Chapter 82
Audrey gave him a sideways glance. “Stop imagining things.”
Clayton thought Audrey was putting on an act. He thought, ‘She has clearly dressed up for Mr. William’s party. Why pretend otherwise now? Is she trying to make me beg? Fine, I’ve underestimated her. If it means reconciling, I can humble myself.”
“Audrey, I was wrong before. I won’t upset you again.” Clayton reached for her hand. “Mr. William is about to arrive. You’ve met him before. When he…”
Audrey took a step back, evading his touch.
The hope in Clayton’s eyes dimmed, but he forced a smile. “Okay, let’s stop this. There are many colleagues here. Don’t make us look ridiculous.” He quickly grabbed Audrey’s hand, gripping it tightly to prevent her from pulling away.
Audrey looked at him. Her eyes gradually curved into crescents, her smile soft and tender.
Clayton was mesmerized. He swore Audrey was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. believe she was an international movie star.
didn’t matter if she was from a small town. People would
Her petite face, delicate features, and air of nobility were no less than any socialite present. Her cherry–pink lips were irresistibly alluring.
“Ah!” Sharp pain interrupted Clayton’s thoughts, and he instinctively released her hand. His middle finger was bent at an odd angle toward the back of his hand. Audrey had broken his finger?!
“You…” Clayton clutched his hand, cold sweat beading on his forehead, unable to hide the hatred in his eyes.
Audrey’s smile remained unchanged as if his broken finger had nothing to do with her. She turned to look in the direction of the incoming cars. “Sir, grabbing a woman’s hand without permission is impolite.”
Clayton’s voice shook with pain. “Audrey, there’s a limit to your tantrums! You came here to gain Mr. William’s favor, to make him support you. He’s my mentor. He’s always been on my side.
“And before the divorce, I didn’t betray you. You were the one who was paranoid and demanded a divorce. Do you think dressing nicely and renting that gown with my money will make Mr. William look highly of you or scold me for your sake?”
Audrey didn’t bother arguing with him or listening to his nonsense. She waved to the valet waiting to park cars. The man had already noticed the commotion.
Working at a hotel, he was an expert at reading people. First, this female guest clearly wanted no interaction with the man.
Second, the luxury of her gown made it obvious she was far more distinguished than him. So the valet was ready to uphold the guest’s rights and drive
Clayton away.
Clayton quickly waved his hands. “We’re husband and wife–just having a little conflict.”
“I have no relationship with this gentleman.” Audrey took another step sideways, thinking being too close to scum brought bad luck.
She raised her voice. “Mr. Patel, your ability to tell blatant lies is getting better and better. A person like you doesn’t deserve to be a lawyer! Nor do you deserve to be Mr. William’s mentee!”
The guests who had walked past turned around upon hearing “Mr. William’s mentee.” Their gazes toward Clayton were a mix of surprise, scorn, and sudden understanding.
Clayton felt extremely ashamed, wishing he could strangle Audrey to stop her from spouting nonsense and ruining his reputation. He violently pushed the valet aside and reached for Audrey.
Audrey saw the approaching car and stepped down two stairs, causing Clayton to grab nothing but air.
“Sorry, sorry, traffic was heavy.” Before the car had fully stopped, Paul got out, and his eyes suddenly darkened when he saw Audrey.
His Adam’s apple rolled as he looked at Clayton, who was pestering her. “Isn’t that Mr. Patel? Why aren’t you going in? You didn’t receive an invitation,
did you?”
Clayton’s face turned even paler. He thought, ‘Do you have to bring that up?‘
Paul walked to Audrey’s side and slightly bent his arm. Audrey acted as if she didn’t see his hint, smiling, “Let’s go in. It seems they’re checking
invitations.”
“Okay.” Paul put his hand in his pocket and accompanied Audrey toward the entrance.
Clayton looked at Audrey’s back, feeling both angry and jealous. He thought, ‘I shouldn’t have agreed to the divorce. Damn it!‘
He kicked a trash can, expecting it to be sitting on the ground, only to find it welded in place. The can didn’t move an inch, but his toes throbbed with pain.
Audrey signed in and followed Paul into the hall. Although there were many guests, the hall was not noisy. People chatted in small groups, men being gentlemanly and women elegant.
But the moment Audrey entered the hall, the faint murmurs of discussion vanished. Half of the guests in the room turned to look at her, and most of
them were women.
One woman said, “The dress she’s wearing looks like a ‘J’adore.‘ Casey showed a photo during an interview, and I remember it was just like this.”
Another said, “‘J’adore‘? Isn’t that a brand that only does custom–made dresses, no rentals or sales? It must be a coincidence, just a similar style.”
Yet another said, “I don’t think it’s a ‘J’adore‘ either. She’s not in our circle or the entertainment industry. Not only does she not have the right to wear it, I bet she doesn’t even know who Casey is.”
“To be honest, she has an amazing figure,” said one. “That satin dress shows no belly at all. She even seems to have toned abs.”
“I have a slim waist too, but I’m flat–chested. She’s got curves, and look at how obsessed those men are–their eyes are glued to her.”
“Is she here with Paul? That spoiled rich kid actually came to Ironhaven? He has good taste in women this time. She’s much better than his previous
ones.”
“It’s just about looks. If she had a real family background, his mother wouldn’t approve of their relationship.”
Audrey casually glanced at the people gossiping about her and suddenly saw Yann not far away. Her heart skipped a beat. She instinctively raised her hand to cover her back, then put it down halfway.
She had asked the makeup artist to apply concealer–surely it couldn’t be seen. Since Yann didn’t want others to know their relationship, she had to act
like a stranger.
She moved her gaze away from Yann’s face and looked at other guests with a calm expression.
Yann swirled the champagne in his glass and took a light sip. Facing Calvin, he murmured, “See her?”
“Yeah.” Calvin nodded. Though Yann didn’t ask further, Calvin knew what to say. “She’s looking at you like a stranger.”
Yann dropped his gaze to the wine in his cup, his long eyelashes veiling the emotions in his eyes.
“Mr. Kent, Mr. Walker!” Paul greeted the men warmly.
The two men shook hands with Paul, their eyes both falling on Audrey. “And this is…”
“My secretary, Audrey.” Paul introduced the identities of the two men to Audrey. She shook hands with them and followed to meet other guests.
Paul took Audrey around to show her off and eventually, they walked up to Yann. “Mr. Winifred, so nice to meet you.” Paul’s shoulders instinctively hunched a little, a flattering smile on his face. “This is my secretary, Audrey.”
“Hello, Mr. Winifred,” Audrey said, extending her hand.
Luther, Oscar, and their dates who had come along instantly fell silent. Luther’s date winked at Audrey.
Everyone knew Yann didn’t associate with women. Shaking hands? Absolutely impossible!
