Chapter 326 Superficial Harmony
It seemed her words had struck a nerve with Charles. He raised an eyebrow, took the tool from her, and started working on Diana's hair himself.
Charles was naturally smart and good with his hands. Doing something like styling hair wasn't a big deal for him.
He was careful not to pull Diana's hair, moving gently. When his fingertips touched her scalp, it sent a slight tingle through her.
When he finished putting her hair up, some strands fell loose due to his light touch, giving Diana's usually dignified appearance a slightly relaxed look.
Diana suddenly chuckled, "Nice technique."
Everyone present could tell she was being sarcastic, and they all felt a bit tense.
Julia quickly spoke up, "It's fine, this style looks great with a bit of curl. Mr. Percy did a wonderful job."
But her words didn't help much. Charles pursed his lips, let Diana's hair down again, and silently repeated the process.
This time, he was much more skilled, and every strand was perfectly in place.
He moved in front of Diana, who looked stunning with her smooth skin and red dress, like a blooming rose.
Satisfied, he smiled, "There, it's beautiful."
Diana lowered her eyes to avoid his gaze. She looked beautiful in the mirror, but she felt like a stranger to herself.
She didn't like this version of herself, but the compliments from those around her kept coming.
"Absolutely gorgeous, Mr. Percy has great taste."
"Ms. Spencer looks stunning."
Julia handed Charles a jewelry box, "Mr. Percy, these are the accessories you ordered."
It was clear she wanted him to help Diana put them on.
Usually, this was their job, but Julia had noticed that Charles seemed eager to do it, so she stepped aside.
Sure enough, Charles took the box and opened it, revealing a pair of simple pearl earrings and a diamond necklace.
The necklace was incredibly luxurious, with dazzling diamonds that were clearly very expensive.
Diana frowned slightly, feeling a bit resistant, "I can do it myself."
"The clasp on this necklace is a bit tricky, Ms. Spencer. It might be difficult to put on by yourself," Julia reminded her.
"I'll do it, it won't take long," Charles said in a low voice, moving behind Diana with the necklace.
The coolness of the diamond necklace against her collarbone made Diana tilt her head back slightly, trying to ignore the sensation.
She quickly took the earrings from the box and put them on herself, "I can handle these."
Her ears were sensitive, so she preferred to do it herself.
Charles didn't stop her, though he seemed a bit disappointed as he rubbed his fingers together.
Seeing Diana wearing everything he had chosen for her made his heart warm. He extended a hand in invitation.
Diana hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his, respecting the moment.
His grip tightened slightly, pulling Diana to her feet.
Standing side by side, they made a striking couple, drawing everyone's attention.
Nolan spoke up just in time, "Mr. Percy, we can head to the venue now."
Charles nodded slightly, holding her hand a bit tighter, "Let's go."
The grand ballroom was resplendent, with glittering decorations and magnificent crystal chandeliers, exuding endless luxury and elegance.
Waiters in uniform moved through the crowd, attending to every guest.
On the right side of the room, musicians played violins, their melodious tunes filling the air with a sense of opulence.
The main focus of the event, Billy, stood in the center with his fiancée, Chloe.
However, his expression was cold, showing none of the joy one would expect from an engagement.
In contrast, Vance was nearby, chatting happily with guests as if he were the one getting engaged.
Since Billy wasn't speaking, Chloe had to handle the guests, smiling sweetly and accepting their congratulations.
She occasionally had to explain on Billy's behalf, growing increasingly frustrated.
When there was a lull in the crowd, she couldn't help but pinch Billy's arm, frowning, "What's with the sour face? People might think I forced you to propose. Billy, act normal!"
Billy turned to her, his tone disdainful, "Isn't that the case? I never wanted to marry you. And this whole engagement party on a yacht, who planned it? Did anyone ask me?"
Chloe, angered by his retort, snapped back, "Do you think I want to marry you? You can't escape your father's control, and I can't escape mine. We're in the same boat, so stop acting superior. Do you think I'm not suffering too?"
She looked around, then leaned closer to Billy, lowering her voice, "I know you have someone you love, but right now, you're my fiancé."
"Don't be a coward and blame everything on me. If you're so brave, go tell my father you don't want to marry me!" she added.
Chloe had initially admired Billy for his loyalty and dedication.
But his stubbornness was infuriating, especially since she was the one making more sacrifices in this marriage, and he still acted unwilling.
Billy absorbed her anger, feeling a deep ache in his heart.
Chloe was right. If he were truly brave, he would call off the engagement instead of making her suffer in front of everyone.
After a moment of silence, he apologized, "I'm sorry, I was being impulsive. You should rest, I'll handle things here."
Chloe's expression softened at his apology.
Though Billy didn't love her, he was a good person. Her mother had always said that a man's character was what mattered most in marriage.
Billy, despite his lack of affection for her, would still be responsible due to his moral integrity.
"Alright, I forgive you. But it's our engagement day, I can't just leave. There aren't many guests now, so we'll rest together later."
She took Billy's arm, standing closer to him.
Billy, though uncomfortable, remembered her words and didn't pull away.
Together, they looked like a couple ready to embark on their marital journey.
"Congratulations to both of you. Make sure to invite me to the wedding," a guest said, though neither Billy nor Chloe recognized him. They smiled and thanked him anyway.
Suddenly, the noisy room fell silent.
Everyone turned to the entrance, staring in silence.
Billy, puzzled, looked up to see what had caused the commotion.
When he saw who had arrived, his eyes widened, his heart pounded, and his legs felt like they were made of lead, trapping him in place.
Charles, in polished black shoes, stopped in front of him, his deep, pleasant voice breaking the silence.
"Congratulations on your engagement, Mr. Richardson."
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