The President delivered a long, grandiose speech, as if his bond with Franklin was as deep as the ocean.
However, the man standing next to him remained calm, listening to these hypocritical words with a feeling of disgust, as if he had swallowed ten kilograms of flies.
Franklin lowered his eyes slightly, a hint of sarcasm flashing in them.
“Congratulations, Mr. President!”
“Mr. Maskelyne is so handsome and capable, truly enviable.”
“Father and son will live in harmony from now on, how wonderful.”
A group of guests began to flatter the President wildly, expressing their congratulations.
The President felt extremely pleased.
He laughed heartily, “Next, I announce the official start of the banquet! The opening dance will be performed by Xingzhi and Miss Lara.”
After speaking, he glanced at Franklin, hinting for him to invite Lara.
Lara, upon hearing the President’s words, raised her chin slightly, subtly revealing an air of a high-class socialite.
Her eyes carried a hint of shyness.
She whispered to Donald beside her, “Daddy, this opening dance has nothing to do with me… it’s the President who…”
She bit her red lip, looking very pitiful. “If you are unhappy about it, I can refuse.”
Donald felt a pang of discomfort. Lara thought she was being clever, using retreat as an advance. Did she think he couldn’t see through it?
As an experienced man, how could he be fooled by a young girl?
Her little tricks were nothing in front of him.
However, with so many people around, all of them prominent figures, he couldn’t embarrass Lara or the President.
So he said indifferently, “It’s fine, it’s just a dance.”
Lara felt a surge of joy in her heart. She could now get close to Franklin.
But she still put on a shy and awkward expression. “But… in front of so many people, it’s really a bit embarrassing.”
She stood proudly in place, her hands slightly clasped, her beautiful eyes fixed on the tall man beside the President, quietly waiting for Franklin to come over and invite her to dance.
She wore an ice-blue dress adorned with a small diamond crown on her head, looking like Princess Elsa from a fairy tale, waiting quietly for her prince.
The entire hall fell silent, everyone waiting.
Some socialites looked on with envy.
They all had the same thought: Lara was so lucky!
So jealous!
Franklin’s cold and authoritative gaze swept over everyone present before finally landing on Lara. But it was just a fleeting glance that left him stunned.
A strange light burst from his cold slanted eyes!
His long legs, which had remained still until now, took their first step.
Lara looked at Franklin excitedly, unable to suppress a silent scream in her heart. He moved! He moved! He’s coming towards me! His eyes are shining so brightly! He must be attracted by my beauty!
She became even more shy, staring foolishly at Franklin as he got closer and closer.
However… just as she extended her right hand to welcome Franklin, he walked past her.
Her smile froze instantly, her right hand dropping weakly as if doused in ice water, making her feel like she had fallen into an ice cellar.
What was going on?
Wasn’t he supposed to invite her?
How could he…
She turned around in panic and saw Franklin walk past her towards the hall entrance, heading towards a woman with delicate and bright features.
Who was that woman?
Why was Franklin going to her?
Lara’s eyes were filled with insane jealousy. She stared at the entrance direction fiercely, wishing she could stab that woman’s face with a knife. She felt both embarrassed and angry! The wild fire of rage burned in her heart, almost turning all her rationality into ashes.
Everyone else was also shocked by this scene, not understanding what was happening.
This…
Had the proud Lara stumbled because of Franklin?
Was this a joke?
What was Franklin doing? Everyone’s eyes followed him as he moved. At the entrance stood a woman of stunning beauty. She wore a perfectly tailored sparkling V-neck dress that exuded femininity. Her flawless figure under the lights made her look incredibly eye-catching. Her slender yet curvy body was just right-neither too thin nor too plump.
The V-neck design revealed her fair skin, and the fitted waistline showcased her alluring figure. Her elegant appearance radiated nobility.
She had an exquisite hairstyle paired with fiery red lips and fashionable tassel earrings that highlighted her feminine charm.
Her delicate and striking features were mesmerizing; her enchanting eyes almost made everyone want to drown in them.
“It’s her!” A young man exclaimed softly, immediately attracting those around him. “Do you know this woman? She’s incredibly beautiful!”
