Gabriel pretended to be nonchalant as he spoke to Ginger. "Enjoy the meal, Ginger. I have to take a call from my boss. I'm going to the bathroom too.""Alright. Go ahead."Gabriel walked toward the bathroom, taking his phone with him. But he didn't enter the bathroom. Instead, he stood at a safety exit outside the bathroom. He answered the call, "Hello.""For the banquet tomorrow …"The person said something. Gabriel narrowed his eyes, a little surprised by the person's words.But he didn't ask about it. After staying silent for a moment, he said, "Got it."The person added, "Also, there's been a rumor about the Aspen family in Maltford. Dorothy was supposedly a maid of the Aspen family."She suddenly died some time ago, and someone suspects that it was the work of that woman and her mother. If it truly was them, they may be in Maltford right now. Keep an eye out for them."If you can figure out their whereabouts, our family's status … You know what'll happen."Gabriel replied
Grayson said, "Someone will be causing trouble today. It'll be a mess, so it might affect your mood."Belle stared at him, her eyes widening in surprise. "Is this even a proper reason?""Why not?""What do you think?" Belle wanted to retort him now.Grayson thought for a moment. Then, he said, "You might get famous if you attend the banquet. The banquets you've attended in the past are limited to those in the social circle. But it's different this time."Other than the people in the social circle, the common folk will be watching too. You like to keep a low profile, don't you? If you get famous, you won't be able to maintain a low profile."Belle responded, "The common folk are concerned about the Strauss family. They won't look at me, so why would I be scared?""Someone might record videos at the venue.""You're so powerful. How can you not handle someone who's taking videos? Just stop them."Grayson said, "If you attend the banquet as my woman, our marriage might be exposed.
Grayson didn't say a word. He didn't succeed, and he even made things worse.He was the domineering president of a company. If it were any other person, they wouldn't dare expose him if they realized what was going on.Knowing that he was the one who put the drug, they would just eat it without another word!But the person in front of him, who looked like a police officer interrogating a criminal, was Belle. She was the woman he couldn't do anything about.So, Grayson said, "It's for your sake that I don't want you to go.""In other words, you're worried for my safety, right?"Grayson didn't retort. He remained silent.Belle asked, "Is it because someone at the banquet will target me? Or will everyone at the banquet be in danger?"Before Grayson could reply, Belle said, "It must be the former. If not, even you wouldn't be going, right?"Moreover, the Strauss family isn't the only one attending. No one can be that powerful that they'd put every guest in danger."For a moment,
Grayson fell silent. He couldn't tell Belle about this right now.Noah had risked his life to raise Belle carefully and anxiously in fear of danger. He must have a grand plan in mind. So, Grayson shouldn't foil it.As for Belle's background, he would only tell Belle when Noah gave him permission to.Moreover, he didn't know much. He only knew the things his grandfather had told him, but he didn't know the more important parts.For example, the secrets of the Aspen family or the secrets surrounding Belle herself.Why was the Aspen family in chaos as soon as she was born?Also, why would the Aspen family willingly be destroyed just to protect her?The mysterious families moved collectively as if they were crazy, trying to be the first to find her. They even searched for her body in a frenzy after they thought she was dead. Why was that?There were many key questions, but Grayson didn't know the answer to any of them.He gulped discreetly. Then, he changed the topic."If you tru
Robert said tentatively, "There'll be many people there, and it'll be a mess. I suggest you don't come.""I know that.""Besides, aren't you and Grayson married in secret? People will definitely take photos, and you'll become the center of the spotlight. "People will gossip about you, and it'll be difficult for you to live a low--profile life after this. You're such a low-profile person. It's best that you don't come today," said Robert.Belle felt impatient and said, "What's up with you guys? Are you and Grayson in cahoots with each other? You two even used the same reasons to stop me from attending the banquet."She turned to look at Grayson. If he wasn't so adamant that he was straight, then she would be Grayson and Robert's biggest shipper. She'd drag Grayson out of the closet!"Are you also aware of me and my involvement with those mysterious families?" asked Belle.When Robert said nothing, Belle continued, "You're definitely aware of it already, and that's why you don't
Belle stared at Grayson with her eyes wide and blinked. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.The last thing Grayson had said gave her a strange feeling, but the feeling faded before she could identify what it was. Besides, the look in his eyes was too gentle.Belle composed herself and looked away. Coughing softly, she said, "I've always known that you don't like Robert, so I never thought you'd help him."Grayson narrowed his eyes slightly. "It's for the bigger picture."Belle couldn't help but look at him again. A person who looked at the bigger picture always held a charm that made people look up to them.It suddenly grew quiet in the car, and Belle felt awkward for some reason. She had never felt like this when she was with Grayson before.Gulping, she looked out the window. Grayson looked at her affectionately and found something to say. "Just focus on enjoying the food and drinks tonight. Be careful of people who might want to hurt you and don't worry about anything
Grayson and Belle became the center of attention the moment they stepped inside. Apart from Grayson's status, everyone was awed by their looks.Grayson was handsome and intimidating while Belle was gorgeous and charismatic. People couldn't help looking at them.It wasn't Belle's first time attending a banquet with Grayson, and she faced the attention calmly. She smiled as she walked ahead while holding Grayson's arm.She was dressed in a gown with a scarf to go with it, and her hair was half up. She looked gentle and classy, the complete opposite of her usual sharp-tongued self.Her nice figure and appearance made her the perfect partner for Grayson. She did not seem overshadowed by him at all.Although the atmosphere was tense, some people still couldn't help but comment when they saw the couple. "Mr. Page has such great taste. His girlfriend is such a good match for him.""He's handsome while she's sweet and pretty. What a match made in heaven.""I heard that Ms. Walters gre
Belle was about to ask more questions when she heard a familiar voice call out her name."Belle!" Scott greeted her enthusiastically the moment he saw her. He was greeting guests by the entrance. Robert was beside him.When Belle saw Robert's gaze linger on her and Grayson's interlocked hands, she understood immediately. Grayson was using her to make Robert jealous.Belle pursed her lips and ignored Scott. She looked at Grayson instead. She had no words for him. He knew that there was nothing going on between Robert and her, but he just had to cause drama.He just loved to overthink. He didn't like her anyway, so Belle was really starting to suspect that he had a crush on Robert! Belle cursed him out in her thoughts before greeting Robert. She asked, "Did Patrick come?"Robert stared at her with a complicated expression. Excitement, nervousness, and panic were mixed in his gaze. He felt happy and relieved too. He was tongue-tied for a moment because he was overwhelmed with