Chapter 81 The Ex-Wife's Disguise is Unveiled
"Is the info you found legit?" Edward asked, looking serious.
"No need to dig further. I talked to Ada Wang's agent yesterday. She said Mr. Landon from KS WORLD already contacted them before us and made it clear they're competing with us."
As Bart spoke, his voice got quieter, and Edward's face got darker.
"What else did she say?" Edward asked.
"The agent mentioned that while our Wellington family hotel has a great local rep, KS WORLD is gaining attention fast. She suggested a challenge: whoever presents the better proposal with more favorable terms gets Ada Wang's collaboration."
Edward slammed the table, anger boiling over.
'Lily's already a headache, and now Evelyn's here to compete for the project,' he thought.
"Tomorrow morning, gather all Victor Walsh hotel staff for a meeting. We need a top-notch wedding planning proposal ASAP to secure Ada Wang's collaboration!"
Edward's eyes were solemn. "If this project goes to Evelyn, everyone involved can start packing."
Bart was stunned but quickly nodded like a bobblehead.
'Looks like the boss is still mad about climbing ten floors in anger back then!'
In the afternoon, the Maybach stopped in front of a six-story European-style mansion in northern district of Mugden.
"Didn't you say we were meeting the designer?" Edward asked, puzzled, looking at the vintage gate with roses.
"The designer's inside. This mansion is the studio of the famous designer Miss Betty Anderson."
Nicole's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Sure, her brand Rozabela has stores worldwide, but only her custom gowns are good enough for our wedding!"
Nicole had curled her hair, dyed it ash blonde, and wore a formal, slightly sexy red backless dress with bright red lips.
Seeing those red lips, Edward couldn't help but think of Lily.
It was like red lips were Lily's signature look.
"No matter how fancy, it's just clothes."
Edward's interest faded. "I don't need it. You can get one for yourself."
"No! A wife should design clothes for her husband. From now on, Edward, you can only wear what I choose and can't accept gifts from other women!" Nicole leaned on Edward's shoulder, acting cute.
Edward frowned, his heart tightening.
He thought of the suit Lily made for him, which he tried to repair and kept even though it was worn out. 'But how did Lily treat the gifts I gave her?
'She let others trash them, watching coldly as they ruined my feelings!'
Edward pressed his lips together in frustration, saying hoarsely, "Alright, never again."
Edward and Nicole got out of the car but were stopped by the guards at the door.
"Sorry, Ms. Anderson is hosting a private party today. No entry without an invite."
"Of course, we have one." Nicole took out two rose-adorned invitations, looking smug.
"Welcome."
Inside, guests mingled with wine glasses, chatting and laughing, surrounded by elegance and glamour.
Edward hadn't expected Nicole to bring him to such an event without telling him. No wonder she dressed up so much today.
This act of doing things first and informing later made him uncomfortable. Except for necessary social events, he never attended private parties. Nicole's actions made him feel used.
Sure enough, Edward's appearance immediately drew attention.
"Isn't that Edward?!"
"It really is! He's even more handsome in person than on TV! Can you believe how unphotogenic he must be?"
"Who's the woman next to him? She's so lucky to be Edward's date!"
"You must've been out of the loop. That's Nicole, Edward's fiancée. He divorced his ex-wife and married her right away. Can you believe how capable she must be?"
"Oh! Are you serious?!"
Nicole heard the envious whispers and felt proud instead of embarrassed.
To her, all these women were just jealous she had such an amazing man.
She had begged Tiffany for days to get these two invitations. Initially, she felt a bit annoyed, but now she was feeling triumphant.
"Why didn't you tell me beforehand? You know I hate these events." Edward's jaw tightened, and his eyes were cold.
"Edward, I'm not important enough to ask Betty to make a dress for me, so I brought you along. If you ask, she'll definitely agree," Nicole quickly explained in a soft, timid voice as she saw Edward's displeasure. "I'm sorry, did I trouble you?"
"In the future, just tell me directly. I'll send someone to handle it. You don't need to do it yourself." Edward's tone softened a bit.
"Got it, Edward."
At that moment, familiar footsteps sounded behind them—crisp, efficient, elegant, and steady.
Edward's eyes widened in shock as he turned around. Under the afternoon sun, surrounded by the sweet fragrance of roses, Evelyn made a graceful entrance in a form-fitting blue dress with a matching broad-shouldered blazer.
Her hair was styled in a regal high bun, revealing a slender, swan-like neck. Even without vivid red lips, her commanding aura captivated everyone.
Some women didn't need lavish makeup to exude strength or a crown to claim authority.
Nicole's face turned livid with envy.
She thought wearing red would make her the center of attention, but Evelyn had completely stolen her thunder.
Edward's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. He wanted to look away but couldn't.
In a blink, Evelyn brushed past him, treating him as if he were invisible.
Edward squinted, his anger rising.
"Oh, isn't this Ms. Brown? I didn't expect you to get an invitation here. It must have been quite difficult, right?" Nicole said with a smile.
"Yes, it was indeed difficult."
Evelyn smirked. "To attend Betty's party, every guest must have a significant connection with Betty or her brand. The attendees here are either rising stars in design, big names in fashion, or VVIP super clients. Ms. Adams, which category do you fall into?"
"I—" Nicole's face turned red, feeling as if she had been slapped.
The surrounding guests glanced at her, and even Edward felt the weight of their stares.
"You're not, and neither is Edward. The fact that you two are here is indeed quite remarkable." Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"You!"
Nicole was furious, stepping forward. "Everyone knows Edward's status. Would Betty really refuse the president of the Wellington Group if he wanted to attend?!"
"Yes, that's reasonable," Evelyn nodded.
"So much nonsense. What about you? Are you a VIP? A fashion icon?!" Nicole asked.
"Neither," Evelyn replied.
"So what if you're all dressed up? You're just a humble nurse who stumbled into fortune. What right do you have to be here?!"
Nicole could only attack her humble origins.
After all, she was genuinely afraid that Evelyn might suddenly pull out a marriage certificate, which would publicly confirm her as the other woman!
"Nicole, stop talking!" Edward frowned, his tone now icy.
All eyes turned back to Evelyn, who remained composed.
"This elegant lady, was she really just a nurse? She didn't look the least bit unsophisticated. Her fashion sense was impeccable!
"But if that were true, how did she get an invitation?"
"Edward, I wanted to be polite, yet it is evident that Ms. Brown harbors hostility towards us. Plus, am I not simply stating truths?" Nicole pouted, feigning innocence, feeling smug for having the upper hand.
"Betty's here!"
Someone shouted, breaking the awkward atmosphere.
On the spiral staircase, a tall, slender figure in a Rozabela early autumn haute couture pink suit, with a sharp hairstyle and a cold, proud expression, descended gracefully.
Betty's initially haughty demeanor changed instantly upon seeing Evelyn.
She hurried over, her face lighting up with a warm smile, her voice almost syrupy with affection.
"Miss Evelyn! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?!"
