The speaker was Liam Burkhart, the eldest son of the Burkhart family. He had taken over the Burkhart Group last year. Known for his indulgent lifestyle, he seemed to be the complete opposite of Leland.
The Lawrence he mentioned was Lawrence Woodson, the organizer of this gathering.
“What kind of wind blew Mr. Burns in here? Such a rare guest,” Liam said to Leland, but his eyes were fixed on Winifred beside him.
She looked familiar as if he had seen her somewhere before, but he couldn’t quite place it.
Liam didn’t think much of it and assumed that Leland, like them, had brought a companion for the evening.
Liam himself had a female companion sitting next to him. He squeezed her waist, initially thinking she was the most beautiful woman at the party until he saw Winifred. The sight of her made him feel a bit envious. He liked to be the center of attention, but Leland always outshone him.
Leland was too impressive-young and successful. Wherever he went, people compared him to others.
Liam didn’t want to interact with Leland, but now that he was in charge of Burkhart Group, he couldn’t let personal feelings get in the way of business. Everyone present had collaborated with Leland before, and working with him always meant profit.
Liam had once tried to please Leland by secretly sending women his way. In their circle, women were like clothes-sometimes even exchanged. Sending women was a way to build relationships and solidify partnerships.
But Leland didn’t fall for it and even gave him a cold shoulder.
Leland had only risen to prominence last year and never had women around him. Liam seriously doubted his capabilities in that area. Otherwise, how could he stay so clean? He had even thrown out women who were sent to his hotel room without a second glance.
Now it seemed that Leland wasn’t incapable; he just hadn’t found the right woman. Even someone as self-disciplined as Leland kept women around.
Lawrence quickly invited Leland to sit down. “We’ve been waiting for you. Have a seat. Would you like something to eat?”
Leland glanced at the menu and handed it to Winifred. “What would you like?”
“Anything.”
When they entered, people noticed Winifred but didn’t pay much attention to her. Now seeing Leland’s attitude towards her, they began to scrutinize her more closely.
Winifred was beautiful and carried herself with an air that didn’t seem like an ordinary companion.
Lawrence asked, “Who is this…?”
“Family member, surname Gu.”
There had been no news of Leland getting married or having a girlfriend. Few women could match up to him. The one in front of them was exceptionally beautiful, but if she were truly related to Leland, they would know her background.
Moreover, no wealthy family with the surname Gu had appeared recently.
Everyone assumed Winifred was insignificant. Even after hearing Leland’s response, they didn’t take her seriously, especially Liam. Knowing himself well, he guessed she was just there for show, like his own companion.
Leland knew what Winifred liked and ordered several dishes from the menu. Among those present, only Lawrence knew him well enough to notice the change in his preferences. “Changed your taste recently?” he asked.
Leland glanced at Winifred and replied with a simple “Hmm.”
The main courses took some time to arrive. While waiting, Winifred sat quietly and ate the appetizers in front of her.
She hadn’t eaten much in the morning and spent two hours getting ready. Sitting still while others applied makeup was tiring despite appearances. She felt hungry quickly due to low blood sugar and even felt carsick on the way over.
Winifred ate her dessert while listening to the surrounding conversations.
She hoped to hear something important but found their chatter meaningless.
Feeling annoyed, she regretted coming along.
“Don’t like it here?” Leland asked as he placed some food on her plate.
Winifred ate and mumbled, “It’s boring; I’d rather be lying at home.”
“I’ll let you lie down when we get back,” Leland said with a playful touch on her head.
Their conversation was quiet; it was unclear if anyone else heard it. Whether others understood or not didn’t matter; Winifred knew Leland’s usual thoughts were always indecent when around him.
Suddenly losing her appetite, she put down her fork.
Noticing someone staring at her, Winifred looked over.
Next to her sat Liam’s companion-a young woman dressed maturely-who seemed surprised by Winifred’s sudden gaze but then smiled at her.
“I’m going to the restroom,” Winifred said as she stood up.
“Can you find it?” Leland asked.
There were signs outside; how could she not find the restroom? Did he really think she needed guidance like a pet?
Before she could respond, Liam patted his companion’s shoulder. “Jade, take Miss Dawson to the restroom.”
Winifred didn’t refuse and followed Jade out. On the way, Jade asked, “What’s your relationship with Mr. Burns?”
“Are you curious?”
“Of course! Mr. Burns never has women around him and rarely attends such events. Today he’s here with you-you must be special.”
Special? Winifred scoffed at the word and asked Jade back: “What’s your relationship with Mr. Burkhart?”
“I’m his companion-he has many companions. When he remembers me, he brings me along. Calling me a companion is too simplistic; I’m more like his lover. He gives me money; I give my body-mutual benefits.” Jade didn’t shy away from explaining her situation to Winifred.
“Is your relationship with Mr. Burns similar?” Jade probed further.
“Sort of.” But she felt more pitiful than Jade-at least Jade knew what she wanted and got it through mutual consent while she… was always forced into things without gaining anything but losing much more.
Hearing this answer made Jade’s eyes light up.
“You must have earned a lot of money being so beautiful.”
“No money.”
“How could that be?” Jade doubted but continued: “Let me tell you-these patrons are fickle; you should make as much as you can while you’re young. If things don’t work out with Mr. Burns anymore, you can come over to Mr. Burkhart-he likes you.”