Sirena was determined to see if Joanna actually had any real talent. In the Buckley Group’s CEO office, Hanley reported carefully, “Mr. Buckley, I had people look into it, but there’s no sign of her. It’s like she just disappeared off the face of the earth.”
His voice carried an edge of worry. He, too, was baffled by Joanna’s sudden disappearance.
He’d thoroughly checked all the surveillance footage around the Buckley family villa, but there was nothing. It was as if she had never even been there.
“What a bunch of idiots. They can’t even handle something this simple. Does she know how to disappear without a trace?” Howell snapped, already on edge. Hearing the report only added fuel to his frustration.
“Mr. Buckley, this whole situation is strange. But Mrs. Buckley’s family is from a rural area, and both her parents are deceased. We’ve sent people to check her family home, but she wasn’t there,” Hanley continued, reporting what he had found.
Truth be told, Joanna had never wanted the Buckley family to know the real story behind her. She’d made up a whole narrative to keep her past under wraps.
It was a gamble she’d taken with Dexter, hoping for a love that was pure and untouched by money.
Howell furrowed his brows, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.
“If that’s the case, why the hell has Joanna walked away from the marriage with nothing? What’s her game?‘ He thought. ‘Surely, she didn’t think I’d suddenly see her differently by pulling this stunt. That’s just stupid!
Howell gave a cold, mocking smile. “No need to keep looking. It’s her choice. If she wants to keep up that ‘clean‘ image, fine by me,” he said, his tone
flat.
“Anyway, there’s one more thing. There’s a charity gala this weekend, and I heard the CEO of Menzie Group will be there.” Hanley quickly added, knowing he had to keep Howell in the loop about every damn opportunity. “We’ve been trying to work out a deal with them, so…”
“Menzie Group?” Howell raised an eyebrow. Menzie Group was a Fortune 500 company, just as big as his own. His company had been eager to work with them, but their representatives had always been elusive.
That could be the chance they’d been waiting for, and he needed to prepare for it.
Just as Hanley was leaving, Margot’s call came through. “Howell, are you free?” Her soft voice drifted through the phone.
“What’s up?” His deep, smooth voice had a magnetic quality that was impossible to ignore.
“About the charity gala this weekend… would you come with me?” Margot asked, her voice laced with subtle intention.
She had a plan. She was determined to keep him close, to make sure they were seen together in public. She was no longer content playing the background.
Howell, who had been planning to make a public appearance anyway, agreed easily. “Sure.”
The annual charity gala in Osland City was held at a luxurious six–star hotel, drawing in the city’s most influential figures–if you weren’t rich or famous, you didn’t get in. It was set to be a grand, high–profile event.
As the guests exchanged greetings and mingled, a sleek Bentley slowly rolled up to the hotel entrance.
Howell stepped out, escorting Margot. Instantly, all eyes were drawn to them.
They made a picture–perfect couple. Howell exuded power and sophistication, while Margot, delicate and graceful, radiated elegance and charm.
A flush of shyness colored Margot’s face. This was her chance to shine, and she was determined to make the most of it.
The moment they stepped onto the scene, they turned heads. A handsome man and a stunning woman–together, they were hard to miss.
“Mr. Buckley and Margot make such a perfect couple! Are they officially announcing their relationship today?”
“But I heard Mr. Buckley is already married… someone remarked.
“Wait, really? I’ve never seen Mr. Buckley bring his wife to an event before…”
1/2
11:57 AM
Chapter 4
58
Margot felt a surge of pride as she soaked in the envious stares. She was about to become Mrs. Buckley, attending glamorous events with Howell by
her side.
Just then, a sudden stir broke out in the crowd.
“Wow! It’s Philip from Menzie Group! He’s here!”
“Oh my god, he’s so handsome! I’m going to faint.”
A Rolls–Royce glided to a stop, and out stepped Philip whose striking good looks seemed almost unreal. His every movement exuded sophistication and grace.
As soon as he appeared, the people who’d just greeted Howell rushed over to him, eager to make their introductions.
But Philip remained composed, opening the car door with quiet confidence. He gracefully helped his companion out of the car.
The crowd’s curiosity intensified. They thought, ‘There are whispers that Mr. Menzie isn’t known for his interest in women–so who is the lucky woman tonight?‘
Moments later, a slender, elegant figure stepped into view. She wore a custom–made dress crafted from luxurious fabric, studded with diamonds that sparkled like stars. The gown hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her flawless figure.
She was absolutely stunning, like a proud, graceful swan–elegant and untouchable. Her beauty was simply hypnotic.
Margot’s sense of pride quickly turned to frustration. The attention she had been basking in just moments before was now snatched away by this
woman.
She followed the gaze of the crowd, narrowing her eyes. As the woman came into full view, her face froze in shock.
Margot thought, ‘Am I seeing things? The woman with Philip is…
She called out, “Joanna?”
