Chapter 367 Celebration Banquet
Winona grabbed the watch. It was in pretty good shape, just a bit rusty on the strap from age, but no major scratches.
Her anger towards Carlos flared up. Even a random person could keep her mom's keepsake in such good condition. That loser Carlos deserved to rot alone.
The watch had stopped ticking, probably 'cause the battery was dead.
Noticing her staring at it, Matthew chimed in, "Battery's dead. I'll take it to the shop later and get it fixed."
"No need. This was my mom's. I wanna keep it as is," Winona said, tucking the watch away. "Thanks, Mrs. Watson."
Nova shot a look at Matthew, whose usually chill face was now all gloomy.
"No need to be so formal. When your dad messed up, the Watson family was broke too and couldn't help. I've felt guilty all these years," She started coughing before she could finish.
A servant brought over some fresh desserts. "Miss Sullivan, Mrs. Watson knew you were coming and had these made just for you. See if they taste like you remember."
"Thanks."
Nova soon got tired. After helping her back to her room, Winona was about to leave. Matthew was on the phone but turned around when he saw her. "Sophie wants to talk to you."
Winona was surprised. "Sophie wants to talk to me? Why didn't she just call me?"
Sophie had her number. Last time Matthew was in the hospital, Sophie was the one who called her.
"She asked about tonight's party details. I mentioned you were here, and she insisted on talking to you."
Even though it was true, Winona felt it could be easily misunderstood.
But seeing Matthew's straightforward look, she thought maybe she was overthinking it, thanks to Zachary.
Matthew had chased her before, but since she left the Watson Group, they hadn't talked much, and he hadn't brought up liking her again.
Even when he got hurt last time, it was Sophie who called her, and then nothing. She didn't even know when he got better and left the hospital.
Winona didn't want to take the call and was about to refuse when Sophie's excited voice came through, loud and clear even without speakerphone.
"Winona, Matthew said you won't be coming tonight. Why not? Tonight's party is for Traverse City. Everyone on our team should be there. It won't be the same without you."
"We've missed you so much while you were away," Sophie went on. "When you were here, Mr. Watson was always so nice. Even if the work wasn't perfect, he wouldn't blame us. Winona, you have to come tonight. We're waiting for you. Last time, some big shots asked me who designed Traverse City's exterior. If you come, I'll give you their contact info. They're all big names in the business world. Anyway, I gotta go pick out a dress. Mr. Watson booked a stylist for the whole team. We're gonna look amazing. Winona, hurry up. If you bail, I'll cry."
Winona couldn't even get a word in; Sophie had her whole evening planned out.
She glanced at Matthew, who was grinning, and forced a smile. "Is she always this hyped?"
She thought of Dylan, another secretary, and wondered why there was such a big difference.
"After work, yeah. But during work, she's a bit more chill."
Given the situation, Winona felt it would be rude not to go. So she decided to make a quick appearance and then bounce.
Matthew noticed her hesitation and jumped on it. "Let's head to Shelley. The company booked the place, and we can meet them there."
The party was at a swanky five-star hotel.
When Winona got there, she realized it was more of a business shindig. Lots of big shots from Dreamopolis were there. It was mainly to show off the Traverse City project, so it was a celebration, but not really.
Winona and Matthew showed up together. By the time they got to Shelley, everyone else was already there, making them the last to arrive.
As the heir to the Watson Group, Matthew grabbed everyone's attention the second he walked in.
Winona didn't expect such a fancy event and instinctively took a step back to distance herself from him.
She had been looking for her project team buddies outside but hadn't seen anyone familiar, either because they were late or she missed them.
But Matthew, without missing a beat, turned to her and slightly bent his elbow. "In this situation, shouldn't you politely link arms?"
Winona forced a laugh. "No need. Let's go."
Ignoring his arm, she strode inside.
Scanning the room, she quickly spotted her project team, who seemed out of place at such a business event and were chatting in the lounge area.
Sophie was the first to see her and ran over. "Winona, why are you so late?"
"Traffic jam."
Traffic in Dreamopolis was a given, so Sophie didn't press further. "Let me introduce you to the big shots."
"No need. I don’t plan to stick around in the construction industry, so I don't want to waste their time. You go chat with them. I'll grab something to eat."
She never liked attending parties. When she was still Mrs. Bailey, her identity wasn't public. Lydia felt she had treated Winona unfairly and would occasionally take her to parties to meet people and make friends, hoping she could have company for shopping.
People who saw her with Lydia wanted to please her. But once they knew she was the Sullivan family's daughter and had no strong ties with the Bailey family, their attitudes changed.
They either treated her coldly or showed off.
Winona grabbed some food and found a quiet spot to rest. Zachary sent a WhatsApp message: [It's 7 PM. Dinner is ready.When are you coming back?]
She replied: [At a party, will be back late. You eat first.]
Zachary quickly responded: [Weren't you visiting Nova?]
Winona: [Yeah, the Watson Group is hosting]
She was about to say it was the Traverse City celebration party when a voice from above asked, "May I sit here?"
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