She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 129

Naomi's recognition banquet was held at Aethelgard Hall in Alpha City. It was an incredibly extravagant affair, hosted in the venue's finest ballroom with a guest list packed full of elite socialites.

Naomi had a massive following among corporate women. Her company's official blog had recently posted a deeply emotional tribute to her guardian angel.

Once the public learned the story of how The Bibliophile had funded Naomi's rise, their admiration for the female artist skyrocketed. Everyone was desperate to see her true face. Originally, they were supposed to wait for The Bibliophile's upcoming gallery exhibition, but thanks to Naomi, the timeline had been pushed up considerably.

It was 8:00 PM.

The socialites mingled with champagne glasses in hand, loudly gossiping about The Bibliophile's identity and her rumored romantic entanglement with Luther. After all, the existence of the painting 'First Love' was undeniable proof. The general consensus was that she was probably a slightly overweight, plain woman hopelessly harboring an unrequited obsession with Luther.

Jolie stood close to Luther's side.

Ever since the news of the divorce leaked, the two of them had been blatantly parading around together in public.

Holding her wine glass, Jolie watched Naomi greet guests with a triumphant smirk playing on her lips. Any woman who relied on her looks to get ahead would never bother highlighting her intellect. As soon as The Bibliophile showed up, Luther's illusions would shatter, and he would never romanticize 'talented' women again.

Tonight, Naomi was wearing a sleek black evening gown that perfectly accentuated her tall, stunning figure. With her sharp bob cut and toned shoulders, she clearly looked like someone who hit the gym religiously. She had a radiant, sun-kissed complexion, exuding a sharp, striking androgynous beauty.

As a man, Luther should have appreciated her striking looks. Instead, he was in a terrible mood.

Just looking at Naomi reminded him of that night at the cafe.

Naomi had been clinging to Hilda like a giant, overly affectionate golden retriever. Even though she was half a head taller than Hilda, she had purposely acted cute and helpless. Was she intentionally trying to monopolize her?

Thinking about it now, it was only after Naomi showed up that Hilda's attitude toward him had completely shifted.

Luther glared at Naomi, essentially treating her like the 'other woman' trying to steal his wife. But Jolie, misinterpreting his intense stare, assumed he was admiring Naomi's beauty. Leaning in, she whispered cattily, "I hear these corporate women sleep their way to the top. Who knows how many men she's been with."

Leaning casually against a Roman pillar, he leisurely scanned the room for his next target. He had been here for a while, but he still hadn't spotted Mr. Sanford's wife. Luther had been glued to Jolie's side the entire time.

Suddenly, a massive commotion broke out near the entrance.

The crowd surged and buzzed as someone exclaimed, "Harrell Judson just walked in with The Bibliophile! We finally get to see what she looks like! I wonder if she really is just some obsessive, middle-aged woman chasing after Mr. Sanford."

Every single eye in the room locked onto the grand double doors.

Damien instinctively stood up straighter.

Jolie flashed a triumphant, winning smile.