In the resplendent banquet hall, where the lights were shining brightly and the guests were dressed elegantly, people from all walks of life gathered together, yet an invisible battle had quietly begun.
Xu Zixi was holding Alex Spencer's arm, walking among the guests with a complacent look on her face. However, she never expected that Ann Winters, who had always been gentle and soft, would suddenly challenge her.
Ann Winters fixed her sharp eyes on their linked arms and said coldly, "Assistant Xu, do you think you are more suitable to accompany my fiancé?"
Xu Zixi was stunned on the spot. Feeling guilty as she did, she never thought that Ann Winters, who usually seemed so meek, could be so sharp-tongued.
Alex Spencer came to his senses and quickly pushed Xu Zixi's hand away.
Xu Zixi forced an awkward smile and explained, "Since Miss Ann seldom participates in such banquets, I accompanied Mr. Alex to socialize. I'm really sorry if it caused Miss Ann any misunderstanding."
"Are you implying that I'm not magnanimous enough?" Ann Winters raised her eyebrows slightly, with a look of disdain in her eyes.
Seeing that Xu Zixi was about to argue again, Ann Winters said straightforwardly, "Moreover, what I mind is that in the five minutes since we entered the banquet hall, Assistant Xu has been holding onto my fiancé's arm all the time. It made me think that Assistant Xu was trying to assert her dominance over me."
Xu Zixi's face turned pale with fright. Due to the great disparity in their status, she didn't dare to retort loudly and could only keep explaining and apologizing, "No, Miss Ann. I just didn't pay attention to propriety just now. I'll definitely be more careful next time."
Ann Winters gave a light chuckle, showing no sign of forgiving her at all.
Xia Martin was completely dumbfounded beside them. Was this still the Ann Winters she knew? She was so domineering! She had reminded Ann Winters before that Xu Zixi was like a restless "fox", always sticking close to Alex Spencer with ill intentions. But Ann Winters had said that she trusted Alex Spencer at that time. Xia Martin thought that Alex Spencer was really nice, so she didn't say anything more. Now, seeing Xu Zixi being put in an awkward position in public, Xia Martin felt extremely pleased.
"Ann," Alex Spencer suddenly spoke and took the initiative to hold Ann Winters' hand.
Although Ann Winters felt a bit repulsed in her heart, she still held back.
"I'm so glad that you came unexpectedly today," Alex Spencer didn't mention the incident where Ann Winters had just taught Xu Zixi a lesson at all. He neither said a good word for Xu Zixi nor explained why he had allowed her to hold his arm. He had always been good at skirting around the important issues.
Ann Winters was also smart enough not to mention it again. She knew clearly in her heart that teaching Xu Zixi a lesson had already made Alex Spencer lose face. If she pushed too hard at this moment, it wouldn't be good for her subsequent plans.
"Come on. I'll take you to meet my parents. They must be looking forward to seeing you," Alex Spencer smiled, still looking gentle as ever.
Ann Winters nodded, said goodbye to Xia Martin, and then walked in the banquet hall with Alex Spencer on her arm. The two of them, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, attracted a lot of attention.
"Ann Winters truly lives up to her reputation as the most beautiful woman in Qingcheng. I used to think it was just a rumor."
"She seldom appears in public. It's my first time seeing her. I thought she might not be that pretty and was afraid of being slapped in the face by the reality. It turns out that I underestimated her."
"In the past, I always thought that Ann Winters wasn't good enough for Alex Spencer. But now it seems that Ann Winters is even more outstanding."
...
These comments reached the ears of Ann Winters and Alex Spencer. In the past, because Ann Winters rarely attended such events and Alex Spencer was good at showing himself off, people in Qingcheng all thought that she wasn't worthy of him. Now hearing these words, Alex Spencer was naturally unhappy in his heart. He had always liked to put himself on a pedestal and couldn't bear to hear others say anything bad about him or see anyone better than him, not even Ann Winters. However, he was good at disguising himself, so it was hard for others to notice.
The two of them walked up to Alex Spencer's parents and greeted them politely. Ann Winters had once truly believed that the Spencer family treated her very well, caring for her with great affection. Only later did she realize that they were just trying to cheat her out of her family property. At this moment, she suppressed her emotions and socialized with the Spencer family.
There were many people coming and going in the banquet hall. As the Spencer family was a prominent and noble family, there were numerous people coming to flatter and chat with them. Gradually, Ann Winters quietly slipped away without attracting any attention. However, Alex Spencer didn't even notice her departure. In the past, she always thought that he ignored her because he was too busy with work and always found excuses for him...
Ann Winters turned around and walked towards the back garden. She didn't like noisy places anyway. Once she arrived at the back garden, she felt much more relaxed. However, "Miss Ann," a voice suddenly rang out, startling her.
She turned her head and saw a man walking out of the darkness. He was wearing a cold-gray suit, a white shirt, and a silver-gray tie. The unique cut and color combination set off his three-dimensional and deep facial features. Just a glimpse of him was enough to amaze people.
Ann Winters calmly shifted her gaze and asked, "Why are you here?"
"I'm waiting for Miss Ann here," Jack Harrison raised the corners of his mouth, forming a charming smile.
What was he waiting for her for? Besides, how did he know that she would come to the back garden?
"Do you have something to ask me?" Ann Winters remained calm.
"Give me back the card!" Jack Harrison said directly.
Ann Winters' face changed slightly. She thought to herself that this man really couldn't be counted on.
She said, "Aren't you always generous to women?"
"So, Miss Ann, are you reminding me that you're already my woman?" Jack Harrison gave a wicked smile. In an instant, his handsome face moved closer, carrying an intimidating aura that made people feel pressured and in danger.
Ann Winters stepped aside to avoid him.
Jack Harrison laughed in a carefree manner.
"Playboy," Ann Winters said angrily, "The card is at home. I'll return it to you next time!" After saying that, she turned around and was about to leave.
Having been reborn, she had a clear goal in mind and didn't want to waste any time. Learning to socialize was also an urgent task for her.
At this moment, she saw Alex Spencer coming out of the banquet hall. It seemed that he just realized that she wasn't by his side and came out to look for her. When he saw her, his face clearly showed dissatisfaction. Probably, he subconsciously thought that no matter what he was doing, she should stay quietly by his side. But in the next second, he could immediately change back to his refined and elegant appearance and said gently, "Why did you come out alone? I was so worried when I suddenly couldn't find you."
"It was a bit stuffy inside, so I came out to get some fresh air. I was just about to go back," Ann Winters replied with a faint smile.
"Let me accompany you next time," Alex Spencer affectionately put his arm around her.
Ann Winters felt a bit uncomfortable, especially when she was stared at by Jack Harrison's gaze. She felt a chill run down her spine. That look in his eyes was indescribable, which made her feel a sense of guilt for no reason. After all, they were just in a cooperative relationship.
Alex Spencer also noticed Jack Harrison's gaze. Still maintaining his polite manner, he took the initiative to extend his hand and greeted, "Jack, you're here too? Long time no see."
Jack Harrison glanced at Alex Spencer and didn't extend his hand in return. Instead, he walked past them arrogantly and dropped a sentence, "Alex, your fiancée is as beautiful as a flower. You'd better keep a close eye on her."