BookToReadChapter 112 Compared to the pale blue gown Curtis had given her last time, tonight's dress lent Victoria an air of regal elegance and quiet mystery.
The moment she lifted her gaze, soft moonlight spilled across her delicate features, making her breathtakingly beautiful-so much so that she seemed almost unreal.
As Victoria stepped out of the car, a flurry of camera flashes greeted her. The media, their spotlights trained on the mysterious socialite, whispered among themselves, speculating about her identity.
"Victoria, you look absolutely stunning tonight. So chic!" Ailie chirped, trailing at Victoria's side in her own cocktail dress-a touch playful, but clearly outshone by Victoria's presence.
"Ms. Turner, I'll be waiting for you outside," Yasmine said respectfully as she closed the car door.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtVictoria nodded with quiet composure, then walked into the venue with Ailie.
Violet, who had taken the day off, made an appearance that evening as well. She was already surrounded by a small crowd, all of them beaming and eager to flatter her.
Victoria caught sight of her and scanned the room-no sign of McNeil.
A faint, sardonic smile played at Victoria's lips. Clearly, the old man had gone too far this time. If Mr. Langford, who loved nothing more than basking in Violet's spotlight, hadn't shown up tonight, he must truly be bedridden.
Nearby, Curtis was at Violet's side.
"I heard several of tonight's projects were Ms. Marchand's suggestions. Ms. Marchand, your vision is remarkable- we'd love to learn from your experience if you have time," one of the sycophants gushed.
Violet responded with a modest smile, "Oh, it's really Mr. Garcia who deserves the credit. I was only following instructions." She deftly shifted the praise to Curtis, who responded with a polite smile but kept silent.
The real reason Violet had landed so many projects was McNeil's backing. Of course, Curtis's Quantum Core Technologies was a major player in its own right.
Their formidable partnership had produced tonight's results, though most of the company's efforts lately had gone toward raising Violet's profile, all for McNeil's sake.
Now, Violet was a rising star in the business world-a celebrated investor. Years of Ailie's hard work could hardly compare; with McNeil's support, Violet had shot to fin just a month.
Victoria's arrival caught more than a few eyes. She was as impeccably dressed and striking as ever, yet remained an unknown to most.
Simms was also there to show support for Curtis. He soon joined Violet's circle, even allowing her to slip her arm through his.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Mr. Miller and Ms. Marchand-are they...?" someone asked, surprised. Wasn't Violet supposed to be President Langford's girlfriend? "Mr. Miller is my future uncle-my father's brother's fiancé. Besides, Golden Era Enterprises, Quantum Core Technologies, and The Langford Group all have business partnerships," Violet explained, clearing up the confusion and earning herself even more eager flattery.
Victoria had no interest in exchanging pleasantries. Curtis had asked her to give a speech tonight on the event's thand upcoming investments, so she focused on preparing.
Still, Simms spotted her from across the room. After a round of small talk, he excused himself from Violet's side and strode over to Victoria. It was the second the'd seen her at such a high-profile gathering.
When their eyes met, Simms's expression darkened.
"Victoria, stop trying so hard. This world isn't for you," he said, not m said, not m caring anymore if their connection becpublic-because, really, what would it change?
Seeing Victoria step into the business world, Simms could only find it m laughable. She was just lik like her mother-all she knew was art and music, nothing about business. Did she really think she could claw Golden Era Enterprises back from him? "So, Dad-who do you think belongs here?" Victoria's eyes flicked toward Violet, raising her glass in that direction. "Her?"
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