The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 154

Everyone was buzzing with anticipation, eager to catch a glimpse of the mysterious major shareholder.

SDK sent a team to deliver the latest haute couture gown and fine jewelry to Bianca, complete with a dedicated stylist to perfect her look.

She had been burying her depression in her work and hadn't gained back much weight.

Standing 5'7", she weighed barely over a hundred pounds—even thinner than the actresses in attendance.

Combined with her striking, radiant features, she instantly became the center of attention the moment she stepped into the room.

Surrounded by staff, Bianca was seated at the main table. The chairman of SDK wasn't present, but the CEO was, and he eagerly engaged her in conversation in English.

Bianca responded with polite indifference.

She didn't care for the fashion industry, nor did she enjoy buying luxury goods for herself.

Still, for the holidays, she had sent Xanthe a million-dollar SDK jewelry set.

"Expect one every year," she had told her.

If Xanthe had been standing in front of her, she probably would have kissed her.

To thank Hailey Jennings, Bianca had also sent her a limited-edition bag.

Milo had offered to be her date for the evening, but Bianca turned him down, not wanting them to end up trending online again.

The guests invited tonight were the brand's ultimate VVICs—clients who spent tens of millions annually just to qualify.

Milo arrived with Ingrid and Karis, and they were seated at a consumer table, not the brand's exclusive table.

Seeing Bianca, Ingrid looked confused. "What right does Bianca have to sit at the brand's main table? This is a blue-blood label—how does she qualify for that?"

Milo guessed that Mathis had given her shares, though the exact percentage was a closely guarded corporate secret.

Cynthia basked in the spotlight Mathis provided. In the past, she had only attended brand events as an ordinary client, never experiencing being treated like royalty.

Being with Mathis truly paid off in spades.

Seeing Cynthia's smug expression made Ingrid's blood boil. Drink in hand, she marched right over.

Mathis paused for a fraction of a second upon seeing Ingrid, but his expression instantly smoothed out.

Wearing a mocking smirk, Ingrid looked Cynthia up and down. "Ms. Quinn, you do know the man you're hanging onto has a wife, right?"

Very few people in their circle knew Mathis was married.

Ingrid only found out because her father, Marcus Wilder, had dragged her to an economic forum last year, where she had overheard Mathis quietly telling Zane, "Tell my wife not to wait up tonight; I have another project to discuss."

Ingrid's words were like a drop of water in a pan of hot oil. Instantly, the crowd erupted in whispers.