Kenneth had never been treated like this before, his face darkening with barely concealed anger.
Tonight I have to get inside.
Gray Corporation’s stock had plummeted uncontrollably lately and numerous partners had terminated their cooperation. I needed to use Madam Kate’s birthday banquet to network with potential investors.
If I could negotiate the Eastgate Land’s project with Mr. Brooker, so much the better.
This banquet was crucial. I can’t afford any mistakes.
Finished
But no matter how much he tried to bribe the security guards, they remained unmoved, leaving him in an increasingly awkward standoff.
Just as the tension reached its peak, a soft, female voice called out from behind him.
“Kenn?”
He stiffened as he turned to see Willow standing there, arm in arm with an extraordinarily beautiful
woman.
“Willow? What are you doing here?”
She smiled sweetly. “I came with my best friend to celebrate her husband’s mother’s birthday.”
Then she playfully shook Casey’s arm and cooed, “Dearest Casey, since you’re the Brooker family’s member, can’t you bring Kenn with you?”
Kenn?
Calling so closely, this man could be someone this little girl likes.
Casey chuckled and patted her hand before turning a frosty glare on the guards. “Madam Kate is my husband’s mother. Do you dare stop me?”
The guards bowed apolipically. “Of course we wouldn’t stop a member of the Brooker family! But protocol must be followed. Since you are family, you must have an invitation.”
Without another word, Casey pulled a gold–embossed invitation from her purse.
While the other guests had red invitations, only the Brooker family received gold invitations. The guard inspected it carefully before breaking into a submissive smile.
“Madam, please go right in.”
Casey raised imperiously; she declared, “These two are my guests. They will come with me.”
The guard hesitated, but seeing that Kenneth had connections to the Brooker family, he reluctantly stepped aside.
Willow, Casey, and Kenneth swept into the hotel.
1/2
Chapter 135 Collision Course
Finished
conversation. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over the guests dressed in exquisite gowns and glittering jewels.
Kenneth’s sharp eyes scanned the room, immediately zeroing in on potential business allies. Without a second thought for Willow or Casey, he snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and strode toward a group
of investors.
Meanwhile, Willow clung to Casey’s arm, her eyes sweeping the room in search of a particular figure, which is tall, imposing, effortlessly regal.
Her brow furrowed in frustration.
I hadn’t come for some old woman’s birthday. My whole purpose was Felix.
But despite the sea of people, there was no sign of him.
Releasing Casey’s arm, she muttered, “I have to go to the bathroom.”
Having been granted permission, she hurried out of the banquet hall, determined to track him down.
She lingered outside the restrooms for nearly ten minutes, hoping to catch him, but he never appeared.
Gritting her teeth, she made her way to the private suites.
Just then, in one of the rooms, Andy checked his watch
“Five minutes till the banquet starts. Let’s go.”
Lauren nodded and stood gracefully. Andy immediately stepped forward to straighten the delicate layers of her blush–pink tulle gown, making sure every pleat fell perfectly.
Satisfied, they stepped out, only to come face–to–face with Willow.
The color drained from Willow’s face.
Of all the times to run into her. Lauren looked like a princess out of a fairy tale. The Swiss–style peony embroidery on her bodice caught the light with the slightest movement.
Her makeup was flawless. Flawless skin touched with the faintest blush; lips stained cherry red, and parted slightly in surprise. A few artfully loose strands of hair framed her face, accentuating her delicate features.
She was radiant.
And it made Willow seethe.
“Lauren?!” Her voice was shrill. “What the hell are you doing here?”
260
