It was clear to so that Glades Horne's deep affection for Julia Bluen hadn't gone unnoticed.
Glades Horne laughed affectionately as he formally introduced Julia Bluen to the Windsor Family as his wife. Everyone present heard him. There was surprise, certainly, but no whispers.
No kidding, even a ghost could see how utterly Glades Horne doted on Julia Bluen. Who would dare whisper in his presence?
Julia Bluen smiled gracefully and said little.
The Windsor family welcod the couple inside. The heating was on, making the temperature comfortably pleasant. Even outside, the large crowd seed to ward off the early winter chill.
So other guests also followed them inside.
People filled every corner of the house. n discussed companies, stock markets, and real estate, while won chatted about clothes, jewelry, and n.
From ti to ti, soone ca over to greet the couple.
Several high-status CEOs, in particular, monopolized Glades Horne, discussing potential collaborations.
Julia Bluen found no opening to join their conversation, nor did she wish to. Glades Horne, afraid of neglecting her, kept turning to speak with her. Eventually, Julia considerately suggested she take a walk and greet so familiar faces.
"Julia."
A familiar voice called out. Julia Bluen, who was talking to a young socialite, turned to see Rachel Bailey wearing a muted lavender, off-the-shoulder, V-neck, European-style, high-waisted, slimming evening gown; a necklace adorned her neck. It was a last-minute purchase by Hansen Ruiz, who had intended it as a gift. She had refused, saying she would return both the necklace and the gown after the Wine Party.
Rachel Bailey was petite. However, that night, Hansen Ruiz had insisted she wear very high heels. Coupled with her slender figure, she appeared much taller and more striking. Her usually plain face was lightly made up. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous gown, her understated beauty suddenly blossod with dazzling brilliance.
She had initially arrived with Hansen Ruiz. But upon seeing Julia Bluen, Rachel Bailey ditched him and hurried over to Julia, completely forgetting she was Hansen's companion for the evening, there to repay a favor he was due.
Hansen Ruiz showed no displeasure. Instead, his smile was warm, tinged with an indulgent fondness for Rachel Bailey.
"Rachel?" Julia Bluen was surprised at first, then smiled. When she saw Hansen Ruiz, she couldn't help but shoot him a warning glance. She hoped Hansen wouldn't toy with Rachel Bailey.
Hansen Ruiz returned a reassuring glance, but it only made Julia Bluen more worried. It seed Hansen truly had developed so designs on her good friend. In the world of the wealthy, well-matched marriages were important. Of course, there were Cinderella stories of won marrying into wealth, but after marrying into such wealth, they often had to endure many humiliations. She didn't want her friend to go through what she had—dealing with a disapproving mother-in-law and an unwelcoming sister-in-law.
She wasn't afraid herself; she had the support of the Bluen Family and Glades Horne's twenty-six years of care and affection. Rachel Bailey, on the other hand, had no such backing. If Rachel Bailey truly got together with Hansen Ruiz, would his family accept her? Glades Horne had ntioned that Hansen Ruiz ca from a powerful background, and Julia Bluen was genuinely worried for Rachel Bailey.
But she also knew that she couldn't stop anything; Hansen Ruiz was not soone she could dissuade.
"Finally, soone I know! I don't feel so restricted anymore," Rachel Bailey said as she approached Julia Bluen, her tension easing sowhat. However, she remained acutely aware of her presentation, given the high-class nature of the Wine Party.
Julia Bluen introduced her to a few young ladies from prominent families she knew, and the group of won chatted amiably.
After exchanging pleasantries, Hansen Ruiz ca over. Looking sowhat sheepish, he nevertheless firmly pulled Rachel Bailey away, saying to Julia Bluen, "Mrs. Horne, this is my companion for tonight. My apologies, but I can't let her monopolize your ti." His domineering actions rivaled, if not surpassed, those of Glades Horne.
"Hansen Ruiz..." Rachel Bailey tried to pry his large hand off her but failed. He pulled her out of the room. Once outside, she finally managed to wrench her hand free from his grip. Slightly annoyed, she reminded him, "I only ca to return your favor. Don't try to take advantage, alright? Honestly, what's wrong with his eyes!"
Hansen Ruiz smiled, his gaze fixed on Rachel Bailey's radiant face. He suddenly leaned in, bending down to look directly at her, and said teasingly, "There are plenty of won who'd love for to take advantage of them."
"Then go take advantage of them! Stop dragging around and keep your distance, alright?" Rachel Bailey retorted. "After this year, we go our separate ways."
At her words, Hansen Ruiz's smile faded, his expression turning sowhat gloomy. He stared intently at Rachel Bailey for a full minute before taking her hand and saying, "Co on, I'll take you to get sothing to eat."
Rachel Bailey went with him.
Such a popular wine party, full of the allure of power and wealth, would naturally also be attended by Nicholas Coldwell and Diana Powell.
They arrived a bit later.
Diana Powell was also dressed in a luxurious evening gown, appearing arm in arm with Nicholas Coldwell, who wore a black suit.
She greeted everyone adeptly, and they responded with polite but cool smiles.
The mont she saw Julia Bluen in the crowd, jealousy flashed in her eyes.
Julia Bluen's tall figure stood out in the crowd like a crane among chickens; Diana Powell noticed her the mont she walked in.
Nicholas Coldwell also saw Julia Bluen. It was as if a light had suddenly illuminated his vision, like gazing upon a celestial beauty; he was utterly captivated. This was the first ti he had seen Julia Bluen in an evening gown—so noble, so breathtakingly beautiful. The gown's fitted waist accentuated her exquisite curves, stirring a predatory desire in any man who looked at her.
If not for the shred of rationality he retained, he would have rushed up to her imdiately.
Diana Powell clung tightly to Nicholas Coldwell's arm. Then, with a smile and a deliberate sway of her hips, she approached Julia Bluen. "Julia," she said, her tone challenging, "what a rare sight. Your first ti at a wine party, is it?"
"Mrs. Coldwell," Julia Bluen responded coolly, then turned back to continue her conversation with the people beside her.
Nicholas Coldwell felt a pang in his heart seeing that Julia Bluen wouldn't even spare him a proper glance.
After all, Julia Bluen was the greatest regret of his life.
Yet, he also felt a sliver of relief. There were no n beside Julia Bluen, which ant she was still single. At this thought, he reassured himself: One day, she would be his again.
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