Chapter 180 During the Banquet 1
The grand banquet hall was filled with prominent businessmen, dazzling lights, and notable figures from both political and business circles, all gathered for Gia's birthday party.
Most of the attendees were either trying to curry favor with the Rivera family or the Windsor family, as it was well-known that Colin, the heir of the Rivera family, and Sterling were close friends. They hoped to use this banquet as an opportunity to get acquainted with Sterling for future benefits.
The luxurious banquet hall's high ceiling was adorned with a magnificent crystal chandelier, its light scattering like twinkling stars.
The floor was covered with an exquisite carpet, soft underfoot, exuding a sense of refinement and prestige. Gia's birthday party was naturally unparalleled.
The ladies attending tonight knew that besides celebrating the birthday, there was another important purpose: it was rumored that Colin's mother, Gia, would be selecting a suitable wife for Colin tonight.
Although it was called a birthday party, the women knew it was a large-scale matchmaking event, but Colin, the one to be matched, was unaware.
So, families brought their daughters, dressed to the nines, to the banquet.
Even girls from smaller families managed to get invitations, hoping that if Colin took a liking to them, they might become the future mistress of the Rivera family, a dream for many girls.
Despite Colin's reputation as a playboy, the girls from wealthy families still flocked to him.
Opal, who had previously been jilted, naturally came as well. She had never given up on Colin and came tonight determined to rekindle their relationship.
Inside the banquet hall, the men were dressed in suits, behaving elegantly, chatting and laughing, while all the women wore precious jewelry, shining brightly, each exuding nobility and grace.
It was a visual feast and a large-scale matchmaking event.
Of course, the host, Colin, was unaware of this, as he was outside the Vienna Mansion entangled with Anna.
"Are you getting out of the car or not?" Colin, hands on his hips, looked exasperatedly at Anna, who refused to get out of the car.
Anna was really fed up with him. She had declined the invitation a week ago, but Colin didn't care. Three hours ago, he sent someone to her house to forcibly bring her here.
After changing her dress and putting on makeup, she was sent to the entrance of the Vienna Mansion.
Anna had been here countless times before. When she was wealthy, attending high-society gatherings was common, but now these luxurious parties felt distant.
Anna, clutching the hem of her dress, confronted Colin, "Can I not go? I really have other things to do."
Colin took a deep breath. Inside, they were waiting for him to take charge, but outside, Anna refused to get out of the car, making his temples throb.
"What are you doing? Get out of the car. Are you waiting for Mr. Rivera to carry you out? Which family's girl is this, putting on such airs?" The annoying voice was unmistakably Micah's.
Micah, twirling his car keys, started teasing from a distance. When he got closer and saw Anna in the car, he was surprised.
Colin glared at him, and Anna did too. Micah awkwardly scratched his nose and smiled.
"What are you doing? Let's go."
Anna saw Colin's phone ringing incessantly, but he kept hanging up. She felt a bit embarrassed.
"You guys go ahead. I'll wait here for Bella and go in with her," Anna said reluctantly.
Micah immediately understood what was going on; it was clear that Anna didn't want to go in. He had to smooth things over, "Colin, you go ahead. I'll bring Anna in later."
Colin looked at Micah, then at Anna, who insisted on staying in the car, and had to compromise, "Fine, but don't take too long."
Before leaving, Colin shot Micah a look that seemed to say, 'If Anna goes missing, don't bother coming in.'
Micah nodded, as if to say, 'Don't worry, I won't let that happen.'
As soon as Colin left, Micah asked, "Anna, are you scared? You've attended plenty of such gatherings."
Anna looked at the distant lights and snorted, "What am I afraid of? I just don't want to go in with Mr. Rivera. It's annoying."
Micah understood Anna's point. Anyone could be Colin's date tonight, but not Anna, due to complicated reasons. Anna, with her fiery personality, surprisingly considered Colin's feelings.
Micah recalled that his previous warnings were useless. Two people attracted to each other would still be drawn together, even across the Pacific Ocean.
"Alright, then come in with me."
Anna really didn't want to go, but since she was already here, what could she do?
When Sterling and Bella arrived, they naturally became the center of attention.
Bella, already very beautiful, looked like a fairy-tale princess in her luxurious dress. The pure white dress was light and airy like a cloud. The neckline was elegant, perfectly revealing her delicate collarbones and long neck, adding a touch of sensuality and allure.
Bella's appearance instantly drew the attention of the men present. Sterling's face darkened slightly, and he draped his suit jacket over Bella's shoulders, "Cover up, it's cold at night."
Bella, puzzled by the warm banquet hall, asked, "Where is it cold?"
As soon as Bella entered the banquet hall, she felt her heart pounding, as if something was going to happen tonight.
Bella didn't want to interact with those women. She found it hypocritical and a waste of time.
As soon as Sterling entered the banquet hall, he was called away by Colin and Micah, and she just wanted to find a corner to stay quietly for the evening.
Fortunately, Anna soon found her. Bella was pleasantly surprised, seeing Anna in her starry dress and exquisite makeup, it seemed the proud Anna had returned.
"What? Stunned? Don't recognize me?" Anna waved her hand in front of the dazed Bella.
Bella grabbed her hand excitedly, "Anna, this is the real you!"
Anna smiled, hiding her disappointment, and twirled her dress, "Of course, I'm always the most beautiful wherever I go."
"The Powell Group went bankrupt, and you're still showing off. Shameless. Do you really think seducing Colin will make you arrogant, you bitch?"
Bella and Anna turned around to see Opal, with Debra standing behind her.
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