Chapter 1066 Selena smiled faintly. "Yeah, I know." "What's next?" Aveline asked.
"I'm hungry. Let's grab sfood," Selena replied.
"Sure." At the Quin family villa, the courtyard had been meticulously decorated, exuding an air of elegance and beauty.
Luxury cars arrived one after another, parking neatly in the driveway. Young men dressed in tailored suits stepped out, each looking more polished than the last.
Terence and Daisy stood at the entrance, greeting guests with broad smiles. When familiar socialites arrived with their sons or daughters in tow, Daisy would step forward to exchange pleasantries, her charm on full display. Between conversations, Daisy stole a glance at the time. Noticing that Jolie hadn't cdown yet, a barely perceptible frown flickered across her face.
After whispering something to Terence, she headed back into the villa.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtInside, servers dressed in crisp shirts and vests moved gracefully among the guests, balancing trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. For most attendees, the so-called banquet was little more than an opportunity to network. Upstairs, Daisy pushed open the door to Jolie's room. She found her daughter already dressed, sitting stiffly at her vanity, staring blankly at her reflection.
Daisy walked over, placing her hands gently on Jolie's shoulders. Gazing at her through the mirror, she asked softly, "What's wrong, Jolie? Are you nervous?" Jolie lowered her eyes slightly. "Who's the main target tonight?" "Don't talk like that," Daisy chided lightly, her tone betraying a hint of discomfort. "You're just making an appearance, that's all. I want the other families in Larbor City to see that my daughter is as radiant as an angel. As for marriage arrangements, there's no rush." Jolie's lips twitched into a faint, humorless smile. She didn't bother exposing her mother's lie.
No target simply meant the deal hadn't been struck yet. The right suitor hadn't offered the right price.
When her value could be traded for greater benefits, the "target" would naturally reveal itself.
How laughable.
"I'm ready." Jolie had no desire for any further intimacy with Daisy, so she stood up and headed straight for the door. Daisy watched her with satisfaction, pride gleaming in her eyes.
To Daisy, Jolie was the crowning masterpiece of her life.
The moment Jolie stepped out of her bedroom, her expression changed completely. She wore a flawless, poised smile, her delicate makeup enhancing her features. Her long curled hair was swept over one shoulder and adorned with a diamond hairpin.
Dressed in an elegant black gown, she looked every inch the picture of a graceful and refined porcelain doll.
As she entered the room, many pairs of eyes immediately turned her way.
Seven approached her to strike up a conversation.
Most of them were men, and a flicker of faint disgust flashed in Jolie's eyes.
Daisy stayed close by, introducing Jolie at opportune moments, skillfully weaving her into conversations. By the end of the circuit, everyone present had becacquainted with Jolie.
Just then, a maid hurried over to Daisy and whispered something in her ear. "Madam, Mr. Cooper is here!" "Really?" Daisy's face lit up with delight, the joy unmistakable in her expression.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmStanding nearby, Jolie caught their exchange. Her brows furrowed slightly.
Mr. Cooper? Was it Gavin? Why was he here? "Come, Jolie, let's go greet Mr. Cooper," Daisy said, clearly elated.
She grabbed Jolie's hand and eagerly led her toward the entrance.
Jolie was forced to follow along, stopping at the entrance.
From a distance, a sleek black Maybach pulled up to the front of the om villa. The driver stepped out and respectfully opened the door, revealing Gavin's tall, commanding figure.
The moment he stepped out, it was as if the entire atmosphere of the banquet shifted. His presence alone seemed to radiate authority, instantly elevating the event. Terence and Daisy hurried over, their faces beaming as they greeted him warmly, engaging in polite conversation. However, Jolie stayed rooted in place, unmoving.
Around her, whispers began to spread.
"The Quin family invited Mr. Cooper?" "That's impressive. I can't believe he actually showed up." "Well, that's it for us. We're all just extras tonight."
Jolie tightened her grip on the stem of her wine glass, her emotions m swirling in a confusing mix of unease and frustration.