Chapter 157 Good News on the Horizon
As the words hung in the air, all eyes in the Benedict family turned towards the entrance of the villa, prompting Riley to instinctively follow their gaze.
Donovan strode in, clad in a sleek dark suit tailored to perfection, emphasizing his muscular frame. With his slicked-back hair and sharp features, a few strands casually falling across his forehead, he projected a cool, distant allure that commanded attention.
For a moment, the guests' attention was solely fixed on Donovan.
Following a few paces behind him, Hollis glided in wearing a stunning ebony gown. Her carefully arranged curls spilling elegantly over her shoulders, her bold red lips a striking contrast. Linked intimately with Catherine, she mirrored Donovan's stride.
The ensemble, almost coordinated like a power couple's attire with Donovan's suit, coupled with her closeness to Catherine, was almost a declaration to everyone of her future role as the mistress of the Wilder family.
Spying this, Mia discreetly observed Riley from the corner of her eye, noting her seemingly impassive expression, a hint of irritation flashing across her. Deliberately looping arms with Isabella, she exclaimed theatrically, "Donovan and Hollis are a match made in heaven!"
Unaware of Mia's motives, Isabella, aware of the Sutton family's closeness to the Wilder clan, and Hollis's consistent presence by Donovan's side, nodded in agreement. "Looks like there's good news on the horizon."
At their exchange, Riley's eyes flickered momentarily. She lowered her gaze to compose herself before meeting their gaze once more.
Beside her, Dalton, mindful of the complexities involving Riley and Donovan, stole a quick glance at her, surprised by her composed demeanor.
Uncomfortable with the attention, Donovan's frosty demeanor intensified. Without a backward glance, he headed toward the heart of the celebration, intending to greet Daniel before finding a pretext to separate from Hollis.
Isabella and Luke, well-acquainted with the Wilder family, stepped forward with welcoming smiles, "You're here, today is..."
Mid-sentence, the duo exchanged a knowing look, redirecting their gaze to Catherine. Catherine responded with a neutral smile.
Meanwhile, Hollis appeared bashful, offering polite greetings to the elders before discreetly listening to their conversation.
As they conversed, they moved closer to Daniel. Anticipating their approach, Riley panicked inwardly and began to lower her gaze, signaling her intent to bid Daniel farewell. Just as she prepared to speak, a guest interrupted, halting Riley's departure and missing her best chance to exit.
Shortly after, Donovan and his entourage halted before them. Riley cast her gaze down, attempting to minimize her presence. A formal greeting resounded, followed by Daniel's cheerful banter.
Sensing an intense stare, Riley reluctantly raised her head to meet Donovan's intense gaze. When Daniel mentioned her, she courteously acknowledged them.
Donovan couldn't tear his eyes away from Riley. From the moment Luke and Isabella greeted him, Donovan had locked onto Riley's presence.
He observed Riley standing beside Daniel, her makeup understated, her expression tranquil. Clad in a pristine white gown, she exuded a poised grace, resembling a poised swan about to take flight. While she hadn't dressed to impress, her natural allure captivated him, drawing his attention.
Riley, aware of Donovan's scrutiny, kept her gaze lowered, avoiding his piercing eyes. The more she avoided his gaze, the more Donovan desired to see her unguarded expression.
Catherine, sensing her son's distraction, followed his line of sight, her demeanor cooling upon encountering Riley's face.
