After over a month of intense preparations, the day of the pre-exhibition cocktail party for the jewelry show had finally arrived.
The private soirée invited numerous prominent figures from the industry, each with significant influence and impressive backgrounds. On this day, a preview of various exquisite jewels, including the Blood Diamond, would be showcased, making the security measures as meticulous as those planned for the opening ceremony itself.
The event took place at A Hotel's banquet hall, an establishment under the Smith family's portfolio. Located amidst a scenic mountainous tourist area, the hotel boasted natural hot springs and a myriad of leisure facilities, sprawled across a vast expanse. Renowned nationally as a premier vacation destination, the entire hotel was reserved to accommodate foreign guests, with the cocktail party being held on the second floor, in a restaurant offering panoramic views of the city.
Vivian had been busy setting up the venue for days leading up to the event, her feet barely touching the ground due to her tireless work for the jewelry exhibition. Similarly, Ethan had been occupied with welcoming the steady stream of esteemed guests, only realizing they hadn't seen each other in days.
"Where is Vivian?" Ethan asked the butler as he stepped out of his room, dressed in a custom-tailored suit made specifically for the cocktail party.
Logic dictated that Vivian, as his wife, should accompany him to the event, yet it was nearly time to depart, and he still hadn't caught sight of her.
"Vivian is still working and said she will meet you directly at the cocktail party," the butler relayed respectfully.
Ethan didn't comment but couldn't help feeling a twinge of resentment—how could a security director be busier than a CEO?
Before leaving, the butler, uncharacteristically, handed him a bag.
"This is prepared for Vivian," the butler informed him.
Ethan weighed the paper bag in his hand and, out of curiosity, opened it to find five or six neatly wrapped sandwiches.
The quantity seemed excessive even for snacks, especially considering the food that would be served at the party and the separate catering arranged by the Sharpe family for their staff. Ethan cast a puzzled glance at the butler.
The usually efficient and composed butler hesitated before explaining, "Vivian's appetite has been larger lately, so I prepared more for her."
Although skeptical, Ethan recalled Vivian's usual fondness for sandwiches and her capacity to consume three or four in one go. He decided not to probe further and simply nodded, saying, "I understand, I'll give them to her."
With the bag in hand, Ethan boarded the car sent by Hayden and promptly headed towards the cocktail party venue.
Arriving slightly early, he found the venue already bustling with guests both inside and out. Upon arrival, not spotting Vivian inside and out the venue, he handed the paper bag to Hayden and ventured into the party to search for her.
Clad in a silver-gray custom-made suit designed by a renowned fashion house, Ethan's tall frame was elegantly accentuated, drawing attention to his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and well-proportioned legs. His entrance immediately garnered numerous admiring glances. Some socialites, noticing his solo presence, swiftly approached him with ostentatious greetings.
However, Ethan had no interest in engaging in such trivialities. Scanning the room, he swiftly spotted Vivian, whom he had been seeking all day.
Draped in a V-neck spaghetti-strap gown with a flowing train, she exuded confidence and grace, the understated black silk shimmering with subtle light that complemented her natural, healthy complexion and the dazzling diamond necklace resting on her collarbone. The necklace, also an exhibit for the night, featured a stunning 23-carat flawless pear-shaped white diamond, flanked by three 10-carat diamonds on each side, surrounded by nearly a hundred smaller diamonds arranged in a floral pattern. It was a statement piece that few could carry off, yet Vivian wore it with such poise that it only heightened her regal elegance without overshadowing her or the necklace.
Beside Vivian stood Mr. Anatoly, a renowned Russian mining magnate with ownership of multiple diamond and gold mines, making him a key player in global mining. Ethan had attempted to foster a relationship with him previously, but Mr. Anatoly's eccentric personality, unpredictable nature, and deep cunning had made it challenging. Their rapport remained tepid until now, unexpectedly witnessing them engaged in jovial conversation at the cocktail party.
Perplexed about how to approach the situation, Ethan was soon noticed by Vivian, who waved him over. He had to join them
"Ethan, this is Mr. Anatoly," Vivian affectionately drew Ethan closer for an introduction.
"It's been a while, Mr. Anatoly," Ethan greeted, his expression somewhat awkward, never anticipating that his wife would facilitate a closer connection with Mr. Anatoly.
Mr. Anatoly glanced at Ethan and smiled warmly, extending his hand first. "Pleasure to see you, Mr. Sharpes."
