After hanging up the phone, Vanessa dragged Liam to pick out clothes. As she was tying his tie, she said, "Are you stupid? This is the Bennett family's party! So many people can't get in! Not only will going there broaden your horizons, but you might even be able to strike up a conversation with that rich girl. Even if you can't, you'll get to know a few of the executives! It's better than having to keep Clara around all day. If she knew you could attend a party like this, she'd probably regret it!"
Vanessa's words completely convinced Liam. He looked at himself in the mirror, wearing a tailored suit, and imagined being complimented at the banquet. Any hesitation he had felt instantly vanished. He even began to look forward to it—when Clara returned, he would tell her about the banquet, show her that he was capable of standing on a higher plane, and how much she would lose if she left him.