Melanie had a plan. When she returned to the dressing room, she found the gown and shoes labeled with her name and inspected the dress inside and out. However, she didn't find anything amiss.Melanie tried it on and felt nothing wrong, so she left.Only after seeing her in that dress did two women in the shadows breathe a sigh of relief and start talking."Do you think tampering with her dress was just loosening the shoulder straps or something?""I'm not that basic!"Another woman's voice, with a touch of arrogance, chuckled, "I stuck a nail in her shoe!""A nail? Won't she notice it quickly? What if she changes it before reaching the banquet hall?""I did it quite skillfully. I guarantee she'll feel the power of the nail bit by bit. It won't pierce the sole until it's time to dance. Then, let's see if Melanie can still be proud!" The woman triumphantly declared.Just as Jeffrey exited the elevator, he overheard the women's sinister plot. He narrowed his eyes, recalling th
"Lady Grace, Miss Jones is also one of our invited guests. You can't just..."The staff found themselves in a dilemma, sweating nervously."What? Can't handle it? Who is she anyway? I've never even seen her. She’s a nobody! If you can't solve this, I'll go home. I'll make your socialite gala lose its glamor!" Grace threatened.Several staff members noted that the gala would begin soon. Without a choice, they approached and asked Melanie, "Miss Jones, it's rather embarrassing but could you please change into another gown?"Looking at Grace's exquisite off-white gown in the dressing room, Melanie pretended to sigh reluctantly.After a pause, she said, "I understand your predicament. If it weren't for the importance of the gala, I wouldn't have given in to her whims.""What are you talking about? I want your clothes now! Take them off!" Grace insisted.Beside her, her butler discreetly tugged at her sleeve, reminding her in a hushed tone, "Lady Grae, it’s not good to make a commoti
Just then, the host exclaimed, "Let's give a warm welcome to the fashionably late—Mr. Stephen Morgan!""Welcome to the International Socialites Gala!"All eyes turned to the entrance as a tall and imposing man entered the scene. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The custom-tailored suit he wore accentuated his perfect form.Morgan Group was a renowned international corporation led by Madam Morgan, who also chaired the gala. The Morgans rarely made public appearances. Stephen's unexpected presence added an exciting twist to this year's high-society event.The glamorous ladies in attendance were stirred up. Some who already had dance partners hastily abandoned them, eager to approach Stephen.Stephen, however, ignored the ladies vying for his attention and headed straight for Melanie. When he reached her, he extended a gentlemanly hand and said, "Miss Jones, would you care to dance?""Woah!"A small ripple of surprise echoed through the crowd. Stephen's arrival turned o
"Ugh."A sudden groan escaped Melanie's lips.Her left foot began to lose strength and her dance steps, guided by the man opposite her, were no longer as smooth as before.Melanie discreetly observed the two waitstaff, noting the delight on their faces. She knew her earlier assumptions were right.Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the man beside her furrowing his brows.His sturdy arms supported her, yet her left foot grew weaker with each step. Despite the hall's moderate temperature, small beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.He watched as the woman, despite evident discomfort, made every effort to match his dance steps. His gaze intensified.Just moments ago, he had contemplated spinning her around. But now as he gazed at her face, the curve of her mouth stirred his heart.With another turn in sync with the music, his Adam's apple bobbed and he lifted Melanie in a smooth movement."What are you doing?" Melanie said, shocked.The man must be insane! There are s
"In the banquet hall, there are a few waitstaff that's rather suspicious. Have your people follow them. You'll discover something unexpected," Melanie said."Why should I help you?" Stephen replied.She looked up, observing the slight raise of Stephen's eyebrow and the scrutinizing, bold look in his eyes. She wanted to say something sarcastic, but she restrained herself."In recent years, the relationship between the Duke of William and the Morgans has been rather complex. Your uncle desires cooperation for mutual benefit between the two families. The actions of those waitstaff involving Lady Grace might offend her family. Don't you think helping me with this small favor to salvage the outcome is worthwhile?" She explained.The man nearby narrowed his eyes slightly and gave a subtle signal. Without hesitation, someone approached and executed Melanie's instructions.Melanie felt satisfied as she stood up, extending her hand to him. "Let's head back to the hall," she said.The two
In his pursuit for Duke Wilhelm's investment, Frank had put his pride on the line countless times. The Duke eventually agreed, but with a condition—take good care of his daughter, the notorious Grace.However, Grace was known for her pickiness. They spent much time and money preparing her gown, but it was all ruined by a jealous socialite. "If you don't get Lady Grace's forgiveness, we'll not only involve the police but also expose your actions to the entire Harbor City. You and your family will have no standing there!" Frank issued a stern threat, "I suggest you apologize to Lady Grace right away!""Are you done with the lecture?"Remaining composed, Melanie responded, "Yes, Lady Grace's dress and shoes were originally mine. But it was Lady Grace who threatened the staff and forced me to exchange outfits with her. Evidence is in the surveillance footage. You're all welcome to watch it."Grace was about to retaliate when her butler quickly reminded her to be mindful of her attitu
All guests were having fun in the banquet hall during the dance segment. However, Stephen remained in the lounge and appeared vulnerable and helpless.He waited for what felt like an eternity until William finally returned with his attire. William also briefed him on Melanie's tasks and left with a cautionary word. "President Morgan instructed you not to let anything slip."Uncle Jeffrey wanted to share a dance with his wife, but he had to maintain the facade of a disabled person in public. How could he dare to let something slip?Stephen quickly changed into his tailcoat, adjusting his bowtie as he approached Melanie. He muttered, "Everyone you need is under my control."Melanie wore a knowing smile as she addressed the crowd, "Who said there were no witnesses?"Following her words, Stephen gestured, and a waitstaff was brought forward. Olivia's expression stiffened at the sight of him.Stephen's subordinate addressed the crowd, "He was about to delete the surveillance footage w
In the past, Lady Grace used to be the shining star among the socialites, but this year, with two hundred gentlemen casting their votes, she only managed to secure thirty-nine votes after two rounds. Most of the other socialites either received no votes or garnered votes in single digits.Meanwhile, Melanie achieved an overwhelming victory with sixty-one votes, claiming the top spot."Melanie is truly impressive! It's her first time attending the socialite banquet, and she has already stolen Lady Grace's spotlight!""That dance she performed was amazing! I'm not a professional, but I found it quite delightful!"People around her began to discuss Melanie, leaving Grace frustrated. She turned to leave, but her butler quickly reassured her, "Don't be hasty, my Lady. I have a way to remedy this situation.""The results are already out! What remedy is there now?" Grace retorted with widened eyes."My Lady, please be patient."The cunning butler smirked and walked away, whispering a f