Chapter 128
“Shut up.” Howard snapped irritably, shooting Gloria a cold glare. “Everything was settled today, everything could have been resolved, and you ruined it. Can’t you just let things be for once?
At that moment, the Baker Family’s driver pulled up with the car. Howard’s face remained dark as he opened the door and
got in.
Gloria felt a wave of frustration and guilt rise within her. She tugged at her disheveled hair, which Felicity had made into a mess, and climbed into the car, venting her anger at Howard. “What’s wrong with me?
“It’s that bitch’s fault! She’s from some third–rate family, completely out of her league. Look what they did to me! I’m battered like this, and you’re not even going to stand up for me, and now you blame me?”
She had never felt this humiliated before.
Normally, even when she clashed with other high–society women, it would only end in heated arguments. At worst, she’d go home and whisper to her husband to handle it through business channels.
But Felicity, a woman from a third–rate family, had come at her, fists flying, which angered Gloria so badly.
“I told you to get closer to her, to at least agree verbally on the kids‘ marriage, and this is what you’ve done.” Howard grew increasingly annoyed with Gloria. He realized that his pampered wife, raised to rely entirely on him, had no idea how to think for the family.
He had already explained the difficult situation the Baker Family was in, but Gloria had refused to listen.
With a stern expression. Howard coldly addressed her. “Even if you don’t care about the Baker Family, you should care about your son, right?”
He glanced at Ethan sitting beside him in the front seat. “Ethan and Chloe are so close, and they’re already publicly engaged. You’ve just had a public fight with Chloe’s mother, and you’ve made a scene. Have you thought about how this affects him?”
Howard turned his attention to Ethan. “So. Ethan, what are you going to do next?”
Gloria’s face, still contorted with grievance, stiffened. She opened her mouth to speak, but no retort came out.
Meanwhile, Ethan, who had been sitting in the front seat, had his head lowered, his brows slightly furrowed. He seemed to be lost in thought, unaffected by Howard’s questions.
It wasn’t until Howard patted his shoulder that Ethan snapped out of his daze. He turned his head to face the backseat
Howard frowned. “Since we left Raille Hotel, you’ve been spaced out. What are you thinking about?”
Ethan shook his head. “Nothing” Howard eyed him with suspicion.
“With
at Ethan.
e situation between us and the Stewart Family, what are you planning to do?” asked Howard, confused as he stared
“Dad, leave Chloe to me” Ethan’s voice was cold, but there was a hint of frustration in his demeanor. He glanced at Gloria, his face tightening as he spoke. “Mom, the situation with the Baker Family is worse than you think. If we don’t get Miss Koscente’s support through Chloe, the Baker Family won’t last another month. If you still want to be a respected lady, you need to tone down your temper and stop making things worse for us
His tone was sharp, almost reprimanding.
Gloria, feeling more aggrieved than ever, could hardly hide the bitterness in her expression. But when she met Ethan’s cold eyes, she fell silent, unable to argue further.
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Chapter 128
Ethan’s gaze returned to the road ahead, his thoughts drifting
In his mind, he saw the image of Sophia in a soft lavender gown, her beauty breathtaking, her face clear and serene
It was as if his memories were replaying like scenes from a movie, each frame playing in his mind.
From the beginning, she hadn’t looked at hun even once.
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In the past, no matter where he was, she would always notice him first. The moment he turned around, he would see Sophia standing right behind him, her eyes fixed on him as if he were her entire world.
But when had it started? When had her eyes stopped seeking him? Now, even when he stood right in front of her, she couldn’t be bothered to glance at him.
Recently, Sophia had been cold and distant toward him.
Just earlier, she had stood by the Raffle Hotel manager’s side, her gaze unfazed as Finn had ordered the security to throw them all out. She hadn’t even given him a second look. Her indifference was so piercing as if he had become a complete stranger to her.
Ethan’s mind swirled with a restless unease, a frustration he couldn’t quite understand. He couldn’t pinpoint why he felt this way, what he was even troubled about; he just couldn’t control it.
His thoughts were completely consumed by Sophia
Meanwhile, Sophia, under Finn’s flattering and deferential guidance, had toured every corner of the Raffle Hotel, both inside and out.
Finn was an astute manager, skilled in reading situations and knowing exactly how to cater to others‘ needs, especially in such a high–end establishment.
It was a useful talent for a manager, particularly someone in charge of the leisure areas and dealing with high–profile guests
issues.
He might not hold a top–tier position, but his knowledge of the hotel was comprehensive, and his ability to manage various situations with grace was undeniable.
