Wendy felt a slight flutter in her chest, but she kopt her gentle smile.though there was a hint of distance in it.

"Alexander, please stop teasing me.lf I were the jumpy type.I might've bolted. Then you'd be stuck here all alone at your own party."

Lately, Alexander's words had been unsettling Wendy more often than not.

But she know there was a huge gap between them.

Still, every time she looked into his deep, mesmerizing eyes, she found herself drawn in, unable to resist falling deeper.

The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the hotel, the grand building looking like something out of a fairytale under the night sky.

Wendy gently took Alexander's arm, her elegant figure stepping into the grand ballroom.

The click of her high heels on the polished marble floor echoed, marking the start of this lavish evening.

Everywhere she looked, there was luxury.

Rows of expensive wine bottles were displayed like art pieces, and the dessert table was loaded with an array of mouth-watering treats.

On the far side, a pyramid of delicate crystal glasses sparkled under the lights, showcasing the famnily's wealth and heritage.

The women were dressed in stunning designer gowns, their jewelry glittering under the lights as they gathered in small groups, chatting and

laughing.

The men, in their impeccably tailored suits, discussed business in low voices.

Anyone who could step into the Turner family's party was undoubtedly wealthy or influential.

This event was the pinnacle of Aurora City's high society, a battleground of beauty,power,and wealth.

As soon as Wendy and Alexander appeared, Chris was wheeled over by an attendant, his face beaming with joy. "Alexander, Wendy, you finally made it!"

His call was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly quieting the entire hall.

All eyes turned towards them, filled with surprise, curiosity, and scrutiny.

In everyone's mind, Alexander was always aloof and proud. They had never seen him so close to any woman, naturally drawing everyone's attention.

In a corner, Sarah gripped her wine glass so tightly it nearly shattered.

She whispered angrily to Juniper, "How did that shameless woman get into the party? And as Alexander's date, no less!"

Juniper, equally furious, sneered, "How did she manage to charm Alexander? It's bad enough he always protects her, but bringing her to such an important event is too much!"

Lydia and Ethan had a clear view of the entrance.

Seeing Wendy so intimately linked with Alexander, Lydia found the sight unbearable.

Ethan, on the other hand, stared at Wendy, unable to look away. He had never seen her like this before. She seemed different.

More dazzling and captivating than ever, exuding an irresitible allure.

He began to doubt if this woman was the Wendy he once knew.

Lydia noticed Ethan's distraction, feeling a surge of irritation.

She bit her lip, gently tapping his arm, her tone slightly reproachful."Ethan,what are you staring at?"

"Nothing," Ethan snapped back to reality, quickly looking away and setting his champagne aside, trying to hide his unease.

Among the guests present, there were those with keen eyes. The social circle in Aurora City wasn't that large, and most of the prominent figures knew each other.

It didn't take long for someone to recognize Wendy.

"Isn't that Ethan's ex-wife? How did she become Mr. Turner's date so fast?"

"Wendy must be something else. She just divorced Ethan and now she's with Mr. Turner."

"Look at her, she's stunhing. No wonder she caught Mr. Turner's eye."

"Of course, the Turner family and the Collins family are worlds apart.She's definitely moved up the social ladder!"

"What social ladder? Are they saying our Collins family is inferior?" Sarah'

s face turned pale with anger upon hearing the gosslp.

Juniper stomped her foot in rage, her face contorting wvith fury. "That woman is just lucky! Alexander must be under her spell. Let's see how long the Turner family will tolerate a divorced, seandalous woman!"

Lydia, standing behind Sarah, could feel the piercing starest

She heard the harsh comments too.

The Collins family was notable in Aurora City, but compared to the Turner family, they were still a step down.

Looking at Alexander's flawless appearance and background,and then at Wendy, radiant and elegant beside him, Lydia felt her jealousy grow uncontrollably.

She clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with a dangerous light.

She had often fantasized about being the one standing next to Alexander,basking in the dttention and envy of everyone.

"Lydia, look at that woman, so full of herself!" Sarah's face was flushed with anger, her eyes filled with hatred as she glared at Wendy.

Lydia quickly masked her complex emotions with a gentle smile, speaking softly, "She's Mr. Turner's date now, it's only natural for her to be riding high. Which of the wealthy heiresses in this ballroom doesn't dream of standing by Mr. Turner's side?"

In truth, aside from her own jealousy, many women in the room were maintaining their elegant facades while secretly cursing Wendy.

Sarah's anger flared even more. Why was Wendy the one holding

Alexander's arm so intimately? Why not her?

Lydia discreetly scanned the room, notleing Carl hadn't arrived yet.She glanced towards the second floor.

A glint flashed in her eyes. She couldn't believe that, given the Turner family's status and power, Carl would tolerate a divorced woman making such a high-profile appearance at a Turner family event.

With that thought, Lydia quietly slipped away from the Collins family group.

In a luxurious suite on the second floor, an elderly man in a suit was leisurely sipping coffee, the aroma wafting through the air.

Reed hurried in, bowing respectfully. "Mr. Carl Turner, Mr. Alexander Turner has arrived, and he brought a date."