?Chapter 218:


    The makeup artist paused, clearly stunned. “Oh wow. You’re one of those naturally blessed ones. Meanwhile, the rest of us spend a fortune on skincare and still don’t get half your results.” There wasn’t a hint of jealousy in her tone—just pure, honest admiration.


    With skin like that, the makeup went on like a dream. It barely took any time at all.


    At the entrance of the engagement hall, Ste stepped out of the car in a stunning red dress, instantly stealing the spotlight.


    Linked arm-in-arm with William, she turned more than a few heads.


    “Who is that woman? She’s gorgeous! And she’s with William?”


    “Wait… isn’t he supposed to not be into women?”


    Whispers and stares followed them, but Ste didn’t flinch.


    She walked gracefully beside William, unfazed, as they entered the hall.


    Once inside, the murmurs only intensified. Every step they took drew more eyes, more spection.


    Ste leaned toward William and sighed quietly. “Mr. Briggs, your charm is really causing a scene.”


    William chuckled, his voice low. “How do you know they’re not looking at you? Ms. Russell, is your self-confidence that fragile?”


    She shot him a side-eye but didn’t respond.


    To anyone watching, though, the way they interacted looked a lot like flirting.


    “They’re so close… do you think they’re dating?”


    “Oh, what a pity. William is such an eligible bachelor, and now she’s gone and snatched him up,” someone murmured with a mix of envy and regret.


    Someone nearby chimed in, “Can youpare to that woman? Look at her! They’re a perfect match.”


    Haley, standing on the far side of the hall greeting guests, caught the buzz.


    Turning toward themotion, her eyesnded on William and Ste standing side by side. The smile froze on her face.


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    Ste and William drew attention the moment they stepped into the room; it was impossible not to notice them.


    Haley’s hands curled into fists. This was supposed to be her engagement celebration. So why had Ste shown up dressed to impress, effortlessly capturing every pair of eyes in the room? Swallowing her bitterness, Haley forced a smile at the guest beside her, then made her way toward Ste.


    “Ms. Gilbert, you’re finally here. That dress is stunning. Truly the most striking one tonight. I’d say half the men here can’t take their eyes off you. Isn’t Mr. Briggs making it harder for them, though, standing so close?” Her voice was sweet, but the mockery was impossible to miss. Before Ste could reply, Haley turned to William. “Mr. Briggs, it must be tiring, dealing with all the attention she draws.”


    William saw straight through her and didn’t bother hiding his displeasure. “Isn’t this the celebration of your engagement to Marc? You should probably focus on your own partner instead of mine.”


    Haley had aimed to paint Ste as someone desperate for male attention, a woman no respectable man would take seriously.


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