Chapter 94
For over three years, since they started dating, this was his first time seeing Teresa in a gown, adorned with lavish jewelry and exquisite makeup, breathtakingly beautiful.
She was even more alluring when standing close to Hayden, and he was unable to take his eyes off her.
Yvonne's frustration boiled as Liam ignored her heading straight for Teresa. It was almost enough to make her choke in anger. Despite the bubbling rage, she had to endure.
The scene unfolded, leaving those around them silently pondering and reflecting.
Although Liam's severance from all positions at the Evans Group and disassociation from the Evans family was never publicly disclosed, there are no secrets that don't leak out eventually, especially in the tight-knit circles of the local elite where everyone knows each other.
It's not so much of whether people know or not, it's more about whether they should discuss it openly or otherwise.
Yvonne stood there, receiving scant attention from her son, prompting a bevy of wealthy socialites to swarm around her, offering comfort and attempting to lift her spirits. With Yvonne's status, many were eager to get on her good side.
Meanwhile, about thirty yards away, Gabriel was being courted and consulted by a group of seasoned corporate moguls. But once he spotted Liam who made a beeline for Teresa, "Excuse me," he muttered as he walked off.
"Gabriel, remember me? I'm..." a woman began, attempting to wedge herself into his path, hoping to share a drink and a moment of his attention, to prove her special status.
"Back off!" His voice was ice-cold. Gabriel did not show an ounce of sympathy for her, let alone chivalry. He strode past before she could finish, leaving her standing with her drink, flushed and flustered. Nearby socialites couldn't help but giggle behind their hands.
Ever since Gabriel returned from abroad three years ago, he had possessed a reputation for being icy and indifferent to the charms of women. Any woman who dared throw herself at him, was bound to be met with disappointment.
When Unity made her ill-fated move, the whole crowd heard the rebuff, and though she had married into the Garcia family, it was an open secret that Gabriel hadn't so much as laid a finger on her.
"Liam," Teresa called out with a smile as she saw him approach.
But Teresa wasn't the only one vying for Liam's attention. A crowd of women watched him, their eyes sparkling, cooing "Mr. Evans," each trying to outdo the others in sweetness.
Liam, unfazed by those around him, grabbed a glass of wine from the housekeeper's tray and made his way over to Teresa and Hayden, his handsome face breaking into the mildest of smiles as he lavished Teresa with praise. "Teresa, you look stunning tonight."
Teresa beamed, "Thank you! It's getting late, I almost thought you weren't going to make it."
Liam chuckled, clinking his glass gently against hers, "Just got in from the airport. Made it just in time, thankfully."
"The sweetness in the air is almost too much, it's like I could get a toothache just from being here," Hayden joked from the side, watching Liam gaze at Teresa with unabashed tenderness.
Teresa just stood there, lost for words.
Suddenly, Gabriel's towering figure wedged himself right between Teresa and Liam, cutting off Liam's admiring glances, "Liam, you're back," he said with a grin, teasingly questioning, "Everything went smoothly on the business?"
Lifting his eyes to meet Gabriel's, Liam quirked a smile, "It's a breeze without you stirring the pot."
Gabriel mildly lifted his glass, taking a sip and smiling back in silence.
"Gabriel, Liam, why are you still here?" Kyle sauntered over, slung his arms around their necks, one on either side, and pulled them away. "Let’s wish the lady a happy birthday and then find a spot to have a drink. Just the guys."
Hayden, standing nearby, turned to Teresa with a smile, "Let's go give Cynthia our birthday presents! Your brother should join us too."
"Sure," Teresa agreed politely, nodding, "I’ll go get my brother."
"I’ll come with you," Hayden offered quickly as they headed toward William.
Aaron stood watching Gabriel and Liam with their intense gazes which seemed out of place compared to earlier. Were they still competing for Teresa’s attention?
"Liam, the birthday lady was just asking about you. Let's go wish Cynthia a very happy birthday," Aaron suggested, reaching to pull Liam towards the parlor where the celebration was in full swing.
Teresa arrived at William's side along with Hayden, greeted everyone there with proper manners before addressing William, "Have you greeted Cynthia yet? If not, shall we go together?"
William glanced at Teresa, pointedly ignoring Hayden, even though Hayden's eyes were totally fixed on him.
After excusing himself to the group with a quick "Be right back," and then coolly motioning to Teresa with a nod saying "Let's go," William turned around and strode toward the parlor with confident steps.
In the parlor, Cynthia was seated comfortably on the couch, thoroughly enjoying the company of her two daughters and a circle of elegant ladies, all basking in laughter and cheerfulness.
As guests arrived, many were ushered to the parlor to offer their birthday wishes to the elderly lady. Currently, Aaron, along with Gabriel, Liam, and a few childhood friends, came to extend their felicitations, much to the lady's delight; she was grinning from ear to ear.
Just as Gabriel, Liam, and Kyle finished, Teresa and her two companions walked in.
"Whose fine young folks are these? Pretty as they can be, but they don’t ring a bell," Cynthia inquired with a chuckle, eyeing the three of them.
