She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 87

Aegis Group spared no expense.

The gala was held at the finest hotel in Alpha City.

The entire staff was present.

Luther and Hilda were the last to arrive. Originally, the host wanted to put Hilda on the spot and have her speak on stage, but Luther shut it down. He was worried Hilda would be uncomfortable. Even though she had shown her poise at Matilda's birthday banquet, that was a family matter. Her only real responsibility was managing their home.

It wasn't just Luther.

Hilda had no desire to be in the spotlight either.

But the female host was completely oblivious and kept trying to prompt Hilda: "I hear Mrs. Sanford is a top-tier university graduate and fluent in several languages. Why not share a few words with our female employees? Tell us a little about your everyday romance with Mr. Sanford! Consider it a bonus treat for everyone tonight."

The host had a terrible memory for faces.

She had hosted the gala last year as well.

Last year, Jolie had been the one sitting next to Luther.

She mistakenly assumed Mrs. Sanford was that same elite businesswoman.

So, she kept pushing Hilda to the stage.

The room fell dead silent. Everyone knew the host had messed up. More importantly, everyone knew Hilda wasn't an elite graduate—no one even knew what school she went to.

Jolie was sitting at a secondary table.

She watched Hilda intently.

A victorious smile crept onto her face.

—Sometimes, you never know who's going to hand you a win.

She hadn't orchestrated this mishap with the host, but since it was happening, she couldn't wait to see how Hilda would backtrack. She was supposed to show off her foreign languages? Her English was probably completely broken.

Hilda caught Jolie's mocking glare.

She pursed her lips slightly.

She hadn't really wanted to go up, but now it seemed she had no choice. She stood up gracefully and walked toward Luther on the stage.

Luther furrowed his brow.

Mrs. Sanford was a reflection of him.

He was getting ready to step in and save her from the embarrassment.

Looking completely swept up in the romance.

"So that's what Mr. Sanford is like at home!"

Hilda looked at Luther beside her and simply offered a gentle smile.

Tonight, she was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress, her hair pulled back into a low bun, with light, natural makeup that only highlighted her refined beauty. Combined with her flawless performance just now, even Luther couldn't help but look at her with newfound appreciation. Hilda was always understated, never flashy, which perfectly suited the dynamic of their private life. Standing together on stage made the moment even more electric. He naturally wrapped an arm around her shoulder, relaxed, playing the part of the smitten husband to perfection: "Thank you for the compliments, Mrs. Sanford."

The fifty tables of employees erupted into applause.

Only Jolie sat there, isolated and in disbelief. Hilda didn't just go to Jadeport University. When did she learn French? When did she secretly study all of this?

Luther was slightly surprised by that question himself. Once they were back in their seats, he asked her casually, "When did you learn French?"

Hilda smiled faintly. "Just a little bit. I taught myself."

Luther didn't press the matter.

The rest of the evening was filled with dinner and toasts.

Jolie, despite being a project manager, never came over to their table.

She couldn't bring herself to do it. She couldn't bear to see Hilda sitting next to Luther, looking so triumphant in a seat that was supposed to be hers.