Chapter316 The Birthday Banquet
Victoria had dedicated her entire afternoon to the meticulous process of transformation. Sequestered within the confines of a design room, she surrendered herself to the artistry of hair stylists, makeup artists, and fashion designers. Her final touch was a pair of elegant heels that added a graceful height to her stature. As evening fell, she emerged from the design room, a vision of beauty and elegance.
A sleek, stretched Lincoln awaited her, parked regally outside the design room.
At 7:30 PM, Olivia escorted Victoria to the entrance of the hotel. The waning days of September typically brought darkness at this hour, but tonight, the scene was alight with the brilliance of stars and the luminosity of influential figures. Dozens of cameras were poised, ready to capture the spectacle.
Victoria sat in the car, resplendent in a dazzling, long-waisted gold dress. Her hands were clenched in anticipation, betraying her nervousness.
"Tonight's banquet is sure to become the talk of the town," Olivia murmured, her gaze drawn to the throng of media personnel outside the car.
Victoria felt a surge of anxiety, a pressing sense of urgency that made her hesitate. Yet, the car door remained invitingly open.
Suddenly, a tall figure in a suit appeared beside the open car door, his hand reaching inside.
Victoria's heart pounded as she instinctively turned to look at him. It was Alexander, who had been conspicuously absent since his departure from the office that morning.
A wave of excitement washed over Victoria, but she quickly suppressed it. His nonchalant presence stirred emotions within her, even as camera flashes began to illuminate their direction. Victoria quickly regained her composure, but Alexander's gaze remained locked on her, intense and unwavering.
"Shall I help you out?" Alexander finally broke the silence.
Victoria lowered her gaze to his outstretched hand. His presence had always instilled a sense of security within her. Now, there was no turning back. She couldn't disappoint her elders.
Alexander's gaze remained fixed on her, his anger at her impending departure evident. Yet, he knew he had to make sure she cooperated tonight.
The clamor outside was a stark reminder that she couldn't delay any longer. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she placed her hand in his warm, dry palm.
Alexander immediately clasped her hand, and together, they stepped out of the car. The camera lights flashed relentlessly, causing Victoria to instinctively turn her face away.
Alexander glanced at her before shooting a cold look at the media. Holding her hand tightly, he gently called her name, "Victoria."
Victoria reflexively met his gaze, and in that moment, they were the perfect picture of a handsome man and a beautiful woman, seemingly destined for each other.
"You look beautiful," Alexander said.
Victoria smiled at his words, lowering her eyes in response.
Alexander tightened his grip on her hand. "Let's go."
"Okay," she agreed, following him inside. His friends lined the sides of the red carpet, dutifully welcoming the guests. Victoria acknowledged them with a nod. Benjamin and Edward Sebastian were well-regarded figures in the city.
"Alexander," a voice called out. Another car had pulled up, and Isabella had emerged.
Alexander and Victoria instinctively turned around, as did Benjamin and Edward Sebastian.
Arabella and Maximus, who had just exited the hotel, spotted Isabella. Arabella approached Alexander, suggesting, "You two go in first."
"No need," Alexander replied curtly.
Arabella had hoped to prevent Isabella from intruding on their evening, but she hadn't expected her son's dismissive response. She looked at him curiously.
Alexander shifted his hold on Victoria to encircle her waist. With a cold, calm gaze, he turned to face the new arrivals.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
