Chapter 280 I’m Not a Pawn I’m the Whole Game
After all, everyone hade to ire University with the goal ofying the groundwork for future connections<b>, </b>
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Halbert had sent over a pale <b>pink </b>gown. Eliza wasn’t a fan of the color–thankfully, the strapless design was elegant enough. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have worn something so sharine if her life depended on it.
“Ms. Rivers, your look isplete. Do you like the dress?”
Someone was still adjusting her <b>hair </b>while Eliza stared into the mirror. Her refined makeup paired with loosely curled French waves did look stunning.
Eliza nodded. “Thank you. I like it.”
If it weren’t for the opportunity to meet more industry insiders at this party, she never <b>would </b>have agreed to attend, no matter what Halbert said.
A knock came at the door. Eliza turned to see Henry standing outside.
He was dressed formally. Ever since bing the head of the Foster family, his demeanor had grown increasinglyposed and professional.
“I came to check how things areing along.”
Henry looked her up and down, <b>then </b>smiled. “You look… not bad.”
“Thanks.”
Eliza stood up and walked toward him. “I’m curious, what deal did you strike with my brother? Why does he always take your side?”
“Because he knows <b>marrying </b>me is your best option.”
Eliza couldn’t <b>find </b>a trace of affection in Henry’s eyes.
This looked far more like a business merger <b>than </b>a romance.
By now, the school auditorium was filling up fast, Eliza <b>and </b>Henry were among theter arrivals.
Henry <b>said</b>, “Everyone here tonight is <b>part </b>of the elite. Westbrook may seem small, but it’s a trade hub. Most entrepreneurs have a foothold here. When dealing with people in this crowd, there are a few <b>social </b>nuances. to pay attention <b>to</b>.”
<b>“</b>Such as?”
“For example, you need to understand the rtionships between them. See that girl in the red dress over there? Her <b>family </b><b>is </b><b>a </b>well–<b>known </b>trading powerhouse in Westbrook. They specialize in import and export. Now look at the one in the blue dress across from her–her family’s in the same business. The two families don’t get along. If you choose to get close to the girl in red, you’d better keep your distance from the girl in <b>bluc</b>. Otherwise, you’ll offend both.”
Eliza nodded.
Even though she now had her brand, in Westbrook, the brand alone wasn’t enough. <b>She </b>had to build the rightwork if she wanted to take things to the next level.
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Chapter 280 I’m Not a Pawn I’m the Whole Game
Henry went on, “And that guy up ahead–he’s one of the standout freshmen.”
“Yeah. I can tell. Everyone seems to gravitate toward <b>him</b>.”
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“If you and Halbert <b>hadn’t </b>enrolled at ire University, then besides Colton and Gu Liuchuan, he’d be the most well–known <b>freshman</b>.”
Eliza studied the boy. His posture and speech were polished; it was obvious he had been raised with care.
“He’s from the Leon family,” Henry said. “They’re in the jewelry business. You know how lucrative that industry is.
“Right–if you married in, you’d never run out of jewelry for the rest of your life.”
Jewelry was high–margin, and the Leon family was the biggest yer around.
A brand partnership between jewelry and cosmetics could really blow up. Eliza thought
As she was considering the possibilities, Henry suddenly reached out his hand. “Do you <b>know </b>how to dance?”
“A little”
“That’s enough.”
He took her hand and led her toward the center of the dance floor.
Everyone turned to look.
As one of the university’s shareholders and the head of the Foster family, Henry’s youth and influence drew considerable attention.
Eyes followed him, curious about the identity of the girl dancing with him.
Eliza wasn’t much of a dancer, but Henry’s guidance–and his status–made the moment feel special
Not far away, Nn had arrived at the venue.
He saw Eliza dancing with Henry in the middle of the floor. The two looked shockingly well–matched.
Nn headed straight for the dance floor. People noticed him and quickly stepped aside.
No one in their right mind wanted to get involved with Nn, his reputation for being difficult was well known.
<b>Nn </b>didn’t <b>care </b>about the others.
He only cared about Eliza.
Henry leaned in and murmured, “Look. He’sing.
“He
Eliza hadn’t seen Nn walking toward them from behind–but then Henry pressed his hand lightly against the back of her <b>neck</b>.
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Chapter 280 I’m Not a Pawn I’m the Whole Game
“Don’t turn <b>around</b>,” Henry <b>said</b>.
“What’s going on?”
Eliza felt inexplicably uneasy. One look at Henry’s face, and even she started to get nervous.
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