“She seems to be the recently acknowledged daughter of the Hipps family.”
“She’s unbelievably gorgeous!”
The crowd began to murmur softly.
Sylvia stood at the hall entrance, quietly watching the man striding towards her. His slanted eyes were filled with tenderness and passion.
She stood there silently as if time had stopped at that moment.
Her eyes saw only him!
Franklin’s chest ached intensely, his heart feeling like it was being clawed at by dozens of cats.
When he finally enveloped the slender woman in his arms, his restless and pained heart seemed to find some relief.
He closed his eyes slightly. The familiar scent and feeling were so reassuring.
“Honey… I missed you.”
I missed you so much it hurt; I wanted to merge you into my bones and never be apart.
Sylvia’s red lips curved slightly. “I missed you too.”
The President’s face turned green with anger.
That damned Sylvia wasn’t supposed to be back from Aettosa! When did she return? Why hadn’t anyone reported it?
He was furious!
Franklin held Sylvia for a long time before letting go. His slanted eyes roamed over Sylvia’s face repeatedly, unwilling to look away.
When he was blind before, Sylvia’s beautiful face had appeared in his mind over and over again.
Now that he could see her up close, he was like an addict who couldn’t tear his gaze away.
“Wife…”
His voice was hoarse as if only this could ease the deep longing in his heart. “Wife…”
He couldn’t help but pull her back into his arms again.
Sylvia felt the man’s warm and broad chest; she could almost hear his strong heartbeat.
So warm and full of security.
“You… Mr. Maskelyne, what do you mean by this?”
Suddenly, an abrupt voice interrupted the couple immersed in their tender moment.
Franklin’s affectionate expression turned icy instantly. He released the woman in his arms and looked at the tactless Lara.
“Miss Fox, let me introduce my wife Sylvia.” Franklin’s warm and dry hand tightly held Sylvia’s small hand, unwilling to let go.
“You… you… what are you saying?” Lara couldn’t believe that after Franklin had suddenly become the President’s son from a small CEO in Aettosa, he still had deep feelings for Sylvia.
He would even announce his wife at such an occasion.
She thought someone like Sylvia would no longer be worthy of Franklin; they wouldn’t belong to the same world anymore.
She stared at Franklin in shock! She even forgot to manage her expressions.
“Miss Fox should probably visit an ENT specialist to check your ears.” A hint of sarcasm flashed in Franklin’s eyes.
Holding Sylvia’s hand, he walked towards the center of the hall. The radiant and charming Sylvia attracted everyone’s attention.
The socialites present were stunned! They couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
Such a beautiful woman made all other women pale in comparison.
If Lara had been the center of attention before, now… she looked like a commoner compared to Sylvia’s phoenix-like presence.
Sylvia’s perfection made women jealous and men captivated.
It felt like an invisible hand slapped Lara across the face.
She was utterly humiliated.
But surrounded by top socialites, she quickly adjusted her emotions and breathing.
With a slight smile that she thought was very elegant, she extended her right hand towards Sylvia. “Miss Andrews, hello. I’m Lara. It’s nice to meet you and welcome to this banquet.”
She spoke entirely in the tone of a hostess.
Sylvia looked at Lara with her almond-shaped eyes and then glanced at her outstretched hand. Sylvia extended her own hand for a brief touch before withdrawing it quickly.
Her red lips curved slightly. “Miss Fox, this banquet is hosted by the President for my husband. As Franklin’s wife, I thank you for attending.”
Lara’s face turned pale instantly. She forced a smile. “Miss Andrews, you’re too kind.”
She felt another sting on her face; she had been so strongly retorted by Sylvia?
In Aettosa, which socialite or noblewoman dared to speak to her like this?
Her chest hurt with anger.
But more furious than her was the President. He trembled with rage and almost fainted.
His face darkened as he glared at Sylvia. “Why are you here? I invited Old Mrs. Hipps and Old Mr. Hipps.”
His tone was filled with displeasure and anger.
“Oh, my grandparents arranged for me to come instead. After all, they are getting old. From now on, my uncle and I will handle such social engagements for the Hipps family,” Sylvia replied nonchalantly to the President.