The Heiress They Lost Came Back Overpowered
Chapter 25 - 24: The Performers Have Finally Arrived

Chapter 25: Chapter 24: The Performers Have Finally Arrived

Everyone who recognized them froze. Why were the former principal of Kingsland University and the director of the Kingsland Police Department both here?

Though the Hayes family was also a first-class family, they had always kept a low profile, never attending high-society banquets.

The former principal had been in his position for nearly forty years, and his students could be found in every corner of the world. Everyone had heard at least a few stories about his accomplishments.

But aside from Patriarch Lowell himself, no one in the Lowell family had attended Kingsland University. The young masters were all alumni of other prestigious schools. How on earth did they manage to get him to come?

Seeing who had arrived, Yvonne Lowell lowered her head with a resigned smile and strode forward. "If you’ll excuse me."

She moved so quickly that the people beside her had no time to stop her. Only Leo Grant remained still, his eyes tracking her every move.

The other guests stared at her as if she were a fool. Had she gone mad? Even if she wanted to make an impression, this wasn’t the time. Did she even know them? Why was she just walking up to them? And the police director was standing right there!

’I wouldn’t dare,’ Director Hawthorne thought. ’And I couldn’t win in a fight, either. That woman is basically my ancestor.’

But the scene that followed left them utterly dumbfounded. Not only did Director Hawthorne not stop her, but Yvonne Lowell went right up and took the former principal’s other arm, and the three of them began chatting and laughing together.

"Why did you have to come in person?" Yvonne said to Elder Hawthorne, her tone exasperated.

Elder Hawthorne gave her a mock glare. "If I didn’t come, when would I ever get to see you? You give an invitation to that stinking brat, but not to me?"

’So, I guess that makes *her* your actual child, huh?’ Director Hawthorne thought resentfully.

"I did have one prepared for you! Besides, I told you not to come, but you insisted. Don’t blame me when you get mobbed by your old students later."

"Hmph. You still made him deliver it for you. No sincerity whatsoever!" he grumbled. "What is it? Is this old man so unwelcome? You didn’t want me to come, but don’t think for a second I don’t know what you’re planning!" Elder Hawthorne shot her a glare.

Yvonne was exasperated. "If you knew, then why did you..."

"This old man is here today specifically to back you up. Do whatever you’ve set your mind to. If the Lowell family gives you any trouble over this, you can just come home with me and be my granddaughter. The Hayes family might not be on par with the Lowells, but I guarantee you won’t be treated any worse! Besides, with all my students in every profession and walk of life, do you really think we can’t protect you?"

’Heck yes! Time to up the stakes!’

’Our family seniority is all messed up now,’ Yvonne thought. ’This is complete and utter chaos!’

"Go on, then. Tell my grandpa that, if you’ve got the nerve," Yvonne said, jutting her chin toward Grandpa Lowell, who was striding quickly toward them.

Incensed, Elder Hawthorne smacked Director Hawthorne with his left hand. "Hah! You think I’m scared?"

"Grandpa, slow down. He’s right here; he’s not going to run off," Yvonne said, letting go of Elder Hawthorne and taking a few steps toward Grandpa Lowell.

Grandpa Lowell gave her a light swat. "What a way to talk. Don’t be so rude!"

"Eh, Old Man Lowell, it’s no trouble, no trouble at all. This girl and I have always been informal with each other," Elder Hawthorne said, extending his right hand. The way he said it, however, sounded suspiciously like he was boasting.

Grandpa Lowell grasped his hand in return. "Principal Hawthorne, my granddaughter can be mischievous. Please don’t take it to heart."

"Bah, it’s nothing. I quite like her spirit. In fact, I came today because I was worried about her and wanted to lend my support," Elder Hawthorne said, looking him straight in the eyes.

Grandpa Lowell met his gaze without flinching. "There’s no need for that. Our entire family adores her; we could never love her enough. We will always be on her side."

The two elders stared at each other, and as if they were the only two people in the room, the banquet hall seemed to grow quiet around them.

As if having reached some unspoken agreement, they looked at each other, smiled, and let go of their hands.

"Then I suppose I’ll be imposing on you today."

"Nonsense! Why don’t you come have some tea? A few of my old friends are over here," Grandpa Lowell said, raising a hand and giving Yvonne a reassuring look.

Elder Hawthorne nodded. "That sounds lovely. Yvonne, I’ll head over now."

"Alright, you two go and have fun," Yvonne said, watching the two old rascals with resignation. ’They were on the verge of fighting a moment ago, and now they’re thick as thieves?’

After the two men left, Director Hawthorne sidled up to Yvonne conspiratorially. "I’ve got the arrest warrant right here in my pocket, and the plainclothes officers are waiting outside. When do we move?"

"Tsk. You’re a director. Why are you acting so shifty?" Yvonne shot him a sidelong glance. "No need to rush. Call your people in and have them eat first."

"Oh, there’s no need. We’re on the clock."

"Tch," she scoffed. "It’s Saturday. How can you make them work overtime and still sleep at night? I’m not as cruel as you. Just have them come in. They’re in plainclothes, so what’s there to worry about?"

Grumbling, Director Hawthorne pulled out his phone and sent the order. "You really are the death of me."

"I’d love to be, but I doubt your father would approve. Anyway, go on and amuse yourself. The main actors in this play haven’t even taken the stage yet." After speaking, Yvonne exchanged a glance with Nina Jennings in the crowd and then walked toward Caleb Lowell and Leo Grant.

"Hey!" Abandoned, Director Hawthorne could only go and meet up with his subordinates.

The few plainclothes officers who were called inside began exchanging looks.

"What’s the Director thinking? I thought we were here to arrest someone. How did it turn into a dinner party?"

"Don’t overthink it. Let’s just eat first."

"I’d volunteer for more overtime shifts if they’re all like this."

Seeing Yvonne was in no danger, the men who had started to follow her stopped and dispersed, leaving only Caleb Lowell and Leo Grant still chatting in place.

As they caught sight of Yvonne approaching, the formerly blank expressions on both men’s faces broke into faint smiles.

"Nola, how do you know the former principal of Kingsland University?" Caleb Lowell asked, patting her head.

Yvonne shrugged innocently. "I helped Director Hawthorne out once when I was abroad, and we ended up becoming good friends with his father, despite our age difference. He even wanted me to come to Kingsland University."

Over on the other side, Nina Jennings nudged Avis with her elbow. Taking the hint, Avis moved to a more conspicuous spot in the crowd.

Hector Sutton hadn’t expected to run into Avis here and wanted to go over to have a word, hoping to dissuade him from terminating his contract.

Before he left, he made sure to tell Holly Sutton, "Eldest Miss Lowell is by herself now. Go on, hurry."

"Yes, Father." Holly Sutton lowered her gaze, hiding the bitter jealousy in her eyes.

’Bitch. How does she get all the luck?! It’s bad enough she has the status, but how does she know so many powerful people? Even those top-tier young masters are all wrapped around her finger! Why her? If *I* were the true Eldest Miss Lowell, all of this would be mine!’

’No matter. As long as I can win over the eldest young master of the Lowell family, won’t the entire family be mine to command?!’

She lifted her head, her facade of a pure and harmless little white flower perfectly restored, and walked toward Yvonne.

Yvonne saw Holly Sutton approaching out of the corner of her eye. The corner of her lips curved into a slight smile. ’The main act is finally here.’