From His Invisible Wife to the World's Icon novel Chapter 177

He wasn't just angry; he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her anymore.

She had probably completely exhausted whatever last ounce of patience he had for her.

Lydia pocketed her phone, stepped back into the room, and slumped exhaustedly onto the sofa. Xavier's handsome face floated in her dark eyes, and the sound of his ragged breathing echoed in her ears—a voice so intensely attractive it was almost a sin.

She snapped out of it, violently shaking the memory from her mind.

When night fell, she changed into the gown Gable had picked: a silver sequined strapless dress with a sweeping train, paired with silver heels. Her hair was swept up into an elegant bun, exposing the graceful, snow-white curve of her neck.

Before entering the banquet hall, she donned a silver half-mask that concealed her upper face, leaving only her delicate lips and jawline exposed.

She stayed glued to Frederick's side, mingling with the world's top elites.

Frederick kept a firm arm around her slender waist, and their eyes met constantly. They played the part of the deeply-in-love couple perfectly. It seemed the pending assault trial hadn't affected his social standing at all. No one was tactless enough to bring it up; it was as if the scandal never existed.

Through Lydia's weary gaze, Frederick looked exceptionally imposing in his custom, master-crafted black suit, the flawless tailoring accentuating his broad shoulders and tall frame.

He hadn't bothered with a mask, allowing his striking face to draw even more attention.

Fuelled by the alcohol-soaked atmosphere, more than a few women shot him suggestive glances. Some even tried to throw themselves at him, though Sierra quickly intercepted them.

Suddenly, a wave of commotion rippled through the hall.

Lydia followed the noise toward the entrance.

"It's the youngest son of the Ford family."

"I had no idea he was coming!"

"If I'd known, I would have dressed better! Whose stupid idea was it to make me dress up like the Big Bad Wolf?" one woman hissed in frustration.

In these ultra-elite circles, the ones who usually stole the spotlight were Western aristocrats.

But his mere arrival completely flipped the script.

Almost everyone gravitated toward him, eager to strike up a conversation.

He wore no mask. His outfit was deceptively casual—a crisp white shirt, dark gray trousers, and a slightly oversized dark gray blazer thrown over his shoulders. Yet, nothing could mask his innate, overwhelming aristocratic aura.

His vibe tonight wasn't his usual icy detachment, nor was it the gentle demeanor he had displayed during their joint interview. Instead, he exuded a lazy, effortless dominance—the absolute posture of a man at the top of the food chain.

Suddenly, his deep, penetrating gaze swept her way.

The memory of being trapped in his arms and fiercely kissed crashed into Lydia's mind, leaving her mouth completely dry. But his eyes merely grazed past her and moved on. It wasn't a deliberate look; he was just scanning the room.

Besides, she was wearing a mask. There was no way he recognized her.

"No way, really?"

"It's just a bluff, right?"

As she approached, she overheard the women swarming Xavier bombarding him with questions.

Xavier gently rubbed the plain silver band on his left ring finger but said nothing.

Watching his movement, Lydia froze in shock.

He was actually still wearing the wedding ring from their fake vows.

She pulled her gaze away and looked at Wesley. "Wesley, Harrison told me to find you."

"Ms. Sterling, give me one second. Let me ask the boss," Wesley replied.

While they waited, one of the women scoffed. "A ring means nothing. My brother did the exact same thing to trick our parents. There was no girl at all."

"Unless you tell us who she is..."

"Otherwise, I'm not giving up."

Xavier's intense gaze suddenly locked onto Lydia, and he strode directly toward her on his long legs.