Just like in the hotel garden just now, Sophia didn’t have to say anything, and Finn could quickly deduce her thoughts from her look and make the most appropriate response measures.
Sophia didn’t dislike such smart people. In fact, she appreciated them.
She handed Finn her phone. “Give me your number. Tomorrow, I’ll send you a PPT that you can take to Asher”
Finn hesitated for a second, then beamed, eagerly taking her phone and entering his number with the utmost respect.
Raffle Hotel, being a luxury establishment, had at least ten managers like
ke Finn.
Those like him, who were only responsible for specific areas like the leisure sections and resolving VIP guest disputes, were on the outskirts of the operation.
Finn only got to catch a distant glimpse of Asher during their occasional meetings. But now, Sophia was asking him to go meet Asher. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning.
This is my chance. I’m about to hit the jackpot, holding on to Ms. Roscente’s coattails. My life is about to change!‘ he
wondered.
Chapter 128
Sophia made a mental note of his number, patted him on the shoulder, and turned to head back to the primer cont
By now, the food had been served, and everyone had gathered around Tristan
Sherry, Zach, and the rest of the group were all chattering away, completely oblivious to the fact that Tristan was the head int the prestigious Yeats residence, a man who, for most, was unreachable and untouchable
Tristan sat casually in a carved wooden chair, his black suit jacket removed, revealing a white shirt with its sleeves rolled up to show off his toned arms. His long legs were stretched out, exuding a lazy, relaxed aura.
He leaned back slightly, listening to the lively conversation around him, his expression calm and composed, has wosce cool and low as he responded succinctly, his patience seemingly endles
Sophia watched him quietly, her gaze soft yet intense, her long lashes fluttering slightly. A faint smile tugged at the commen of her lips as she observed him, and her heartbeat quickened unexpectedly.
He wasn’t known for his patience, but with her, with these people who meant so much to her, he found himmelf ing to be patient. He was willing to be closer to them. It was all for her.
At that moment, Tristan somehow looked even more handsome than usual.
Sophia felt a flush on her cheeks, her heart racing as she desperately tried to suppress the emotions surging within be
She almost raised a hand to touch her face, to calm herself.
But as if sensing her gaze, Tristan turned. His sharp, deep eyes pierced through the crowd, locking onto Sophia intensity that seemed to stop time.
In an instant, his previously calm and composed expression transformed, his eyes now sparkling with warm, dazzling light full of depth and softness that drew Sophia in completely.
In the instant their gazes met, Sophia’s heart gave a violent jolt as if something had struck her chest with force. A tingling sensation surged through her limbs, like an electric current coursing through her body.
Her fingers, still suspended near her cheek, halted in mid–motion, instinctively curling in slight tension.
“Hey, Miss S, you are back,” someone called out, drawing attention to the doorway.
Following Tristan’s gaze, the group turned to see Sophia standing at the entrance.
The golden light from the setting sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the spacious private room The light flickered with the breeze, creating dancing shadows that bathed the room in an ethereal, almost sacred light.
Some of these flickering rays caught the light purple of Sophia’s gown, while her jet–black hair shimmered in the golden glow, adding an almost magical aura to her appearance.
Despite the fact that everyone was already familiar with her beauty, even those who had grown accustomed to Sophia’s allure couldn’t help but be stunned again by her elegance.
“Miss 5 looks different in a dress,” Zach remarked, his eyes glued to her, his tone exaggerated as he complimented her
“Miss S is so beautiful. Even in the entire entertainment industry. I could not find someone to rival her. And today, she’s especially stunning after dressing up carefully,” another voice chimed in, all the praise coming from a genuine admiration. free from any ill intentions.
As the flattery poured in. Tristan, who had been sitting in his dignified manner, slowly stood up.
His white shirt and black trousers framed his tall, graceful figure, exuding an otherworldly charm as if he were an angel
among meni.
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Chapter 128
Even surrounded by young, handsome men, Tristan stood out, his presence commanding attention.
Once someone’s gaze fell upon him, it was impossible to look away.
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Their eyes met again, and in that instant, it felt as though the temperature in the entire private room rose, the atmosphere thickened as if a soft, pink mist enveloped them both.
“Sofi, what are you standing there for? It’s just a few steps. Are you waiting for Tristan to come get you?” Sherry teased. playfully, throwing Sophia a sly wink
Sophia snapped out of her trance, blinking in disbelief as she processed the words. Her wide eyes were filled with shock, her face a picture of astonishment. “Y–You called him… what?”
Tristan?‘ Sophia wondered. Just a moment ago, Sherry was giving Tristan such a hard time. Now, after only a short while, they’re this close? The sudden realization took her by surprise. ”
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