Rejected Bride：Bumps into my CEO

Chapter 3 - Social Butterfly?

It wasn’t a great idea, and even if neither of them were very sure about it, after finding comfort with her best friend, Valerie found herself confident, deciding to attend Julian Russell’s party on the following day.

She could barely recall the names of the company’s major shareholders, but who cared about it right now?

Rosetta thoughtfully helped her to arrange a new dress for the event, and with the gown that made her feel stunning and more assured about herself, she walked into the hall, drawing all the eyes to her presence.

But, ironically, Valerie’s gaze was stuck on the dark one who looked back at her, swallowing her in them before a single word was exchanged between them.

“What a surprise! I didn't expect to see you tonight, Mr. Wang. Are you having a pleasant evening?”

As if she was glad to see a familiar face there, Valerie soon spoke, walking towards the man while her mind rushed with thoughts of how she never expected she would meet him so early tonight.

“I could say the same to you, Miss Bennett… which reminds me. Mr.Walle was just asking me about you, and whether you would join us today.”

A faint smile appeared on the man’s face, and Valerie couldn't tell if it was a real smile or a polite one.

Nevertheless, her eyes couldn't stop from glimpsing upon hearing the name of the shareholder who had the biggest influence among the others after her father and Warren Wang himself.

Honestly, it was quite intriguing how he had such power when he didn't have a lot of shares. But, Valerie knew it was a fact that Gilberto Walle was a good storyteller, who would convince anyone to take his side after an argument.

He was one of her ways to the top, and she couldn’t lose her chance to talk with him.

“Really?” as she turned around, she kept saying a little surprise with a hard-to-hide smile on her lips. “In this case, it’s better I go soon to greet him. Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Wang. Excuse me.”

Warren could easily notice the happiness in her voice, and as he saw the woman going away from his line of sight, he couldn't stop himself from noticing how she was extra gorgeous tonight.

Valerie’s makeup was done in a very natural and delicate way for today. The few curled strings led loose in her low bun hairstyle framed her face gracefully, matching well with her Pearl earrings and necklace.

They were inherited from her mother and something she was also wearing on her wedding day.

As the light shone over her, it exuded a more breathtaking look, mesmerizing for all the eyes around them, while the slit on the right side made her seem like a Goddess walking through the salon.

It was truly an enchanting view to admire, and Warren found himself getting lost in it for a moment, but he quickly came back from his thoughts as someone else approached to talk with him…

Although, it didn’t mean he wouldn't remember that pretty view again in the future.

“No one can ever beat Miss Bennett when it’s about looking stunning in a party.'' Soon taking her in his arms, Mr.Walle hugged Valerie so intimately, something she didn’t recall the man even doing on past occasions. “I’m happy to see you decided to join us tonight.”

But, as the man, who was just slightly younger than her father, went back to his usual tone and conversation, Val decided not to think much about that.

It was all in a friendly manner… She wanted to believe.

Wanting her to join more in their conversation, Gilberto Walle spread his hand out and pulled Valerie closer by her waist.

The married man and father of two had no intentions of letting her go away from him, as he was there alone tonight, needing some company…

Truth be told, Gilberto had yearned for Valerie Bennett for a long time now, but she wasn’t someone he could easily use and play with due to the men around her, and anyone in their circle knew about it.

Yet, seeing how she had willingly come to him tonight made the man think he shouldn’t waste such a chance if she needed someone to help console her today.

Once again, Val only thought about such behavior of his as an over-friendly manner, as she didn’t want to mistrust the man who could become her biggest help.

Following Gilberto back to his table, she accepted the invitation to join them there, crossing her legs as soon as she sat down, letting a bare part of her thigh show off due to the gown’s slit.

And, from the corner of his eyes, the older man could see how the fair skin of her leg was captivating under the lights, even if they were a little hidden by her hands. It was dazzling to him as their conversation went on.

Valerie should already have noticed the hits and red flags of his bad intentions at this point, but she was too lost in her excitement of how well he seemed to be hearing her points.

Like he didn’t have secondary thoughts, Gilberto Walle appeared to be interested in her points and ideas about the future path the Splendor Empire should take and how, perhaps, they would need a new leading figure as their CEO for that.

“I’m sure others would also be interested in it if I talk with them.” getting closer to her, Gilberto whispered back to his lips almost touching hers to Valerie’s discomfort. “Or maybe, both of us should do it. I’m sure you know your way of how to convince them, even if I’m more available and willing to do it for you, as I honestly am not a big fan of sharing.”

Hand touching her thigh, Mr. Walle moved on to say, giving chills all over her body while figuring out what those words meant, and he closed the distance between them even more, moving his hand down between her legs.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

Nevertheless, Valerie Bennett would never become this kind of person, allowing him to do it for her.

Yes, she needed his help. But, it didn’t mean she wanted or had any intention of becoming one of his little toy lovers!

Such misbehavior of his was something she couldn’t believe she was having to deal with, just because she wasn’t there with her father or Allan.

“What is wrong, Miss Bennett? Why are you screaming like this?” However, like her groom, the older man behaved as if nothing had ever happened. “It’s so unlike you.”

“YOU! YOU- You-” Valerie wanted to say out loud what Gilberto had done to her, but her words stuck in her mouth upon hearing that ‘It’s so unlike you.’ that sounded like a curse to her, allowing Val to notice all the eyes from the party on her.

She suddenly felt embarrassed due to her actions, despite the fact she wasn't wrong.

It destroyed all the confidence she built up early before joining that event, and now, Valerie only wanted to run away from there and hide.

Hide from that awkwardness that Val never imagined she would feel in her life, especially among the people and social events she was so used to.

“I- I-” Therefore, it wasn't hard to understand why she felt so lost during that moment, taking a couple of steps back as, more and more, her mind told her to run away from there.

Something that Valerie decided to follow and do if she didn't get herself struggling on her own feet, and in the next second, she was almost falling.

It would be another embarrassing moment to add soon to her future if it wasn't for a pair of hands, who reached out for her just in time.

Strong and powerful arms held her in place along with a present fragrance that she couldn't recognize very well but was still soothing to her.

“I’m sorry, gentlemen. But I believe Miss Bennett had already drunk enough for today.” as she looked up, Valerie could not believe who was the one helping her. She could easily imagine anyone else in that party doing it but Warren Wang.

“Th-thank you…” like a little mouse standing before a lion, she whispered back her gratitude shakily without leaving his hold.

“So, if you excuse us. I'll take her to rest.” ignoring her, the Asian man proceeded to say... “After all, we all know how she can’t handle more than three glasses well.”

It was a lie, and all of the people close to her and her friends knew very well that Valerie was a very good drinker. Nevertheless, the young woman didn't feel any desire to correct the man about it then.

She could have no idea about the way that Warren Wang was staring back at Gilberto Walle, who kept pushing drinks toward her through the night, yet she felt safe with his actions.

So, letting herself fall into his embrace like a delicate flower, Val didn't say anything back when he put the arm around her waist before leaving the salon with her as if both had come together to that party in the first place.