Chapter 911 High-End Luxury Brand Cocktail Party
Phoebe was heading to a swanky cocktail party hosted by a high-end brand that evening.
The event promised to be a grand affair, with top execs from various entertainment companies, major brand reps, and a slew of celebrities from the film industry all mingling in a festive and lively atmosphere.
Noah, one of the brand's ambassadors, was also invited.
He had just returned from his film set at the last minute, and Phoebe had already arranged for him to borrow a custom-made suit and some jewelry.
Both of them were dressed to the nines and ready to leave the company. As they stood at the entrance waiting for the minivan, Phoebe tilted her head and looked at Noah. "Noah, did you get taller again?"
Noah, with one hand in his pocket, responded coolly, "Did I?"
His hair was styled with gel, and he wore a black silk suit that shimmered under the light.
Around his neck was a diamond-encrusted snake necklace, giving him a glamorous yet sophisticated look.
Phoebe compared their heights and nodded confidently. "I used to wear four-inch heels and stand next to you, reaching your chin. Now I'm at your shoulder. How are you still growing?"
Noah looked down at her.
She was dressed simply tonight, in a black strapless mermaid dress with a white coat over it. Apart from her earrings, she wore no other accessories.
Yet, her every move exuded grace and refinement, making it impossible to look away.
"Maybe the food on set is too good," Noah said.
Even now, standing so close to her, he felt a pang of melancholy, knowing that they could never be together.
Phoebe smiled gently. "You better not grow any taller. Maybe gain some weight instead. You're so thin I can see your bones."
Noah was momentarily dazzled by her smile and responded with a slight grin, "Alright."
The minivan arrived, and the door opened.
Phoebe and Noah got in, where Alfonso was already waiting.
He quickly stood up to greet them. "Ms. Ziegler, Noah, please have a seat."
Alfonso was also dressed formally, his hair neatly styled. He offered the front seats to Phoebe and Noah and moved to the back.
Phoebe sat down, and Noah took the seat next to her.
As soon as they settled, Phoebe's phone rang. It was Theodore calling.
She cleared her throat and answered, "What's up?"
"Do you have an event tonight?" Theodore's deep voice came through the phone.
Phoebe confirmed, "Yeah, there's a brand cocktail party. I might be home late. Are you back home?"
"I'm already home," Theodore replied calmly. "Hubert, Boris, and Noomi miss Ethan. They're asking to go to Donovan's house to see him."
"Then take them over to play for a while."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Phoebe fiddled with her phone.
Noah's voice came from beside her, "Phoebe, are you living with Mr. Reynolds now?"
Phoebe gripped her phone and smiled, "Yeah."
"Do you still love him?" Noah asked with difficulty, while Alfonso, behind him, tried to pull his shirt to stop him from asking further.
Noah remained still, looking at Phoebe, seemingly determined to get an answer.
Phoebe sighed and turned to Noah. "My feelings for him have never changed, Noah. Someday you'll meet someone who makes you feel like you're diving headfirst into the fire, and you'll do it without a second thought."
"I already have," Noah said, looking out at the street through the windshield, his tone tinged with sadness. "I just came too late."
"Noah,"
Sensing the tension, Alfonso quickly jumped in, "Hey, is the cocktail party being live-streamed? I saw a bunch of big stars, like Patrick and Evan."
Phoebe turned to look, "Really? Let me see."
Alfonso handed her his phone, and she started watching the live stream.
He then tugged at Noah's sleeve, giving him a meaningful look.
Alfonso had been by Noah's side for almost three years and knew his feelings well.
He had covered for Noah during his frequent trips to Canada.
But now Noah was a star, and while rumors about him and Phoebe might be fine, being together would ruin his career.
His situation was different from Evan's.
Evan had also frequently traveled to Canada over the past three years.
His feelings for Phoebe were well-known, but even he had failed in the end.
It was clear Phoebe didn't want her personal life exposed to the public.
She had to consider not just herself but also Hubert, Boris, and Noomi.
Noah glared at Alfonso for meddling, while Alfonso desperately signaled him to stop.
Phoebe was now back with Theodore; Noah had no chance.
Wanting to pursue Phoebe, he should consider who Theodore was—a man whose mere presence could shake the financial world.
Phoebe saw many familiar faces in the live stream, including Vanessa, which made her eyes flash with annoyance. She handed the phone back to Alfonso.
What a buzzkill!
The car arrived at the hotel and stopped at the entrance.
The door opened slowly, and Noah got out first.
Reporters stationed at the entrance began snapping photos wildly.
He stood by the car and extended his hand to Phoebe.
She removed her coat, lifted her dress, and took his hand to step out of the car.
The reporters immediately recognized her. "Ms. Ziegler, you look stunning tonight. Noah, you look great, too. Smile for the camera!"
Laughter erupted around them.
Phoebe said helplessly, "You guys are too much. Everyone knows there are so many stars tonight. I'm just a small fish in a big pond."
"Ms. Ziegler, you're too modest. If you joined the entertainment industry, many actresses would be jealous of you," a reporter complimented her while taking photos.
Phoebe smiled, "Take more pictures of Noah. Make sure he looks handsome."
"Of course, Noah looks great from every angle. He's always handsome," the reporter said sweetly, saying whatever sounded good.
Phoebe didn't take it seriously. After a few photos, they headed into the hotel.
They entered the cocktail party on the second floor, verified their invitations, and walked in.
The venue was elegantly decorated, with a crystal table in the center holding drinks for guests.
They arrived at the perfect time.
The place was bustling with guests chatting in groups.
As soon as Phoebe entered, someone waved at her.
"Ms. Ziegler, over here." It was Mary, wearing a hawthorn-colored gown, with red agate earrings that were the perfect finishing touch.
Phoebe and Noah walked over and greeted her.
Mary warmly said, "It's cold outside, isn't it? They say this winter will be harsh. It's only late November, and it's already this cold. Walking the red carpet during Christmas will be tough for the actresses."
Phoebe smiled, "True, but if you're invited, it's worth it."
Mary nodded with a smile, "Indeed. The entertainment industry reshuffles every year. You can see from tonight's cocktail party that the invited stars are different from last year."