The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 306

As Catherine climbed the stairs, her foot snagged on the hem of her dress.

“Need a hand?”

Neville bent to help, reaching for her skirt. Catherine scooped up the fabric herself. “No need, I’ve got it.”

She hurried up two more steps, let her dress fall back into place, and strode toward the banquet hall without looking back. Neville, who was a full head taller, had to take big steps just to keep up with her brisk pace.

On the third floor, the banquet hall looked every bit as grand as she’d expected. The double doors were carved with intricate patterns, and a plush carpet stretched inside. When the waiter opened the doors, the scene hit her all at once.

Groups of businessmen in sharp suits clustered together, and women in glamorous dresses sparkled under the lights. The air was thick with the scents of expensive perfume and wine. Catherine’s eyebrows drew together for a second, but her face stayed calm as she walked in.

“Who’s that?”

“When did Eldervale’s business scene get someone like her?”

A mix of surprise and teasing floated through the room.

In the crowd, a woman in her forties caught sight of Catherine. Her eyes widened, and she couldn’t seem to look away.

“Adela, do you know her?” the woman next to her asked.

Adela forced a smile. “Not sure. I’ll go find out.”

She made her way toward Geoffrey, but Geoffrey was already heading over to Catherine.

“You must be Catherine from SilverLeaf Industries,” he said.

He wore a light gray suit and had a calm, steady confidence about him, the kind that came with experience. Gentlemanly, but you could tell he paid attention to everything.

Catherine reached out and shook his hand. “Geoffrey.”

Catherine had expected plenty of awkward moments at this banquet and had steeled herself for it. But she hadn’t imagined she’d end up as the subject of another woman’s undivided attention.

Geoffrey tried to lighten the mood, nudging Adela gently. “What’s wrong? Are you so surprised by how young Catherine is that you can’t even talk?”

Adela snapped out of it, quickly switching to a more polite look.

“Yes, you’re very young. SilverLeaf Industries, that’s James Family, right? And you’re from Cabinda?”

Catherine nodded. “That’s right. I transferred here from Cabinda.”

“That’s a long way. Did your family mind? Or did your parents come here with you?”

She barely finished speaking before Adela jumped in, as if she’d been waiting for just that moment to ask.