The atmosphere at the party was lively. Glasses were clinking and people were mingling in the splendid hall.When Ivanna and I entered, it was already pretty late, and many guests had arrived.I recognized some faces at the gala, but I had to admit that I was not acquainted with most of the people here.As we walked into the venue, I overheard people whispering, "What beautiful women.""Who are those two? I don't think I've seen them before.""They’re gorgeous. They might be from a prestigious family, and they might have just returned to the country recently."I realized the whispers were talking about us. Of course they hadn't seen us before since I had never attended events like this. But I wasn't interested in their discussions and had no intention of drawing attention to myself. I simply smiled and ignored them.I glanced around and looked for Trinity. It seemed she hadn't arrived.I asked Ivanna, "Will Jared be here today?"Ivanna shook her head. "He usually avoids things
I turned to the source of the voice, only to find that the person greeting me was Melvern.I greeted him with a slight smile and said, "Hello."At this moment, he looked at me endearingly, as if we were old friends. "Before coming here, I was wondering if I’d see you. It seems my wish has come true."His charming gaze remained fixed on my face as he spoke.While I didn't mind Melvern's presence, I disliked how he looked at me intensely. His gaze gave me goosebumps.Ivanna glanced at the person who approached me and gave me a questioning look.However, I could not introduce him to Ivanna as I didn't officially know him. Nevertheless, during our brief conversation, I noticed he addressed me as "Ms. Chloe," indicating that he had investigated me.I nodded slightly at Melvern and said, "It’s nothing strange, it's just a social gathering and anyone can be here.”Upon sensing my tone, Ivanna understood this person was not someone I favored.To steer the conversation away, Ivanna pol
Liora's voice echoed behind me, laughter accompanying her words, "Hi. You're too kind. It's just something that had to be done. With all that money invested, what else could I have done?”I silently cursed her shamelessness. She had taken over someone else's property and pretended to be innocent now."Indeed, it's still because of your capability, right? I heard that the couple had done quite a few shady things. Maybe Tanum should be investigated, too. Who knows if they’re doing the same thing?" Someone remarked sharply."Oh, please don't say that! The CEO of Tanum is present, so be careful with your words." Liora played the role of a good person.Her provocations were directed toward me, who had my back turned to her.But some people just didn't know their limits. Upon hearing Liora's words, someone immediately said, "So what? Everyone knows about the Murphy family’s dirty deeds. Tanum’s ex-CEO has been running the company for so many years. I bet the foundation has long been cor
Liora probably hadn't expected me to be so calm. However, the woman named Vicky, who was with her, seemed to recognize me and was a bit surprised.Staring at me with displeasure, she asked, "How can it be you?"I shifted my gaze from Liora to Vicky and asked, "Why can't it be me?"Liora glanced at Vicky and interrupted her, "Do you two know each other?""We met at Arkadia Plaza yesterday," Vicky said. "She couldn't even afford a dress there and dare to wear a knockoff here.""Tsk tsk, Vicky, what nonsense are you saying?" Liora immediately interjected. "You may not know this, but Ms. Chloe is a nouveau riche with strong ties. In the future, Ms. Chloe might be the center of attention at such gatherings. How could she be wearing knockoffs?"Liora's ambiguous words suggested a wealthy benefactor was behind me. Otherwise, I could not attend such events. She implied that I had some secrets or connections that others didn't know.Ivanna couldn't stand Liora's sarcastic tone and was ab
"You arrived a bit late. Ms. Liora and I chatted for quite a while," I casually added, throwing more fuel to the fire.Stella's eyes glanced at Liora. Although she maintained a smile, a shadow clouded her eyes.Moreover, I noticed that Liora seemed off since the arrival of Trinity and Stella. Her attention wasn't on us. Instead, she briefly glanced at Vicky, who had been following her.Soon after, Vicky discreetly left our group.I added, "How is the matter in Muborough handled? Putting Matthew in prison involves many projects, and it's not wise. There are mixed reactions about it—some happy, some not so much."My words were direct, implying that Liora may have done more harm than good by implicating Matthew. Celine was deeply involved in the Muborough projects, and the current situation was undoubtedly distressing her.This incident, after all, was instigated by Liora.Even though I spoke plainly, Liora didn't catch on, showing that her attention was elsewhere.Stella couldn't
Back in the hall, my gaze swept over to where Trinity was. She raised an eyebrow at me, looking cunning, like a sly fox.As I turned, I noticed Liora walking in from outside. I was puzzled—she hadn't gone to the restroom, so where had she been? However, at the moment, she didn't look too well.I took a glass of red wine from a waiter's tray, sipping it slowly while my eyes casually observed Liora. Simultaneously, I scanned the hall filled with elegance and sophistication.Ivanna whispered to me, "I'll go find out."I nodded, and she walked into the crowd.Just then, a voice sounded beside me, "I didn't expect to see you here, Ms. Chloe."Upon hearing this, I sensed an underlying meaning in the tone.Involuntarily, I turned to look, and a seductive woman was walking toward me from behind.I recognized her. She was Madison Ballard. She used to be one of Liora's followers.Madison's father was also involved in real estate but dealt with second-hand houses. Over the past few years
I remained silent and stared at Madison calmly.When she saw that I didn't respond, Madison grew even more arrogant. "Do you really think you've become a socialite just because you’re running a company and have won a few projects?"Her imposing demeanor carried a certain air of authority."Just wearing a branded dress doesn't make you sophisticated. Someone who's both an ex-wife and a mistress should be more cautious. I'd advise people like that to control themselves and stay low-key," Madison said, looking quite pleased with herself. After her remark, I couldn't help glancing at her expensive attire.To my surprise, it was luxurious from head to toe.When I still didn't respond, she shook her head and added, "That might help them not end up like Harmony one day, manipulated, deceived, and ruined.”One of the sycophants beside her chimed in when she saw my continued silence. "Exactly. Some people shouldn't have any grand illusions. In Foswood, there are many legitimate socialites
Liora was visibly shaken, and all eyes turned toward the source of the commanding voice. It was none other than Atlas. He walked into the crowd with his dominating presence. His intense gaze was fixed on me as he approached and pulled me into his embrace.I noticed that Madison turned even paler, and she instinctively took a step back."You’re Madison, aren’t you? It seems that the Ballard family's real estate business is thriving." Atlas's eyes, sharp and piercing, focused on Madison. His words were laden with meaning.Suddenly, there was a commotion in the crowd. An elderly man pushed through, walked up to Atlas and said with a smile, "You're a great man, Mr. Atlas. Don't lower yourself to her level. She... she's just talking nonsense.""You feel like you’re on top of the world, huh, Mr. Gary? How about you check your taxes? I heard that’s under someone else’s control, isn't it?” Atlas's chiseled and stern face turned icy, which caused the atmosphere to plummet."No... Mr. Atlas