The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 76

By evening, Lucy had just received the gown sent by Jules's assistant. She immediately dialed his number.

The call was picked up quickly, Jules's voice coming through first. "You got the dress?"

"Yes," Lucy replied briefly, her tone detached. "Just get your secretary to go with you. I don't have time."

As she spoke, her gaze fell on Seven, who was focused on stacking building blocks nearby. A gentle warmth filled her eyes.

On the other end, Jules chuckled low, his tone carrying an undeniable seriousness. "Today is the 70th birthday of the head of the Bernoulli family. I'm taking you so you can make some connections. Do you really think I'm short of a date?"

Lucy was silent for a moment before finally relenting. "Fine. I'll meet you at the entrance."

"No need. I'll pick you up at six-thirty." Jules's tone allowed no refusal.

Lucy didn't argue further. She replied with a curt "See you" and ended the call.

She took the dress and turned to head upstairs, but Seven's soft voice stopped her. "Mommy."

Lucy paused. When she looked back, her face was already wearing a smile. She comforted him softly, "Mommy will come down to keep you company in a bit."

Seven nodded obediently and looked back down, continuing to fiddle with his blocks.

At 7:00 PM, the Château de Verrière was wrapped in brilliant lights. Guests in fine attire streamed in continuously—mostly European nobility.

Kingsley, Ethan, and Peter, all dressed in perfectly tailored black suits, stood in a corner of the castle. Each held a swaying glass of red wine, creating a quiet island amidst the bustle.

Peter broke the silence first, winking at the other two with a smile. "Tonight is full of true aristocracy. Kingsley, Ethan, if you see someone who catches your eye, go make contact. It will definitely help your future careers."

Kingsley's fingers paused on his glass. He glanced at Ethan beside him, his tone teasing. "I'm giving the opportunity to you. Make the most of it. If you succeed, you won't have to worry about your research funding anymore."

Peter sensed the irritation in his tone and laughed to smooth things over. "Don't be so angry! There are plenty of beauties here tonight."

With that, he pulled Ethan away from the corner.

At that moment, Peter's half-brother, David, walked over and patted Kingsley familiarly on the arm. "Kingsley, let me introduce you to a friend."

He clinked his glass lightly against Kingsley's.

Kingsley nodded and followed David over to where Jules and Lucy were standing.

David initiated the introduction. "This is Kingsley, Mr. Sherwood."

The corner of Jules's mouth immediately hooked into a meaningful smile as he raised his champagne. "We know each other. We actually have a collaboration. Mr. Sherwood, what a coincidence."