Chapter 75
Chapter 75
“Bella,” Zachary gently placed his hand over hers, then lifted his gaze to study the woman before them. Clad in a black gown, her face partially concealed by a mask, yet the unmistakable chill in her eyes was still visible.
Zachary’s brows knitted briefly. He said calmly. It’s just a small stain–nothing se
Tll cover the damages,” Gwyneth said in a calm, measured voice that barely resembled her own. Business was business–despite the bad blood between them, she refused to owe Zachary anything.
“No need. Enjoy your evening. Zachary said cuntly, already steering Bella away.
Gwyneth paused in the act of pulling out her phone and muttered to herself. “Well, money saved then.
She turned to exchange her glass for champagne when a stranger approached from behind. “Fair lady,” he said smoothly, “would you honor me with a dance later this evening?”
Well, no quiet evening for me, Gwyneth sighed inwardly. She turned around, saw that the man approaching meant no harm, and, with nothing better to do, ended up exchanging pleasantries with a few of the guests,
Zachary pulled Bella into a quiet comer, his gaze darkening. “Everyone here is wealthy or influential–not people you want to provoke lightly. Mind
our words he warned.
“But your suit.” Bella began, her eyes lingering on the stain, clearly unwilling to let it go,
“Bella, the suit is trivial, but offending people is serious,” Zachary said gently, taking her hand. “You promised me?
Bela had no choice but to nod in reluctant agreement. Still, her gaze lingered with bitter resentment on the woman in the black–and–gold gown, now encircled by a crowd of admirers
Bella fumed inwardly, ‘Out there, I already have to put up with Gwyneth. And now, at this lavish gala where I’m supposed to be the honored guest, I still have to tolerate these other women stealing the spotlight? How infuriating!”
“Look at her flirting with all those men. 5 She’s clearly just another gold–digger trying to land a rich husband,
even some gold-
Bella sneered, “What has society come to? I thought such an exclusive gala would only attract real socialites, but would you believe even se digging girl trying to climb the social ladder managed to sneak in? Don’t you agree, Zachary?”
Bella kept prattling on behind him, but Zachary tuned her our completely. His gaze cut through the crowd and landed on Melanie, who had just arrived. His heart skipped a heal.
The Jenkins family is here too, he thought. Does that mean Gwyneth is attending the party today as well? If I can just earn Gwyneth’s forgiveness. will the Lopez family stop urgeting the Flynn Group!
With this thought, Zachary completely tuned out Bella’s muttering, scanning the crowd for any trace of Gwyneth.
Meanwhile, Melanie entered in a pure white cocktail dress and instantly spotted Adrian the undisputed center of attention, surrounded by an admiring crowd.
Melanie’s heart raced and her cheeks flushed. Dressed to perfection tonight, she was determined to carve out a place in Adrian’s heart
Melanie made her way over, excitement written all over her face. But Adrian, who had been chatting animatedly with the crowd, suddenly stopped mid–sentence, luis gaze drifting toward something or someone.
Gwyneth in the black–and–gold gown politely declined the men’s advances, drained the last of her champagne, raised her empty glass with a dazzling smile, and said, “Excuse me.”
Gwyneth strode away with effortless grace, leaving behind a group of men who, though wistful, remained utterly captivated by their brief exchange. Their eyes lingered longingly on her retreating figure.
Interesting: Adrian though. He finally found some amusement at the dull party. He pushed his way through the crowd, playfully mimicking Gwyneth’s mannerisans, and downed his champagne in one go without any explanation. He then headed straight for Gwyneth.
The people left behind were seething with silent resentment laut dared not speak out. By the time Melanis arrived, the crowd had already dispersed inly a tray of empty glasses remained in the waiter’s hands, and there was no trace of Adrian to be found,
Melanie glanced around and muttered. “Where is he?”
