyes were cold. "Take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself what you really are. It was exactly the young master you kept mentioning who ordered you out. You’d better behave.

If you cause any more trouble, don’t blame us for being ruthless."

Liu Shuhua had wanted to help, but seeing the crowd whispering and staring at Shen Duoduo, she quickly withdrew her intentions.

Shen Tingting, afraid of embarrassment, grabbed Liu Shuhua and hurried inside, with Shen Xuejun following behind.

Shi Shaoxun smiled at Shen Chutang. "Miss Shen has arrived. Han Han is already waiting for you."

Shen Chutang nodded in acknowledgment.

"By the way, tonight is a masquerade ball, and Miss Shen probably doesn’t have a mask. Follow me—I have some extra masks prepared for guests."

Shen Chutang nodded. The wealthy certainly loved their games. Why bother with a masquerade ball?

She put on a mask, but still looked out of place at the ball. Everyone else was dressed elegantly, yet she wore casual clothes.

Han Han immediately spotted Shen Chutang and said, "Sister Chutang, why aren’t you wearing a gown? I’ll have someone bring one to you right away!"

Shen Chutang shook her head. "No need."

She wasn’t really interested in attending the ball. Lu Beiqin was also working here tonight, so she came along to check in.

Just then, Shen Chutang felt a chill on her back as a glass of red wine was deliberately poured down her back.