Chapter 56 Harmony Haven Estate
The company's stuff was pretty much wrapped up, so Diana didn't stick around and headed home early. She wasn't planning on going back to the office for a few days. She knew they'd only make their move when she wasn't around. All she had to do now was wait for them to act.
Evelyn was thrilled to have her at home. Diana had been swamped with work lately and had lost some weight, so she needed some good care.
Watching Cecil crawl around, Diana couldn't help but ask, "Why's he still here? Where's his mom?" Was Isolde really serious about taking over the company, or was she just bluffing and had actually bailed?
Evelyn paused what she was doing and said, "Ms. Porter had a video call with Cecil yesterday. She said she's been super busy and doesn't trust anyone else with him."
Evelyn's tone turned a bit smug, adding, "Then she saw how well I was taking care of Cecil and gave me a big chunk of money to keep looking after him."
Diana was curious. She hadn't talked much with Isolde lately and didn't expect her to secretly bribe her people. "How much?" Diana asked.
Evelyn mumbled softly, "The same amount you gave." She blushed and went back to her work.
With Cecil around, Diana considered beefing up security at the Spencer Villa to keep any intruders out. Just as Diana was thinking this, a few men in black stormed in. "Ms. Spencer, come with us."
Evelyn turned pale and scooped Cecil up from the floor. She wanted to protect Diana, but with Robert not around, it was just two women and a kid against these guys.
Evelyn's voice shook, but she stood her ground. "Who are you? Get out! You're trespassing and kidnapping!"
Diana felt a sense of déjà vu and suddenly realized it was Charles. Seeing the men in black about to move on Evelyn, Diana quickly said, "Don't touch her! I'll go with you." The men in black stopped when they saw Diana cooperating.
She stood up, shook her phone, and reassured the panicked Evelyn, "It's okay, they're Mr. Percy's people. They won't hurt me. Just take care of Cecil and contact me later." With that, Diana followed the men in black.
This time, she didn't see Nolan. The men in black took her straight to Amelia for styling. Amelia, as always, greeted her with a polite smile, "Ms. Spencer, long time no see." She extended a hand, gesturing for Diana to follow.
Diana didn't resist and followed her into the makeup room. She asked, "Where are we going this time?" Amelia didn't hide it. This charity gala was well-known in high society, so she told Diana directly.
Diana stayed quiet. Last time it was a cocktail party. This time it was a charity gala. It seemed they wanted to sell her again.
Amelia said, "Since it's a gala, the makeup will be lighter. You'll look very beautiful." Amelia meticulously shaped her eyebrows, like she was working on a piece of art.
Diana, however, was thinking about how to escape from the event. So she sent a message to Isolde.
Diana: [If I don't check in with you tonight, come to Harmony Haven Estate to rescue me.]
Isolde didn't reply, probably busy at the moment. Right now, Isolde was the most powerful person Diana could rely on, but Diana didn't put all her hopes on her. She also messaged Robert..
Diana: [If I don't check in with you tonight, call the police and say there's a murder at Harmony Haven Estate.]
Robert had already heard from Evelyn that Diana was taken by Charles. Seeing the message, he could only offer her a gentle reminder.
Robert: [Okay, take care of yourself.]
Diana turned off her phone and closed her eyes.
If Isolde didn't come through, the police would show up, and as long as there was a commotion, Diana would have a shot at escaping. 'Charles, trying to pull the same trick twice? Ridiculous!'
In less than half an hour, Diana's makeup was done. It was more elegant and sophisticated than last time. Amelia even placed a tiny diamond at the corner of Diana's right eye. Under the light, it sparkled like a tear, adding a touch of fragility to her look.
"Ms. Spencer, let's get you changed." With the makeup done, Amelia guided her to the dressing room. This time, the dress was completely different from the last one. It was a white off-the-shoulder gown with a fluffy skirt that looked like a cloud.
Diana needed Amelia's help to put it on, making her feel restricted in her movements. 'Damn Charles, he really knows how to pick a dress. It looks like a luxurious princess gown but feels like a shackle,' Diana cursed inwardly.
After putting on the dress, the men in black knocked on the door, urging them. Since Diana's dress was so elaborate, her hairstyle was kept simple. After curling her hair into waves, Amelia pinned a white rose-shaped hair clip by her ear.
Satisfied with the result, Amelia nodded. "You look beautiful." But Diana didn't have time to admire herself as she was quickly taken away by the men in black. Amelia reminded them from behind, "Be careful and don't mess up Ms. Spencer's look."
The men in black paused, not daring to touch Diana. They watched her get into the car and headed to the gala.
At the Harmony Haven Estate, the gala had already started. It was hosted by the Richardson Family of Evergreen City. If there was anyone the Percy Group had to be wary of in Evergreen City, it was the Richardson Group's leader. They weren't particularly wealthy, but the past three generations had all been in politics.
Currently, the head of the Richardson Family was a commander in the military district, with absolute power and connections. The fourth generation of the Richardson Family was few in number and lacked political talent. So they turned to business, and with their relationships, the Richardson Family's business flourished, becoming a formidable force in the industry.
This charity gala was not just about donations but also about helping the next generation of the Richardson Family establish their reputation.
Charles was shaking a glass of champagne, impatiently asking Nolan beside him, "Where is she?"
Nolan had just checked his messages and knew Diana had arrived. "She'll be here soon."
The next second, a gasp came from the edge of the crowd. Charles looked in the direction of the sound and saw Diana in a white dress. Her long hair cascaded down to her waist, making her face look smaller and more delicate. She looked like a doll in a display case. But Diana's expression wasn't good, and she was looking around for Charles.
'Did Charles know how uncomfortable this dress is? Where is he?' Diana wondered.
Charles stood up and walked towards Diana with his long legs. But a man got to her first. He looked to be in his early thirties, with slicked-back hair.
He extended his hand to Diana, very gentlemanly. "Hello, beautiful lady. Do you have a dance partner?"
Diana felt awkward by his pretentious words. She just wanted him to leave her alone, but her mouth was quicker than her mind. She refused, "No."