She Wanted a $28k Dress, I Want His $800M Fortune

Chapter 3

Three days before the annual party, I went to Moon Hotel, using the excuse of helping a friend check out wedding venues.

The hall was being decorated.

In the center of the stage stood two gilded high-backed chairs, carved with intricate twin lotus flowers.

A double main seat.

"This decoration is really grand," my friend Cindy Park exclaimed. "Which company is spending so much money?"

"Yeah," I said softly.

A woman walked in through the side door.

Champagne-colored high heels, off-white skirt suit, long hair loosely pinned up.

She held a tablet, confirming details with the staff.

It was Ada.

She looked younger than in the photos. Her skin was smooth, her posture straight.

As for me, after having Annie, my belly had soft stretch marks, fine lines at the corners of my eyes, dark circles covered by concealer.

So this was what he meant by "How could she compare to you?"

"Increase the lighting by another thirty percent," Ada said in a crisp voice. "President Allen said he wants all the photos to be clear that day."

The staff nodded. "Don't worry, Miss Green."

Cindy whispered, "Who is that? She has quite a presence."

I didn't answer.

Ada turned, her gaze sweeping over us.

She paused for half a second, then curved her lips into a professional smile. "Are you two...?"

"Here to check out wedding venues," Cindy said. "Is this... an annual party?"

"Yes, the company's tenth-anniversary celebration."

Ada walked over. Her eyes lingered on my face for an extra moment. "And you are?"

"Mrs. Allen."

"Mrs. Allen." She nodded. "This hall is suitable for weddings, but we have it booked."

"If you need, I can recommend other halls."

"No need, thank you." I smiled. "This hall is very beautiful. Your husband really put thought into it."

Ada's smile froze for a moment.

It was subtle, but I caught it.

"It's President Allen who put the thought in," she corrected, her tone gentle. "I'm just helping with the execution."

"President Allen? Is he single? Booking such a big venue, setting up a double main seat—I thought it was prepared for his wife."

The air went still for a few seconds.

Ada looked at me. Her eyes churned with curiosity, wariness, and perhaps a trace of barely concealed smugness.

"President Allen's personal matters, I wouldn't know," she said, looking away. To the staff, she said, "I'll go confirm the menu. Continue here."

She turned and left, her high heels clicking crisply.

Cindy tugged my sleeve. "Helen, why did you ask that? That was weird."

"Just asking casually." I looked away. "Let's go check out other halls."

We walked toward the elevator.

Just before the doors closed, I looked back.

Ada stood in the center of the stage, looking down at her tablet.

The dome's starlight fell on her, bathing her in an unreal glow.

She looked up toward the elevator.

Our gazes met one last time through the narrowing gap.

She smiled.

It was the smile of a victor, full of pity.

The elevator went down.

"Do you know her?" Cindy asked.

"No," I saw the changing floor numbers. "But I will soon."

That night, David came home early, which was rare, and looked agitated.

"What's wrong?" I ladled him some soup.

"Nothing." He rubbed his brow. "A small issue at the company. It'll be resolved soon."

"That's good." I pushed the soup bowl toward him. "By the way, I went to Moon Hotel today."

His movement paused. "What for?"

"I accompanied Cindy to check out wedding venues." My tone was natural. "I saw Star Hall being decorated. Is that for your annual party?"

"...Yes."

"The double main seat design is very thoughtful." I looked at him. "Was that your idea?"

David put down his spoon. "The event planning company came up with it. Don't overthink it."

"I'm not overthinking." I smiled. "I just thought, if we ever have a vow renewal, we could use that design."

His expression softened. He took my hand.

"Once the company goes public," he said, "I'll definitely give you the most magnificent vow renewal."

More promises.

I held his hand back. His palm was warm, my fingers cold.

"By the way," I said casually, "I was tidying up the studies yesterday and saw some photos on your old laptop."

"They seemed to be from a team-building event. There was a girl who looked familiar. Isn't she the one who came to the house to drop off documents?"

David's hand tightened. "Which girl?"

"The one with long hair, big eyes, seemed quite capable." I blinked. "I think her last name is Green?"

Silence.

A long silence.

He let go of my hand and returned to a gentle tone.

"That's Ada from administration. She is quite capable. Why are you suddenly asking about her?"

"I just thought she was pretty." I stood up to clear the dishes, turning my back to him. "I'm reassured knowing you have such a capable employee by your side."

He didn't say anything more.

I walked into the kitchen with the dishes and turned on the faucet.

Water rushed, masking my racing heart.

That night, David slept very soundly.

I got up, took the brooch camera out of the hidden compartment, and pinned it to the inside of the black coat I planned to wear tomorrow.