My Contract Lover

Chapter 2 Ward off the Wine

On the day of the birthday banquet, Zelia arrived just in time to step into the banquet hall of the cruise ship. The light and shadow from the crystal chandelier intertwined with the surrounding golden patterns. As the light fell upon Zelia, her beauty, the kind that belonged to a top-class beauty, was extremely impactful, and a flamboyant and bright charm that could make one's heart skip a beat.

The originally jovial and lively banquet hall fell silent for a moment due to Zelia's arrival. Recently, the news of the Smith family's bankruptcy had been making the rounds, and most of the people present probably didn't expect Zelia to appear here.

Zelia paid no attention to the gazes and discussions around her and walked into the banquet hall calmly and composedly. Sherry, who had been waiting by the side, pulled Zelia to lean against her, "I thought you weren't coming."

"How could I not?" Zelia declined the champagne offered by the waiter. "I said I would come." She glanced around but didn't find the man's figure. Zelia withdrew her gaze with a hint of disappointment. As expected, he wasn't someone one could easily meet.

At this moment, the music in the banquet hall changed.

Sherry gently nudged Zelia's arm. "Look, the female lead of tonight has arrived." Then she whispered to Zelia, "I have to say, which designer styled her? This is too ugly."

Zelia couldn't help but chuckle, "Don't say that, this is Givenchy's haute couture this year, very expensive."

"What a waste of those jewels," Sherry laughed.

In fact, Kylie's attire tonight was all haute couture, and it couldn't be considered ugly. However, this pile of luxurious jewelry and clothing, in front of Sherry and Zelia, two professional designers, was indeed devoid of any highlights.

Seeing Kylie surrounded by socialites and young masters, Sherry sighed, "She's stealing the show."

Zelia didn't say anything.

"Why are you so indifferent?" Sherry asked.

"What else?" Zelia raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it normal for her to steal the show at her own birthday party?"

Sherry still felt a little indignant, "I just can't stand her pretentiousness."

Back then, Zelia was recognized as the most beautiful woman in their circle. Kylie had always been jealous of Zelia, so she always tried to disgust her. Whatever Zelia bought, she would buy the same, a complete copycat.

After the Smith family's incident, she immediately added insult to injury, snatching several pieces of jewelry that Zelia had pre-ordered from major brands, all of which she was wearing today.

Zelia didn't care about the jewelry being snatched away, after all, she wasn't short of a few pieces of jewelry. What's more, with the Smith family's situation, she really couldn't afford to buy such expensive jewelry now.

Standing in the center of the crowd, Kylie enjoyed the compliments and flattery from others. When she saw Zelia standing not far away, she thought she would see jealousy and envy in Zelia's eyes. But instead, she saw Zelia smile faintly, pick up a glass of champagne from the table, and raise it in her direction.

Kylie instantly felt mocked. Her smug expression froze.

She had invited Zelia because she wanted everyone to see that she was the real star of the show. She was radiant, while Zelia was already down and out. She wanted to wait until Zelia was completely ridiculed by everyone in the circle before she could truly step on her.

Zelia's nonchalant appearance became increasingly unbearable for Kylie. It had always been like this, no matter what she did, she could never surpass Zelia.

Today, she must step on Zelia and let her know who the real winner is.

Kylie lifted her heavy skirt and walked straight towards Zelia.

Sherry's eyes narrowed, and she took half a step forward, blocking Zelia, staring at Kylie with displeasure. "What are you going to do?"

Kylie sneered and crossed her arms, "Sherry, what are you worried about? Is Miss Smith only capable of hiding behind others now?" Kylie provoked.

Zelia raised her hand and patted Sherry's shoulder. "Sherry, it's okay." Then she looked at Kylie, "What's the matter?"

Kylie's provocation seemed childish and low-level to Zelia, only laughable.

Kylie pretended to be considerate and said, "Yes, after all, we were classmates. Now that the Smith family is in trouble, I should come and see how you're doing."

"Really?"

"Of course." Kylie put on an act as if she was making plans for Zelia's sake. "I bumped into the young masters of the Royal and Chandler families at a gathering a few days ago. They were quite interested in you, Miss Smith. Why don't I arrange a meeting for you..."

"A meeting?" Zelia drew out her words, a hint of coldness in her tone.

Kylie was taken aback by Zelia's aura, and it took her a few seconds to regain her composure. "Yes, everyone knows that the Smith family is bankrupt now. It is a fortune that these young gentlemen are interested in you."

The commotion in the banquet hall alarmed the VIP room on the second floor.

"Why is it so noisy downstairs?" Kevin asked the assistant beside him impatiently.

Today, he had finally managed to invite this distinguished guest from the Hillton family. They hadn't even started their conversation yet. What if he offended this person?

The assistant sensed the strange atmosphere in the room and quickly said, "Mr. Lyons, Miss Lyons seems to be arguing with Miss Smith."

"Arguing?" Kevin raised his voice, then immediately realized that his behavior was inappropriate. He looked at Nathan, who was sitting on a single sofa not far away, and said obsequiously, "I apologize for disturbing Mr. Hillton's interest."

The man's expression was indifferent as if the noise from the outside world couldn't affect him in the slightest.

Just as Kevin hesitated, the man raised his hand and placed the whiskey glass on the low table next to him. The ice cubes clinked against the glass, making a crisp sound.

The man didn't say a word, but it sent chills down Kevin's spine. He quickly reacted and said, "I'll go down and handle it."

"Let's all take a look." The man's words plunged the room into an eerie silence.

Leo, the eldest young master of the Sayer family, who was also a distinguished guest, raised his eyebrows, and was quite surprised by his friend's words. He found it a little interesting and said, "Then let's go down and see."

Since the two distinguished guests had spoken, the others naturally agreed and got up one after another, heading towards the door.

Downstairs, Zelia was already impatient with this sudden farce.

Suddenly, someone next to Kylie patted her shoulder, "Kylie, Mr. Hillton is here."

Hearing this, Kylie froze at the words, quickly straightening her hair and turning to look in the direction of the second floor.

Everyone's eyes fell on the second floor.

Zelia's eyes lifted slightly. The man was standing on the second floor, looking down through the railing.

Their eyes met in mid-air...