“It’s an invitation to Mr. Alfred Moore’s banquet next Wednesday. Don’t forget to attend.” Joyce tossed over her shoulder as she headed for the bathroom.
Natalie skimmed through the invitation card, her brain slow to process the information due to all the wine she drank. It took her a moment to remember who Alfred was. He was her benefactor and also a dear friend.
On the day of the banquet.
The banquet was being held at the Moore family’s winery.
Most of the guests in attendance were some of J City’s most influential, powerful, or rich people.
After settling her kids for the night, Natalie arrived at the winery on time.
That night, she chose to wear a dress of her own design. It was an inspiration from two different cultures, leading to a dress with a high turtle-neck and a body-hugging design at the top. The bottom was of the usual mermaid fit.
The cool tone of the navy blue dress only accentuated the fairness of her skin. She had pinned her silky, raven locks up into a loose bun, revealing the smooth column of her slender neck. With a smile curving her lips, she practically oozed elegance and charm.
The banquet hall was bustling with noise when she entered it. A substantial crowd was already there as the guests milled around and chatted with each other.
The moment she made her entrance, her appearance instantly drew the attention of the hall’s occupants.
“Who is she? Why haven’t I seen her before?”
“This is Mr. Moore’s banquet. Anyone who can attend must be someone of importance.”
“Hmm, she’s quite beautiful. Actually, I would say her figure and features are even better than some of the celebrities out there!”
The smile never left Natalie’s lips even as the crowd murmured and gossiped about her. Her entire demeanor was calm as she gracefully accepted the flute of champagne a waiter handed to her. Heading to a nearby long table, she took a sip of the beverage.
Ever since she cut off all ties with the Smith family, she had rarely appeared at such formal events. Needless to say, she was a little ill at ease.
Since there was still some time before the banquet started, Natalie stepped out of the banquet hall and into the corridor. She needed to get a breath of fresh air. Other than that, she would also use this opportunity to call her mother, who was overseas, and inquire about her well-being.
“Natalie?”
She was just about to open up her purse when a voice sounded from behind her.
Her hand froze in the midst of reaching for her phone. Turning around, she looked in the direction where the voice had come from.
To her surprise, the person standing on the other end of the corridor was none other than Jasmine.
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