Yates glanced instinctively toward the stairwell.
Hackett, bursting with vitality dressed a sharp tweed jacket, was descending the stairs with a spring in his step, accompanied by a young man sporting an infectious grin framed by dimples that deepened with his laughter. It had to be Calvert.
But why was Calvert wearing a sleek black suit?
Stunned, Yates slowly to Everard, hardly believing his eyes. Up close, the label on the clothing was unmistakable.
The cut, the qualityâ¦
Yates was dumbfounded, blurting out incredulously, âThat suit is not a knockâoff, is it
A knockâ
Just from those two words, Everard understood why they had insisted he change clothes. They thought he was wearing a counterfeit?
A chill crept into his sharp gaze, a frosty distance that was worlds apart from his demeanor around Cordelia. His voice was tinged with a cold cutting edge, âSo, are still swapping clothes â
Yates wanted to slap himself. Swap clothes? Not a chance.
He tossed the clothes in his hands into the dressing room, only then realizing something amiss, âHold on, how can you afford the real deal?â
âMidnight Scent must be raking in the cash,â he thought.
Too late, Everard at the door was already gone. Yates hurried forward, just in time to see Everard blend into the crowd and disappear.
As Calvert and Hackett made their way downstairs, Calvert had hoped to surprise Cordelia, who he knew would be in the hall. But before he could find her, he was waylaid, âMr. Wallace, good to meet you. Iâm Kermit.â
Kermit? Calvert paused, sizing up Kermit. âSo this was Liaâs bumbling uncle.â he thought.
He managed a strained smile and a noncommittal âOkay.â
The crowd was eager to engage with him, and he was trapped into exchanging pleasantries.
On the fringes, Sanderson stood beside Steward, staring at the besieged Calvert, thinking he must be hallucinating.
Steward, anxious to network, nudged him, âSanderson, what are you spacing out for? Go introduce yourself.â
Making connections in business was crucial.
Getting to know Calvert could be a gameâchanger.
Sanderson, still in daze, watched as Kermit squeezed out of the crowd, boasting, âSanderson, why are you daydreaming here? Luckily I was by the stairs, and I just greeted Mr. Wallace. He noticed me for sure, and Iâm planning to visit him tomorrow, to see if thereâs a chance to collaborate.â
Kermitâs smug look faded as he noticed Sanderson hadnât moved, âSanderson, sometimes youâre just too stiff. If you donât make a move, do you expect Mr. Wallace to come to you?â
As he finished speaking, a voice came from the crowd, âExcuse me, please.â
The crowd parted like the Red Sea, and Calvert approached Sanderson, greeting him with a sweet smile, âMr. Delaney, good to see you again.â
Kermit flabbergasted, his eyes darting between Sanderson and Calvert, unable to fathom what was
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happening.
Sanderson, snapping out of his daze realized it really was him.
But today wasnât just about celebrating Hackettâs birthday, it was also about finding him a girlfriend. This guy, already entangled with Lia, was still flirting around
Sandersonâs expression darkened, and he took on a patriarchal tone, âYou, come with me.â
Kermit was baffled and thought, âSanderson was daring to speak to Mr. Wallace like that?â
Yet Calvert obediently nodded, âAlright. By the way, have Mrs. Delaney and Lia arrived?â
Sanderson thought, âLiaâs kept man had the audacity to call her that. And he dared to look for her?â
Sanderson said firmly. âWeâre going to them.â He intended to show Lia the true nature of this goldâdigger, to prevent her from being deceived.
And so, the crowd watched as Calvert obediently followed Sanderson, striding confidently through the throng.
Elsewhere.
Before Calvert came down, Fanny and Sallie had already descended the stairs. They headed toward the lounge. where Lorna was waiting.
Unseen on the balcony, Cordelia watched over Lorna, anxious to prevent her from further harassment by the duo. After signaling Merry, she hurried toward Lornaâs location.
As she approached, she heard Fanny boasting about her daughterâs prospects, âOh, itâs not like theyâre an item after just one meeting, but Mr. Wallace and Sallie have exchanged contacts. Theyâll chat more later.â
The other ladies gushed, âExchanging contacts means thereâs interest. A bit more conversation and itâs in the bag.
âSallieâs so beautiful, and itâs natural for Mr. Wallace to like her.â
Amidst the envy, Fanny turned to Lorna with a calculated inquiry, âHas Cordeliaâs boyfriend shown up? Introduce him to us.â
She then covered her mouth, feigning forgetfulness, âOh dear, I forgot his background. He wouldnât fit in at this. kind of event, would he?â
Anger knitted Lornaâs features tightly.
Before Cordelia could speak, a warm hand gently took hers. Surprised, she turned to see Everardâs comforting presence.
Everardâs profile was exquisitely chiseled, his jawline strong and determined. Leading her by the hand, he approached the small gathering and introduced himself with a smooth, confident voice, âHello, Iâm Liaâs boyfriend, Everard.â
An immediate hush fell over the crowd.
All eyes turned to him. Dressed in a tailored suit that seemed molded to his frame, he looked nothing short of breathtaking, his striking features enhanced, his presence almost ethereal. His attractiveness was the sort that could leave you gasping for breath.
Lorna herself was momentarily stunned. Everard didnât match the photo Sanderson had given her at all.
Lost in her thoughts, she was abruptly brought back to reality by Fannyâs snide chuckle. âWith looks like that. no wonder Cordelia swept him off his feet. You folks mustâve really splurged to dress him up so fine for the sake of appearances. But what good are looks, anyway? Heâs no match for Calvert.â
Almost if on cue, Sanderson arrived with Calvert in tow
Fannyâs face lit up with joy upon spotting Calvert, and surely he was coming to greet Sallie. She called out eagerly. âMr. Wallace, weâre over here.â
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Alas Calvertâs gaze was fixed on Cordelia and Everard, and he called out to her the enthusiasm of a puppy.
âLia.â
At the sound of that familiar voice, Cordelia turned, her exclamation of surprise, âLittle Fang?â
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