Winston took a sip of his drink, flashing a smile before answering her. “I’ve looked into it–Glenn will be here tonight.”
Ever since he’d learned at the airport that Giselle was interested in Glenn, Winston had been trying to find out more about the man.
Initially, he’d been quite intrigued when he discovered that Glenn was once connected to the Carlisles, one of Serenity City’s most influential families.
But he later found out that Glenn had cut ties with the Carlisles seven years ago, striking out on his own and building his own name.
That revelation left Winston a little disappointed.
After all, the Carlisles and the Whitmores used to get along exceptionally well, until some misunderstandings caused a rift between the families. Winston had hoped to use Glenn as a bridge to restore that relationship. Who would have thought things had changed so much?
Still, even if Glenn was no longer officially one of the Carlisles, there might yet be an opportunity.
Hazel, standing nearby, turned to Giselle with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. You know your father always gets things done. Just be patient, okay?”
But Giselle couldn’t quite hide her impatience.
As they spoke, another guest came over to toast Winston–though his gaze seemed glued to Giselle.
“Winston, is this your daughter? She’s stunning–honestly, with her looks and figure, she could put most movie stars to shame.”
His eyes roamed over Giselle with obvious, unsettling interest.
Giselle felt a wave of nausea.
Hazel instinctively stepped in front of her daughter, shielding her from view.
Winston, oblivious, basked in the compliment and let out a hearty laugh. “You flatter us, Mr. Wellington!”
Mr. Wellington’s eyes glinted shrewdly as he pressed on, “Is your daughter married yet?”
Winston shook his head. “No, not yet–Giselle’s still in college.”
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Chapter 88
“College? Wonderful. So young.” Mr. Wellington’s gaze grew even more predatory, lingering on Giselle. “How about letting your daughter share a drink with me?”
“Of course, Mr. Wellington,” Winston replied without hesitation.
The words were barely out of his mouth before Giselle snapped, “Dad, I don’t want
to.”
Hazel, equally displeased, gave Winston a warning tug and stepped forward, her smile still perfectly composed. “Giselle just turned eighteen–she doesn’t really drink. I’ll have the toast in her place.”
She reached for the glass, but Mr. Wellington pulled it back with a teasing grin. “Now, Mrs. Whitmore, you shouldn’t spoil her so much. If she doesn’t know how to drink, she should learn–especially if she’ll be taking over Whitmore Industries one day. How can she avoid it?”
“He’s right, absolutely,” Winston chimed in.
But as soon as he spoke, Hazel pinched his arm in protest.
Winston was well aware the two women were unhappy, but it was clear Mr. Wellington wasn’t going to let this go. He leaned in to Hazel, speaking quietly, “The Whitmores have benefited from Mr. Wellington’s introductions–upsetting him isn’t an option.”
“It’s just one drink. Let her have it.”
Hazel hesitated, torn.
After a moment, she tried to reason with Giselle.
Giselle was miserable, her eyes brimming with tears, but seeing both her parents urging her, her resistance began to crumble.
Mr. Wellington pressed the glass insistently toward her.
Just as the standoff reached its peak, a commotion erupted at the entrance.
Several young women nearby gasped in awe. “Oh my God, who is that? He’s gorgeous!”
“And the woman with him–she’s so elegant!”
Giselle couldn’t help but turn to look. At the doorway, two people were making their way into the ballroom.
Glenn was strikingly handsome, tall and impeccably dressed in a tailored
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chapter ୪୪
silver–grey suit, exuding a cool restraint. He looked much the same as he had at the airport, only somehow even more attractive.
The sight of him made Giselle’s eyes light up.
But when she noticed the woman at his side, that excitement quickly turned to jealousy.
The woman wore a form–fitting red evening gown that perfectly accentuated her figure and flawless, porcelain skin.
