Chapter 1051

Jude Wilder hesitated for a moment and asked, “Is today also Miss Chelsea’s birthday?”

Crystal Chelsea stiffened for a split second.

Raymond Chelsea was equally taken aback. “Aren’t you here for my daughter’s birthday party, Mr. Wilder?”

“Apologies,” Jude said, offering a polite but distant smile.

Those simple words clearly defined the boundaries between him and Crystal.

The air grew thick with awkwardness.

Jude took the initiative to break the tension. “Once I wrap up my business here, I’ll make sure to come over and wish Miss Chelsea a happy birthday.”

Crystal’s expression darkened even more.

She knew Jude was only here to attend Noreen Gilmore’s birthday party.

As for her own event, he was merely showing his face out of courtesy to Raymond.

Raymond, however, remained agreeable. “That works perfectly. I won’t hold you up any longer, Mr. Wilder.”

Jude gave a polite nod and walked into the hotel.

Crystal waited until he was completely out of earshot before turning to her father. “Dad, how do you know Jude Wilder?”

Raymond looked slightly confused. “Didn’t you know? Mr. Wilder is the General Manager of NoMore Corporation. They’ve been expanding rapidly overseas these past two years, and our bank has quite a few partnerships with them.”

It wasn’t just him; even Nancy Chelsea, a full-time housewife, knew about NoMore.

She chimed in, “Your father’s upcoming promotion this year is entirely thanks to NoMore Corporation helping him crush his KPIs.”

Crystal was utterly stunned. “How is that possible?”

“Him?”

“The General Manager of NoMore Corporation?”

Who would believe that?

But Raymond was firm. “It’s the absolute truth.”

Now it was Crystal’s turn to fall silent.

She had no idea Jude held such a powerful position.

Oblivious to his daughter’s complicated emotions, Raymond continued, “Honestly,

I’m more interested in networking with the real boss behind NoMore. It’s just a shame no one knows their true identity yet.”

When she returned to the ballroom, Crystal’s mind was elsewhere.

The good mood she had earlier completely vanished.

Guests were arriving one by one, mostly wealthy wives and socialites from her usual circles.

She had prepared an exquisite spread of pastries and expensive drinks, chatting with them with a plastered-on smile.

But not long after, two of the wives suddenly made excuses and left early.

Crystal felt a wave of frustration.

Jasmine noticed. “I’ll go out and see what’s going on.”

Knowing Jasmine was going to scout the situation for her, Crystal gave a brief nod.

But Jasmine was gone for a long time.

Crystal called her, but the call went unanswered.

Having no choice but to look for her, Crystal walked toward the entrance, only to spot Jasmine pacing outside Noreen’s venue, constantly craning her neck to peek inside.

She seemed to be looking for someone.

Crystal narrowed her eyes, pulled out her phone, and dialed Jasmine’s number again.

She watched as Jasmine took her phone out and glanced at the screen.

Instead of answering, Jasmine shoved it right back into her purse.

Face cold, Crystal dialed once more.

This time, Jasmine picked up.

But her reluctance was obvious.

Despite that, she maintained her usual respectful tone. “Miss Chelsea.”

“Where are you?” Crystal demanded.

“I am so sorry, Miss Chelsea,”

Jasminefied smoothly. “My kid suddenly got sick, and I’m on my way to the hospitalright now was such a tushdidn’t even have time to tell you.”

After two seconds of dead silence, Crystal hung up.

Unlike her usual self, Jasmine didn’t immediately call back to apologize or explain.

Instead, she pocketed her phone and went back to peering into the venue.

Earlier, when she stepped out, she had seen Silas enter Noreen’s ballroom.

Without an invitation, she couldn’t get in, leaving her stuck waiting at the door.

In that short amount of time, a steady stream of people arrived.

The first was a man in a wheelchair,

his expression sharp and somber et

Even from wards away a he exuded silent, commanding presence.”