Despite Natalie’s efforts to win Becker’s favor, he was a businessman first.
Profit always came before personal relationships.
He wouldn’t risk his connections with the Evans Group for her.
“Mr. Finch, please, don’t do this to me. I… I’m…” Natalie stammered, tears welling up in her eyes. Her voice broke.
She couldn’t believe she was the one being scolded like this. She felt completely humiliated.
When Becker mentioned snobbery, wasn’t he guilty of the same thing?
How had Bianca become a distinguished guest of the Evans Group while she had to rely on this old man’s whims? Natalie fumed inside.
But she needed him. She depended on him.
So, despite her anger, she held onto Becker’s arm and chose to stay silent, biting her lip to keep spilling harsh words.
A puckered smile appeared on Bianca’s face. “Sorry to disappoint you,” she said sweetly, then turned and confidently walked onto the cruise ship.
Natalie’s eyes blazed with fury. She swore that today, Bianca wouldn’t get away with this!
Bianca walked onto the cruise ship and was instantly amazed by the luxurious interior.
Crystal chandeliers lined the path to the banquet hall, sparkling as if scattered carelessly.
The bright lights filled the space, making it feel like midday, and the glass mirrors reflected Bianca’s slim figure.
When Bianca looked at her reflection, she felt a little lost. She was surrounded by wealth and power at their peak.
She felt small and out of place, knowing she might never truly fit into such a privileged world.
How could she possibly negotiate with the proud CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group later on?
Standing in front of the mirrored glass, Bianca practiced her words before gathering the courage to enter the banquet hall.
The hall itself was even more breathtaking. Gold, crystal, diamonds-every sign of the world’s finest luxury was on display. Even the wine glasses were made of gold.
Waiters in tuxedos moved gracefully through the hall, carrying fine wines. Every detail screamed extravagance and wealth.
Bianca took a deep breath, trying to stay composed and not let it show that she felt out of place.
The banquet hall was packed with guests. People gathered in groups, chatting and exchanging pleasantries, most of them simply enjoying the grandeur.
Bianca felt out of place.
No one seemed to notice her. Not wanting to mingle, she retreated to a corner, found an empty seat, and started scanning the room for any sign of the CEO.
Meanwhile, Natalie called Skylar.
“Miss Larson, why is Bianca at today’s event?”
Natalie had learned about the Evans Group’s celebration through Skylar.
She would have had no idea about the event without this insider information, considering her social status.
By chance, she had run into Becker at a cocktail party. Of all her connections, Becker held the highest rank.
Knowing Becker was qualified to attend the Evans Group’s event, Natalie had pushed him to bring her along.
Given the chance to attend such an exclusive event, Natalie’s eyes naturally went to the more distinguished young men, especially Dave, who modestly hid his brilliance.
She knew she couldn’t be an actress forever; her real goal was to marry a wealthy man.
She had planned to use this event to get close to Dave, but running into Bianca there was an unexpected and frustrating surprise.
Hearing Natalie’s words, Skylar was surprised and asked, “Did you say Bianca is here?”
“Yes. Somehow, she got a gold-plated invitation. She humiliated me outside just now, and I’m furious,” Natalie said, almost swearing but holding back in front of so many important people.
Skylar smiled. “A gold-plated invitation, huh? I didn’t expect her to have such connections. I was the one who told her about this event. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure she leaves in tears tonight.”
Natalie was briefly stunned, then asked, “You mean you brought Bianca here just to embarrass her?”
Skylar smiled but didn’t answer.
Natalie quickly understood what Skylar meant and felt relieved. The anger she had been holding onto faded. “I see. Then I won’t worry. I’m looking forward to seeing Bianca suffer.”
“I have other things to take care of. I need to go now,” Skylar said, preparing to hang up.
But Natalie called out loudly, “Wait a moment, Miss Larson. I wanted to ask you about someone.”
“Who?” Skylar asked, her voice showing impatience.
With a blush on her cheeks, Natalie asked, “Do you happen to know Dave Evans?”
Skylar’s eyes widened. She gripped the phone tighter and asked, “Why do you want to know about him?”
“To be honest, Dave is Bianca’s ex-boyfriend. I know he’s from the Evans family, but I’m not sure of his role in the Evans Group. The reason I asked is because I have a crush on him,” Natalie said, talking confidently.
On the other end of the line, Skylar’s expression darkened.
Natalie had feelings for Dave, too?
This caught Skylar off guard and made her shiver silently.
Natalie didn’t realize that her words had hit Skylar like a sharp arrow. Skylar had thought that once Bianca was out of the picture, Dave would be hers forever. She never expected that another rival was just around her. Someone else wants her fiance.
Skylar was filled with a mix of surprise and anger, a storm building beneath her calm exterior.
But she kept her composure, hiding her feelings behind a mask of indifference. In a controlled voice, she said, “I know him. You’ll have the chance to see him soon enough.”
“Is he here today as well?” Natalie’s excitement showed, unaware of the tension on the other end of the line.
With a cold smile, Skylar answered, “Yes, he’s here today. It will be a delightful surprise for you. Patience, my dear.”
Natalie tried to speak again, but Skylar had already ended the call.
What did this “surprise” Skylar mentioned mean? Natalie felt a flutter of excitement in her chest.
Since Bianca was here, Natalie couldn’t help but wonder what would happen when Bianca saw Dave.
Just thinking about it made Natalie feel excited about the drama that would unfold.
In the corner, Bianca sat alone, looking around the room but not seeing the CEO. Finally, she stood up, deciding to be more proactive in her search.
As Bianca stood up, a tap on her shoulder made her turn.
Skylar stood there, smiling widely.
“Bianca,” Skylar said. Seeing a familiar face made Bianca feel warm inside.