Chapter 161
As Teresa and Gabriel stepped out of the car and into the crowd's view, they instantly became the center of attention, with flashes from countless cameras going off non-stop.
The charity gala had strict rules for the press, allowing only photographs to be taken. No interviews were permitted. So, everyone obediently stood behind the ropes, relentlessly snapping photos, but no one dared to approach them.
Teresa and Gabriel had just finished their walk down the red carpet when Hayden arrived, as they had previously planned.
Hayden was radiant in a stunning Zuhair Murad gown that evoked the night sky, yet even her sparkle paled in comparison to Teresa, who looked like a celestial being, especially with Gabriel, a titan of the business world, by her side.
"Hey, Hayden!" With a joyous attitude, Teresa called out as Hayden finished her walk down the red carpet.
Approaching, Hayden gave Teresa a thorough once-over, "Gorgeous," she approved, "I knew it; Elie Saab's couture looks even better on you than on the runway models! Gabriel, landing Teresa as your sweetheart is a major score."
Gabriel, with his arm around Teresa, cracked a smile, "Indeed."
Teresa gave Gabriel a playful glance before turning to admire Hayden, generously complimenting her too, "You look amazing today. That starry gown on you is stunning!"
"Ha, are we just trading compliments here?" Hayden laughed.
Just then, the prompt voice of the emcee came through the crystal-clear speakers announcing, "William, the CEO of Bennett Group, has arrived."
Neither Teresa nor Hayden expected such a coincidence of timing. They immediately looked towards the end of the red carpet.
A sleek black Bentley slowly came to a stop. With Hayden eagerly waiting, William emerged from the back seat. Instead of proceeding down the red carpet, he reached back into the car, as if awaiting another distinguished guest to join him.
Teresa glanced over at Hayden, who was gazing at William with eager eyes, and her heart skipped a beat with a sense of foreboding.
Could it be that her brother had brought Michelle along with him?!
Sure enough, within seconds, Michelle stepped out of the car, hand in hand with William, and together they walked down the red carpet, their fingers entwined, the picture of a couple deeply in love.
Hayden stood there, watching them draw closer, clearly visible yet seemingly invisible to them. William's gaze, tender and soft, was fixed solely on Michelle, which left Hayden with a lump in her throat and a slow burn of indignation reddening her eyes.
"Hayden, let's go inside," Teresa said, noticing Hayden's reaction and reaching out to pull her along.
Hayden snapped back to reality, quickly composed herself, and managed a forced smile. "Okay, let's go."
Teresa grinned, linking her arm with Gabriel's, and with her other hand she took Hayden's, leading them both toward the banquet hall.
The charity auction dinner was a lavish event attended by the prominent figures of River North and many other distinguished guests. When Teresa and her group entered, the room was already buzzing with people, and their arrival turned heads.
Most of the guests of the evening were renowned figures in the business community, faces Hayden knew all too well, but many of whom Teresa did not. Gabriel stayed close to her, introducing her around while Hayden, not in the best of spirits, grabbed a glass of wine and found solace in a quiet corner. Her expression screamed "Leave me alone," deterring anyone who thought to approach.
Seated in the most secluded corner, Hayden sipped her drink while keeping a watchful eye on William and Michelle.
Michelle, ever the epitome of understatement, was dressed in a simple black strapless cocktail dress that, alongside William, accentuated her demure charm and the pair's apparent devotion.
William, on the other hand, needed no commentary; his fondness and attentiveness toward his new girlfriend Michelle were plain to see, mirrored in the love-stricken gaze he fixed upon her.
Hah...Watching them, Hayden couldn't help but scoff.
What a joke this all was. Back when she was with William, he would cook and do laundry for her; whenever she suffered from menstrual cramps, his hands were her heating pad, staying placed on her lower abdomen all night, never letting go.
Memories of their shared past suddenly washed over Hayden, and before she knew it, her eyes brimmed with tears. Quickly, she dropped her gaze, fighting to push back the wetness that threatened to spill.
But as she looked up again, her eyes darting through the crowd, she saw no trace of William, only Michelle, laughing and chatting amidst the throng.
Where is he?
With urgency creeping into her movements, Hayden scanned the room for William.
It didn't take long before she spotted his unmistakable figure near a side door. He was about to leave the banquet hall. Without a second thought, she hurried after him.
From a distance, Michelle noticed Hayden chasing after William. She felt a surge of anxiety but found herself tied up in conversation, unable to excuse herself and only able to watch helplessly as Hayden rushed out.
Once outside the banquet hall, Hayden quickly located William again and, lifting her dress hem, she took long strides to catch up to him.
