Chapter 345
Chapter 345:
Bella could hardly sit still, her mind already spinning with anticipation.
This was perfect! Not only would she get to experience the grandeur of the Barton Group’s celebration, but she’d also have a prime seat for Yelena’s impending humiliation.
Earlier, Bella had been keeping a close watch on Yelena, wondering if she noticed that the dress had been tampered with. To Bella’s relief, Yelena had remained composed and unbothered, as though everything was perfectly fine.
Yelena had taken the package to her room.
Bella’s pulse quickened as she imagined the drama unfolding.
The thought of Yelena being humiliated in front of everyone filled Bella with a wicked thrill.
She envisioned the laughter, the whispers, the pointed stares—Yelena reduced to a laughingstock.
Time flew by, and the much-anticipated anniversary celebration of the Barton Group was finally here.
Unlike previous years, which had always been hosted at the corporate headquarters, this year’s event was taking place at the Eighfast branch.
The choice of location was no coincidence. Recently, the branch company in Eighfast had secured several major contracts, cementing its importance in their operations. Hosting the celebration in the region was a strategic move to strengthen key partnerships and showcase their success.
The venue was nothing short of spectacular—a luxurious hotel in town, the pinnacle of opulence in Eighfast. The guest list was as exclusive as the setting, including the city’s elite.
For those fortunate enough to receive an invitation, attending the event was both an honor and a statement of status.
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As expected, the guests arrived promptly, eager to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the occasion.
The banquet hall, adorned with dazzling lights and tasteful decorations, exuded elegance. The atmosphere buzzed with high society energy—guests mingled, laughter and polite conversation filled the air, and the soft clinking of glasses added a melodic backdrop to the festivities. When the Harris family arrived, the event was already in full swing.
The hall was crowded with influential figures, all exchanging pleasantries with familiar faces.
Then Yelena stepped through the doors. Heads turned almost instinctively, conversations faltering as she entered.
Her gown shimmered with every step she took, catching the light in a dazzling display that seemed to enchant everyone around her.
The diamond-encrusted masterpiece from Cocia was a marvel of craftsmanship. Its intricate design hugged her slender figure perfectly, exuding elegance and sophistication.
Her hair was swept up in a polished style, with a few loose strands artfully framing her face, lending her an air of youthful charm that balanced her graceful look.
The gown’s thigh-high slit revealed glimpses of her long, slender legs as she moved, adding a hint of allure and mystery that captivated the crowd.
Yet, as much as Yelena appreciated the gown’s beauty, she regretted wearing it.
She had never been one to seek the limelight and felt uneasy with the attention it brought.
But Donna, her mother, was thrilled beyond words. Seeing Yelena as the center of admiration filled her with pride.
Bella, on the other hand, was seething with jealousy. Her own appearance, which she had painstakingly curated for the evening, now felt utterly insignificant.
Her blue off-shoulder gown with its dramatic fishtail skirt was striking on its own, flowing elegantly as she moved.
Had she been standing alone, she would have turned heads. But next to Yelena, Bella’s radiance dimmed, and her presence seemed to fade into the background. Compliments poured in for Yelena, each one tightening the knot of frustration in Bella’s chest.
Her perfectly crafted smile masked the storm brewing inside her, but her mind was already racing.
This happy moment wasn’t going to last.
Soon enough, Yelena’s dazzling smile would vanish completely.
Bella’s glare bore into Yelena as her envy grew. Just then, a tall, striking figure entered the scene, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
The man’s sharp suit fit him like a glove, emphasizing his broad shoulders and athletic build. His chiseled features were highlighted by a cold, focused expression that made him all the more magnetic. His piercing eyes gleamed with intensity, scanning the room until they landed on Yelena.
“Yelena, you’ve arrived,” Austin said, his deep voice tinged with warmth. He had been waiting for her. Though he had wanted to pick her up, Yelena had insisted that she would arrive with her family, leaving him to wait in the banquet hall instead.
Even as the star of the evening, Austin’s focus was solely on her.