“Riley, you look quite nice when you dress up!” As Riley was watching the guests, Hendrix’s voice came abruptly. She frowned and turned around. There was a surprised look in her limpid eyes. “Why are you here?” Hendrix swirled the wine in his glass and leaned against the chair casually.
He let out a leer with frivolity. “I heard that there’s a pretty lady showing up tonight, that’s why I came. And it’s indeed worth the trip.” He glanced at her from head to toes with a playful look. Riley bent her arm and put her other hand which was holding the wine glass on the bending part of her arm. She let out a false smile. “I can see Mr. George has plenty of time for leisure, do enjoy yourself.”
“Oh come on, you’re indeed impressive. It’s already hard to deal with one Lydia Saunders, now there are actually two at home. Do you need help? I can give you a discount for the sake of our friendship.”
“I don’t need that. You better stay still and not cause any trouble.”
“How boring. I would never involve myself in this if there’s someone from our house wanted to come. I have to say, Riley, your family seems to be quite poor when dealing with this. My dad only said one word when he saw the invitation letter---pretend!”
Riley clenched her fingers. “Mr. George, are you looking for trouble?”
“Why would I? What trouble could I possibly look for here? I’m going after the wine.” Hendrix drawled and left while holding the wine glass. Riley sighed. The Watson family was once a big reputable family back then in JD City and her parents were famous people in the business world. Now that the family had fallen into Lauren Murphy‘s hands, their status had plummeted.
During the toast’s exchange, the banquet hall suddenly fell into silence. Everyone all looked towards the entrance of the hall and under the dazzling light, a man who was wearing a handmade black suit had arrived with a sexy lady in a white gown with sparkling glitters.
Riley’s eyes were blazing with anger as she looked at Euan who appeared dignified through the crowds. Her throat constricted. Why was he here? Could he possibly not know what occasion is it tonight? It was the Watson family’s banquet, and as the son-in-law of the Watson family, he had actually brought Lydia here right in front of her and her mother’s eyes. He was trying to humiliate her!
A smile slowly broke upon Freya’s lips. She slowly drank the wine and deliberately sought for Riley’s presence among the crowds. It was going to be an exciting night.
Euan’s arrival instantly stirred a huge commotion in the hall. Many people had wanted to make connections with him during this kind of occasion, yet he had always refused to come close to them. They wanted to approach him but there was no chance. With just a short moment, half of the guests had surrounded Euan to act obliging and flatter him, and Lydia was holding his arm as if she was his official girlfriend. She received their envy and prayer with a huge smile.
Lauren Murphy narrowed her eyes. “Freya, you better explain this, what is going on now?” Freya sneered. “Mom, our position would be unstable if we don’t get rid of Riley. Didn’t she rely on Euan George? Then I’ll crush her sweet dream.”
“You fool! Having involved Euan, what would happen to the Watson’s debt if he doesn’t want that bitch? Riley is our cash cow.”
“Mom! How would I have the chance if Riley’s not dead? Is the cash cow more important or the money safe?” Lauren Murphy let out a cruel smile. “You’re indeed my clever daughter. Then what do you want to do?”
“Let’s just watch the show.”
Euan dealt with the people who wanted to chat with him lethargically. There was a gloomy look on his handsome face and he had fixed his deep eyes on a beautiful figure among the crowds. She was wearing a deep V gown which was greatly revealing when she walked. Her skinny figure was surrounded by several tall men and she was chatting joyfully with them. She used to mention she never favour this kind of occasion, it seemed like she was just pretending to be pure and innocent!
“Euan?” Lydia tugged at his sleeve. She called him softly when she saw his eyes glazed over. He seemed to not hear the words she said just now at all. “You’re pregnant and how many times should I remind you not to drink wine?” Euan gave an obviously absent-minded reply and his deep eyes once again fell onto the woman in black among the crowds.
Lydia followed his eyes and saw Riley. Damn, it was her again! That godforsaken woman! “Euan---” She called him sweetly and right in front of the guests, she tipped her toes and kissed him on the lips. Her kiss was gentle and she touched his face with the hand with a diamond ring, wanting to divert his attention to her.
“Wow! Mr. George and Miss Saunders look so deeply in love together!”
“What a perfect match!”
“I’m so envious! This couple has such dazzling looks!”
“The necklace Miss Saunders is wearing is limited edition. Mr. George is so generous towards her.”
Praises followed one after the other and Riley’s attention was attracted too. The moment she turned around, she saw two people kissing. There was not a change in her expression. She slowly raised her wine glass and took a sip, as if she was watching a farce.
Euan initially wanted to push Lydia away, yet Riley’s reaction provoked him and he immediately put his hand around Lydia’s slim waist, stooped and kissed her harder. Everyone instantly cheered and thunderous clapping sounds were heard at the scene. Even the guests who were enjoying meal at different corners all left their seats and joined the crowds, encircling them.
