Chapter 89 The Center of Attention
Croissant wanted to stay with his mother, so that night, Teresa still took him back to the Bennetts.
The next morning, Gabriel came over, and together with Teresa, they took Croissant to the hospital to visit Patrick and Sophia. Katherine also went to the hospital and later took Croissant back to the Garcia home.
Teresa was busy at school, giving lectures in the morning and afternoon. Right after her last lecture, she hurried back to the Bennett home to prepare for Cynthia's birthday party.
But as soon as she arrived, another gift from Gabriel was delivered — not by Finley Sackler this time.
It was a designer gown, simple yet elegant, and studded with numerous small diamonds that exuded a subtle extravagance.
The Bennett family always kept a low profile to avoid unnecessary troubles.
The gown Gabriel had sent was indeed beautiful and fit Teresa as if it were made exclusively for her. However, wearing it to Cynthia's birthday party would inevitably draw a lot of attention.
So, Teresa decided against wearing the new gown, opting instead for the dress she had picked out the day before. But she did accessorize with the diamond necklace she had chosen from Katherine's collection.
Considering Katherine would probably be there, Teresa thought it would not sit well with her if she didn't wear the necklace she had picked out.
Once her hair was styled and her makeup was done, she slipped into the dress, just as William arrived home.
When they were ready, the siblings set out to the Harriman’s estate with the birthday present in hand for Cynthia.
Knowing Cynthia's devotion to art, William had sourced an exquisite artwork from overseas, a gesture sure to be appreciated.
Tonight, the Harriman residence was quite an atmosphere, the estate buzzed with excitement. As darkness enveloped the sky, the grandeur of the Harrimans' lit up.
By the time Teresa and William arrived, the party was in full swing, with many guests already mingling. News of the Bennett siblings' arrival rippled through the crowd, prompting curious glances and forming clusters of familiar faces eager to greet them.
The Bennetts, the rising stars of River North, had been the talk of the town with their rapid ascent in recent years. Naturally, everyone was eager to curry favor with such an influential family, seeking mutual benefit in the bonds of acquaintance.
"William, Teresa, what a rare pleasure to have you here, welcome!" As the eldest grandson of the Harriman family, it was naturally Aaron's responsibility to play host on such an important day. So, upon seeing William and Teresa's arrival, he immediately came over to greet them with his entourage.
"Aaron, what a party!" William greeted jovially. "We brought something for Cynthia. Hope she likes it." With a nod to their driver, the gift was promptly handed over to a member of the Harriman household.
Aaron burst into laughter upon seeing the present, "William, your generosity knows no bounds. Thank you for coming."
"With our father turning the corner, we owe you and Professor Harriman a debt of gratitude. If there is anything you need in the future, just say the word," William replied with a smile.
"Don’t mention it. We're friends. Please, come in!" Aaron motioned for the siblings to enter.
With a nod, William and Teresa proceeded inside.
Aaron lingered a step behind, casting an appreciative gaze toward Teresa. Truth be told, even after three years and giving birth, Teresa hadn't lost any of her charm — in fact, she seemed even more radiant, a testament to why both Gabriel and Liam had fallen for her. Aaron mused that had he gotten acquainted well with Teresa, he might have met the same fate.
"William, Teresa," they barely set foot inside when a throng of eager attendees surrounded them.
In River North's elite social circles, there wasn't a soul who didn't know or recognize William, nor were they unaware of his sister, Teresa, who had been studying abroad for the past few years, scarcely making an appearance in the domestic social scene. Cynthia's birthday soirée, however, marked Teresa's formal debut into the high society's innermost gatherings, and as such, many didn't recognize her.
That was no issue, though; with William at her side, introductions were quickly made and acquaintances formed.
Teresa, facing a host of unfamiliar faces, exuded poise and confidence, handling every exchange with ease.
Given Teresa's previous low key, gossip or envy spawned by her and William's arrival was kept under wraps, though it simmered in some guests' hearts.
"Teresa."
Amidst a group of elegant ladies engaged in light-hearted banter, a bright and tender voice cut through the chatter.
A furrow so slight it was almost invisible marred Teresa's serene brow as she looked up to its source.
Shouldering through the crowd toward her was none other than Unity. Absent for three years, Unity had certainly blossomed into a striking figure, though her presence brought about an indefinable discomfort.
The Lewis family was notorious amongst the affluent, so much so that the Harriman family hadn't even extended them an invitation to Cynthia's birthday party. But Unity, not particularly wise but still cunning, had managed to come along with other guests.
They couldn't exactly kick her out, could they? The Harrimans had to tolerate her presence.
But the reality hit Unity hard. Aside from a few men lured by her beauty, not a single lady paid her any mind.
So, there she was — left alone, nursing a drink in mortified solitude — when Teresa, miraculously, appeared before her. It must be divine intervention!
The Lewis family couldn't hold a candle to the Bennetts anymore, but Teresa wasn't one to play power games. Clinging to their past friendship, Unity saw an opportunity to turn the tide in her favor tonight through Teresa.
"Oops, looks like Unity and Teresa are wearing almost the same dress. That can't be a coincidence, can it?" someone quipped with a chuckle upon spotting Unity.
"Yeah, totally intentional," Unity said with not a hint of embarrassment, a triumphant grin plastered across her face as she confidently strode over and latched onto Teresa's arm, leaning in as close as she could, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You guys don't know, but Teresa and I are classmates, besties, actually. Wearing the same dress tonight was planned," she boasted.
The truth was, Unity couldn’t afford a new gown, so she'd reluctantly opted for one she wore last year, never imagining her luck would turn around like this.
Teresa chuckled at Unity's declaration, subtly withdrawing her arm from Unity's grip, her voice tinged with a polite but cool restraint. "Unity, we may have been schoolmates, but if I remember correctly, we haven't been in touch for three years, right?"
The room burst into laughter at Teresa's words, while Unity's expression was quite a show, shifting from pale to flushed in an instant.