Ethan shook hands with Mr. Anatoly, the world-famous miner, who had always been lukewarm towards him but now appeared unusually enthusiastic, leaving Ethan puzzled.
Mr. Anatoly quickly resolved his confusion, remarking, "You have a wonderful wife; I'm looking forward to our collaboration opportunities this year!"
"Eh? Thanks." Ethan glanced at Vivian, who playfully winked back at him.
After Mr. Anatoly’s departure, Ethan inquired, "What did you talk about with Mr. Anatoly? Why the sudden change in his attitude toward me? He showed no interest in Sharpes Corporation before; what made him reconsider?"
Vivian shrugged. "I provided him with some intelligence regarding a project he's been planning for a long time."
"What project?"
"I can't disclose that; it concerns his family matters. But I assure you, it won't affect Sharpes Corporation in any way."
Ethan knew of the less-than-savory rumors surrounding Mr. Anatoly's family affairs and refrained from further inquiries. Instead, he wondered how Vivian knew what information Mr. Anatoly needed and how she acquired it.
She responded with an enigmatic smile, leaving Ethan feeling shut out by her secrecy.
Of course, Vivian couldn't tell Ethan that in her previous life's world, there was also an Mr. Anatoly whom she had specifically kept tabs on. She merely tested him and discovered that this Anatoly was just like the one from her past life, which naturally put her in the know about Anatoly's every move.
The information she sold to him was just a small fraction; she still held a dozen or so weaknesses and handles belonging to Anatoly.
Ethan frowned slightly, disliking the secretive look on her face, which gave him a sense of being shut out by her.
Just as he was about to ask more, the arrival of acquaintances distracted him.
Approaching was a middle-aged man in a wheelchair, his temples slightly graying but still strikingly handsome. Behind him stood another man of similar age, robust yet balding, betraying his years.
"Uncle," Ethan greeted respectfully, his demeanor cautious as he moved to welcome them.
Vivian studied the wheelchair-bound Lyon, who had once facilitated Ethan's rise to the presidency, and beside him, Hayden's father Rohan. Her expression shifted, adopting a warm, poised, and slightly naive smile as she introduced herself.
"Hello, Uncle. It's my first time meeting you; I'm Vivian."
Lyon's eyes held a faint chill, yet his face broke into a gentle smile. "You're mistaken; we've met before, at your wedding."
Ethan glanced at Vivian, a tinge of embarrassment in his eyes. For this iteration of "Vivian," it was indeed their first encounter.
Vivian simply smiled and didn't refute, her mind revisiting Lyon's background from the novel.
Lyon, in his fifties like Rohan but appearing much younger, bore a resemblance to Ethan but without the latter's sharp edges, exuding a more genial and refined aura. His pale complexion and slender build were likely consequences of his lifelong confinement to the wheelchair.
Lyon and Ethan's father were half-brothers, with Lyon having been unable to walk since childhood due to illness. He never married, treating Ethan as his own.
Among the many relatives in the Sharpes family, Lyon seemed to be the sole supporter of Ethan.
"My apologies, Uncle. Knowing that you rarely return, I should have taken Vivian to meet you sooner," Ethan attempted to ease the awkwardness.
Lyon, who resided mostly abroad, had returned specifically for the jewelry exhibition.
"No need to apologize, I know you're busy," Lyon replied, smiling up at Ethan before his gaze flicked briefly over Vivian.He continued,"I have high expectations for this jewelry exhibition; it must be organized in such a way that everyone is convinced and impressed."
"Yes, I understand, thank you, Uncle." Ethan nodded to Lyon.
Perhaps considering his uncle as a trustworthy family member, Ethan's expression was less restrained than usual, and the usual coldness that lingered on his face cracked slightly, revealing a hint of warmth.
"Your parents would be proud of your growth after they watch what you have achieved." Lyon patted Ethan's hand affectionately, casting a brief glance over Vivian. Perhaps due to sitting in a wheelchair, his line of sight was not high, eventually settling on Vivian's abdomen, which made her feel somewhat offended.
Did Lyon not approve of her?
Vivian's intuition was confirmed as Lyon engaged Ethan in animated conversation, seemingly oblivious to her presence.
Unperturbed by being overlooked, Vivian observed Lyon's affectionate interaction with Ethan. If he truly saw Ethan as his own son, it was understandable he might not take kindly to her, given how the outside world perceived her as a selfish woman who had married for ulterior motives. No wonder Lyon ignored her.
Still... Vivian's gaze intensified as she studied Lyon. What was the meaning behind his final look at her?