Lauren Murphy’s dinner banquet had totally become a performance stage for Euan and Lydia to showcase their love. Riley lifted her head and gulped down the whole glass of wine. The alcohol burnt her throat. Lydia clasped her slim fingers onto Euan’s arm and tossed Riley a disdainful smile. Yet Riley remained her expression as if Lydia never existed.
Both of them chatted with guests in different groups. As they walked, they reached the centre of the hall under the chandelier at the same time. Euan was chatting and dealing with the enterprise’s executives. Lydia saw the necklace Riley was wearing when they came close to each other. It turned out it was exactly the same as the one she was wearing now! That was given by Euan’s mother! Could it be she had given one to Riley too?
She gulped down more than half of the wine and there was blush on her pale cheeks. Her eyes had lost focus and she rubbed her temples, ready to get up. “Miss Watson, can I invite you for a dance?” This time, a man wearing suit and leather shoes stooped and invited her. Riley looked up and replied, “Sure!”
She landed her hand onto the man’s palm and started to dance. Her black dress swayed and with the music of the violins, she looked incredibly beautiful when her rosy cheeks blended with the moonlight. Even Lydia who was shimmering with her luxurious dress looked a little dull. Euan exerted more and more force on his grasp towards the wine glass and he nearly broke it into pieces.
The woman who was at the dance floor had a slim waist that swung with the music rhythm. The man was putting his big hand on her waist and he smelled the fragrance on her body. “You’re beautiful, Miss Watson.” She could sense a pair of burning eyes watching her and she let out a smile. “Thank you, you’re handsome too.” Euan tossed Lydia away and the surging rage made him wanted to choke Riley. He strode forward.
“Mr. George, long time no see!” Freya walked over gracefully. She was wearing a red strapless and backless gown and she had a curvy figure. Euan squinted. “What?” She chuckled. “I suppose my sister’s flirtatious nature is hard to change. Not only she had a debauched private life previously, she didn’t know how to act properly even after marriage.”
She suddenly tipped her toes and came close to his right ear. “Mr. George, having married such an indecent woman, I suppose you’ve been cuckolded many times already?” Euan snatched her wrist and said, “Get lost.” She was still not eligible enough to judge his woman. Freya nearly burst into tears due to the pain and she murmured in grievance. “Mr. George, what I said is true, if you don’t get rid of her, she’ll one day…”
“I said, get lost!” His fierce hawk-like eyes did not show any mercy and Freya was so horrified that she shut her mouth up and quickly retreated. “Euan, even her own sister can’t tolerate her anymore. For your future reputation, you really don’t want to divorce her now?” Euan glimpsed at Lydia from the corner of his eyes. “Do you want to get lost too?”
“I…I was only saying. Please don’t be angry. I know the reason you keep her is to torture her. Euan, no matter what decision you make, I’ll always support you.” Euan tossed her hand away and said, “You’re being too talkative today.” A bunch of middle-aged bosses immediately swarmed towards him when they just separated for a few centimeters. “Mr. George…” Lydia was given the cold shoulder and she gritted her teeth with dissatisfaction.
The music ended and Riley stooped gracefully, winning the cheers from the crowds. Freya crossed her arms before her chest and sneered. “Why, you still have the mood to dance when your husband is acting lovey-dovey with other woman? Riley Watson, are you being heartless or shameless?” Riley took out several wet wipes and wiped her hands hard which were touched by the man. “Save your energy if you want to use your poor speaking to tease me.” She threw the wipes away and drank clean water.
Freya sneered. “I suppose you’ve been hurt? Tut tut, it does feel bad to marry a man who flirts and sleeps with other woman!” Riley was not moved and she replied, “You can’t wait that the woman who he flirts and sleeps with are you. You’ve always coveted you brother-in-law and wanted to get married into the George family. Why do you want to force me to expose that? Freya Watson!”
“Bitch! How dare you?” Lauren Murphy approached Riley with an imposing manner. She raised her hand and wanted to slap her but Freya stopped her. “Mom, slapping her would only dirty your hand.” Freya slowly approached the swimming pool and said, “Riley, why don’t we use another way?” Riley frowned. What was she trying to do? Push her into the pool? Having wanted to use such a poor trick on her, she was truly dumb.
“What a moron!” She said that and wanted to leave, but Freya suddenly extended her hand towards her. She snatched her wrist with her pale hand and she widened her eyes which were attached with fake eyebrows. “What would the guests think if they see my dear sister push me into the pool?”
“Freya Watson, what are you doing? Let go!”
Freya chuckled. “What are you doing? Come over here!”
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