“Riley, you look quite nice when you dress up!” As Riley was watching the guests, Hendrix’s voice came abruptly. She frowned and turned around. There was a surprised look in her limpid eyes. “Why are you here?” Hendrix swirled the wine in his glass and leaned against the chair casually.
He let out a leer with frivolity. “I heard that there’s a pretty lady showing up tonight, that’s why I came. And it’s indeed worth the trip.” He glanced at her from head to toes with a playful look. Riley bent her arm and put her other hand which was holding the wine glass on the bending part of her arm. She let out a false smile. “I can see Mr. George has plenty of time for leisure, do enjoy yourself.”
“Oh come on, you’re indeed impressive. It’s already hard to deal with one Lydia Saunders, now there are actually two at home. Do you need help? I can give you a discount for the sake of our friendship.”
“I don’t need that. You better stay still and not cause any trouble.”
“How boring. I would never involve myself in this if there’s someone from our house wanted to come. I have to say, Riley, your family seems to be quite poor when dealing with this. My dad only said one word when he saw the invitation letter---pretend!”
Riley clenched her fingers. “Mr. George, are you looking for trouble?”
“Why would I? What trouble could I possibly look for here? I’m going after the wine.” Hendrix drawled and left while holding the wine glass. Riley sighed. The Watson family was once a big reputable family back then in JD City and her parents were famous people in the business world. Now that the family had fallen into Lauren Murphy‘s hands, their status had plummeted.
During the toast’s exchange, the banquet hall suddenly fell into silence. Everyone all looked towards the entrance of the hall and under the dazzling light, a man who was wearing a handmade black suit had arrived with a sexy lady in a white gown with sparkling glitters.
Riley’s eyes were blazing with anger as she looked at Euan who appeared dignified through the crowds. Her throat constricted. Why was he here? Could he possibly not know what occasion is it tonight? It was the Watson family’s banquet, and as the son-in-law of the Watson family, he had actually brought Lydia here right in front of her and her mother’s eyes. He was trying to humiliate her!
A smile slowly broke upon Freya’s lips. She slowly drank the wine and deliberately sought for Riley’s presence among the crowds. It was going to be an exciting night.
Euan’s arrival instantly stirred a huge commotion in the hall. Many people had wanted to make connections with him during this kind of occasion, yet he had always refused to come close to them. They wanted to approach him but there was no chance. With just a short moment, half of the guests had surrounded Euan to act obliging and flatter him, and Lydia was holding his arm as if she was his official girlfriend. She received their envy and prayer with a huge smile.
Lauren Murphy narrowed her eyes. “Freya, you better explain this, what is going on now?” Freya sneered. “Mom, our position would be unstable if we don’t get rid of Riley. Didn’t she rely on Euan George? Then I’ll crush her sweet dream.”
“You fool! Having involved Euan, what would happen to the Watson’s debt if he doesn’t want that bitch? Riley is our cash cow.”
“Mom! How would I have the chance if Riley’s not dead? Is the cash cow more important or the money safe?” Lauren Murphy let out a cruel smile. “You’re indeed my clever daughter. Then what do you want to do?”
“Let’s just watch the show.”
Euan dealt with the people who wanted to chat with him lethargically. There was a gloomy look on his handsome face and he had fixed his deep eyes on a beautiful figure among the crowds. She was wearing a deep V gown which was greatly revealing when she walked. Her skinny figure was surrounded by several tall men and she was chatting joyfully with them. She used to mention she never favour this kind of occasion, it seemed like she was just pretending to be pure and innocent!
“Euan?” Lydia tugged at his sleeve. She called him softly when she saw his eyes glazed over. He seemed to not hear the words she said just now at all. “You’re pregnant and how many times should I remind you not to drink wine?” Euan gave an obviously absent-minded reply and his deep eyes once again fell onto the woman in black among the crowds.
Lydia followed his eyes and saw Riley. Damn, it was her again! That godforsaken woman! “Euan---” She called him sweetly and right in front of the guests, she tipped her toes and kissed him on the lips. Her kiss was gentle and she touched his face with the hand with a diamond ring, wanting to divert his attention to her.
“Wow! Mr. George and Miss Saunders look so deeply in love together!”
“What a perfect match!”
“I’m so envious! This couple has such dazzling looks!”
“The necklace Miss Saunders is wearing is limited edition. Mr. George is so generous towards her.”
Praises followed one after the other and Riley’s attention was attracted too. The moment she turned around, she saw two people kissing. There was not a change in her expression. She slowly raised her wine glass and took a sip, as if she was watching a farce.
Euan initially wanted to push Lydia away, yet Riley’s reaction provoked him and he immediately put his hand around Lydia’s slim waist, stooped and kissed her harder. Everyone instantly cheered and thunderous clapping sounds were heard at the scene. Even the guests who were enjoying meal at different corners all left their seats and joined the crowds, encircling them.
Lauren Murphy’s dinner banquet had totally become a performance stage for Euan and Lydia to showcase their love. Riley lifted her head and gulped down the whole glass of wine. The alcohol burnt her throat. Lydia clasped her slim fingers onto Euan’s arm and tossed Riley a disdainful smile. Yet Riley remained her expression as if Lydia never existed.
Both of them chatted with guests in different groups. As they walked, they reached the centre of the hall under the chandelier at the same time. Euan was chatting and dealing with the enterprise’s executives. Lydia saw the necklace Riley was wearing when they came close to each other. It turned out it was exactly the same as the one she was wearing now! That was given by Euan’s mother! Could it be she had given one to Riley too?
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