novelxo Chapter CHAPTER 144
Chapter 144
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The rest of the event went really well for Sylvie. So many of the guests kept coming up to talk to her, singing praises about her dress and even taking her contact with the intention of getting a dress made by her.
Sylvie felt like a celebrity overnight, her cheeks getting heated she conversed with people both within and outside the country. People of high status.
She couldn’t believe it!
Weeks ago, she couldn’t even stand up to a maid. But now, here he was. She was finally out of her shell!
The realization made her want to cry.
“Congratulations, Sylvie.” A hard voice came from behind. A voice that contrasted with the words.
It was the one rare time she’d finally been free from guests, and turning around, she found Astrid standing with her hands crossed on her chest, her eyes glaring really hard at her.
Sylvie looked around, trying to make sure there were no guests within earshot.
“Thank you.” She replied, but it was as fake as Astrid’s had been.
Astrid scoffed, rolling her eyes. “What do you think you’re doing? What sort of stupid game is this?”
don’t think I get you.” Sylvie shrugged. “You and June presented a dress. What makes you think I can’t? We’re equal, remember?”
“That’s the point. We can be never be equal!”
Realizing her voice had been a bit high Astrid exhaled, then looked around and was relieved when there was no one staring.
“How did you get Grandpa to agree to do this for you? You really think you’re becoming his favorite, huh?”
“I’m not thinking anything. You and June have just been the ones who made a competition out of everything.”
“You’re one little witch, you know that?” Astrid said with so much venom in her voice. “You came in here and ruined grandfather’s love for June and I.”
Sylvie scoffed. Seriously, she was tired of hearing that. “Like I said, you two turned everything into a competition. It’s the reason you stole from me and brought grandfather’s wrath upon yourself.”
Astrid inched closer. If it wasn’t for the presence of the guests, she’d have probably been pulling Sylvie’s hair already.
“I’ll make you pay.” She grounded the words. “I promise you, Sylvie; I’ll bring you as much pain as you have to me.”
Now, Sylvie didn’t like the sound of that.
She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted when she found Galen approaching.
“Sylvie,” he called with a small smile, which was really rare for someone like him.
Natalie was beside him, but while the old man looked pleased, the woman looked at Sylvie as though she was dirt that needed to be swept away.
Astrid quickly backed away from Sylvie, her face softening as she turned to Galen.
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Shooting out his hand, Galen wrapped it around the small of Sylvie’s back. This small gesture sent tingles all over her body.
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It was the first time her grandfather was ever touching her in such comforting way.
“You did well tonight, child.” His eyes beamed and he nodded. “I’m impressed.”
Color filled Sylvie’s cheeks immediately. “T–Thank you, sir,” she dipped her head, unable to control her smiles.
Galen nodded. “Come. I’d like to introduce you to some acquaintance.”
While he left with Sylvie, his hand still on jet back, Astrid watched with a sickening thud in her guts, her lips pressed together in revulsion.
The sight before her seemed so unreal, like a nightmare.
Galen took Sylvie around, introducing her to old friends and business partners.
“I never knew you had another granddaughter, Mr. Cheng,” was one of the popular quotes from the people they met that night, and Galen dismissed the topic by casually saying “she was busy with other things and just returned now to take part in the family business.”
“This one is very pretty. The prettiest of the others, if I may add More compliments.
Sylvie received each compliment wisely and was good at holding conversations with them. The men were so impressed she enjoyed talking with her, and even some of the older men joked about introducing her to their sons.
Sylvie used the opportunity to meet some of the men that had been her ‘targets‘ for the night. Owners of some top companies that were Chic Mirage’s clients and had refused to switch to Astrea Label all these years.
With her new identity, it was quite easy getting to hold conversations with them. She took their contacts, requesting to get in touch with them on some really nice business deals.
Still in the company of the guests, she scanned her eyes around for Cindy and smiled when she found her. The bitch was fuming even as she stood beside her grandfather who was talking to some guests. She’d also been staring–no, glaring–at Sylvie, and it became worse when Sylvie smiled at her.
If only she knew she was only getting started–Sylvie thought.
She realized then that Cindy was the reason she’d come out of her shell. She’d been greatly hurt after learning of the betrayal and wanted to get back at her. For the first time, she found an enemy she could get back at. And Sylvie knew she couldn’t achieve any of that by being scared and intimidated.
She moved her eyes again, wondering where Kage might be. And her heart sank into her stomach when she spotted Kage with Astrid.
What the hell?
Astrid had been glaring at Sylvie and was about walking away when Kage approached her. At first, she thought it was a delusion, or he was probably trying to walk by her to get to someone else, but her breath seized in her throat when he stopped right in front of her.
“Hi, Astrid.” He had one hand casually tickled in his pants pocket.
Astrid’s lips fell open, a moment before she schooled herself to composure and offered him a smile that was probably too soon to be so bright. “Hello, Mr. Hawkins.”
Picking up a glass of wine from the table next to them, he leaned against the table, giving Astrid an assessing head–to–toe stare that would’ve been offensive had it been coming from someone else. But it was Kage Hawkins! How could any action of his be offensive?
“You…know my name,” she stared, as if she was just noticing.
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He shrugged. “It was mentioned on stage today. Besides, you knew mine.”
“Oh, come on. Who wouldn’t know Kage Hawkins?” She rolled her eyes, chuckling nervously.
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But Kage didn’t as much as smile as he lifted the glass to his lips and took a sip, while staring at her the whole time.
His hot stare seemed to make Astrid burn.
“Um…is there a reason you’re here, Mr. Hawkins?” She unconsciously touched the back of her nape,
“It depends. What reason could a man like me approach you for
“I don’t know. Maybe business?”
He chuckled, the sound humourless. “Let’s just say… I’ve been watching you and felt like spending some time with you.”
Astrid swallowed hard, her Adam’s apple popping.
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Good Lord! Had Kage Hawkins always been this effortless with flirting!? How was Sylvie lucky enough to end up with him before?
“Well, that’s…” she touched her nape again. “…questioning, considering the fact that you came here with your girlfriend.”
“Is there a rule that says I’m not supposed to make more friends
Astrid laughed, certain that her cheeks must be all red already.
Sylvie watched the scene with disbelief. Kage and Astrid now? What could they possibly be talking about?