“What, can''t control your eyes when you see a pretty girl? Should I help you gouge them out?"


    Noah turned his gaze from Yvonne to his wife, his eyes full of gentle affection. "Pretty girls always have venomous hearts. I wouldn''t dare get too close."


    "So, are you saying I''m not pretty?" Karina asked, even more annoyed.


    Noah sighed and rubbed his forehead. It was a no-win question; there was no right


    answer.


    By this time, Yvonne had reached the second-floor banquet hall. She immediately spotted Thomas, who was surrounded by a crowd of admirers, the clear center of attention.


    Thomas was talking with some guests but smiled and walked over as soon as he saw Yvonne arrive.


    "Mr. Taylor, happy birthday," Yvonne said, handing him the gift box she was carrying.


    Thomas epted it with a smile. "Thank you for your thoughtful gift. I''ll be sure to treasure it."


    The word ''treasure'' felt a bit strong, but Yvonne assumed he was just being polite.


    In truth, Sandra had picked out the gift, had it wrapped, and delivered it with the dress. Yvonne didn''t even know what was inside.


    Afterward, Thomas led Yvonne around and introduced her to a few of his friends- well-known directors, investors, and A-list celebrities.


    Thanks to Thomas'' introduction, they were all very polite to Yvonne, and they exchanged contact information.


    Yvonne was in the middle of a pleasant conversation with an investor when she looked up and saw Bet walk into the banquet hall.


    He was dressed in a tailored ck suit, his posture as straight and tall as a pine tree, his aura cool and reserved.


    Bet wasn''t alone. Standing


    beside him was a girl in a pink dress. Her long, dark hair was worn down and she wore minimal makeup entuating her delicate features and giving her a fragile, almost ethereal air.


    Yvonne knew this must be Bet''s current girlfriend, Mr. Walker''s daughter, Ynda Walker.


    Ynda was two years younger than Bet. If the original Yvonne were still alive, they would have been the same age.


    However, Miss Walker had been in


    poor health since childhood and rarely made public appearances. Rumor had it she had un two kidney transnts, and her health had improved in recent years, she was still much more delicate than the average person.


    In their social circle, everyone simply called her ''Ynda''.


    “Bet, Ynda, you two finally made it," Thomas said with a smile, walking over to greet them.


    "Sorry, we got stuck in traffic,” Bet replied calmly.


    "Thomas, happy birthday," Ynda said, handing him a gift. She added with a sweet, shy smile, "It''s my fault woke up a littlete this morning, and Bet waited for me, so we hit rush hour."


    "You need your rest. Besides, a beautiful woman is always worth the wait. I''m sure Bet was more than happy to," Thomas teased with augh.


    He then took the gift box from Ynda.


    Since they were family, Thomas didn''t stand on ceremony and opened it right away. Inside was a limited-edition sapphire brooch from a luxury brand-not something money alone could buy.


    "Thanks. I''ll wear this the next time I win an award," Thomas dered grandly.


    "It''s just a little something from Bet and me. I''m d you like it, Thomas," Ynda replied with a gentle smile.


    After chatting with Ynda for a moment, Thomas turned to Yvonne. “Let me introduce you. This is Yvonne, my leadingdy."