When Leo Ji entered the banquet hall with Charmaine, all eyes were on them. If it was before, women will surely flock to Leo's side but after the news of him being overthrown from the Ji family, none of the ladies were interested in him anymore. Yes, he's very handsome but he's also very aloof. Without his background, Leo was just like a pop idol. He's good to look at and admire but one can not marry.
"How do you feel being avoided by all these socialites?" Charmaine teased after they found a seat. Leo just shrugged his shoulders.
"It's refreshing." he commented.
Charmaine chuckled. "Enjoy it. Your notoriety won't last long you know." she jested.
As a waiter passed by with a tray of cocktail drinks before her, Charmaine eyed on the nameplate shown on the man's chest. Since this night is a set up for Leo Ji, one of these service staffs will be carrying the philtered drink to Leo, but with all these people, it's very hard to say which drinks will be the laced beverages. She could only keep an eye on her husband tonight.
"Leo Ji. You came!", from her left, Charmaine saw Chanel Aikens approaching. She was especially stunning in her fiery red dress.
"Yes. Thanks for inviting." he answered.
The woman smiled. "It's alright. I just want you to see what you will be missing because you refused my offer. Soon, none of these people nor this luxury will be within your hand's reach." she uttered, mockery clearly showing in her eyes. But Leo didn't show any sign of being offended. He just remain calm as usual.
"Well, thank you. I'll savor the moment." he said sarcastically.
Charmaine watched as Chanel Aikens left in fury. Astonishingly, the woman doesn't seem to be head over heels in love with her husband. If that's so, then why did she plan to sleep with him? She's a big name and reputable lady. Did she not know the impact that scandal will cause? Or.... was it even her who planned it?
"Mrs. Ji, I need to attend to something. I'll be back after a short while." Leo told her after spotting someone he knows.
Charmaine just nodded. Like always, even with his notoriety, friends still welcome Leo for a chat. After all, businessmen can't close their doors to anyone who has fallen but still has the ability to climb his way up. Who knew when they will recover their status? Specially to business geniuses like Leo Ji. Everyone knew how capable he is. He could even be anyone's asset if they could get a hold of him.
"Miss Song, it's you." a young lady approached Charmaine while she was watching over Leo. Glancing at her, she recognised her as the head of design department of Anya Cheree, Chloe Rose. Behind her was a man she doesn't recognise.
"Miss Rose. You're here. Is that your boyfriend over there?" she teased. "Why not have a seat." she offered. If they are staying for a chat, then they better sit down so she could still glance at her husband from time to time! What if he just vanish while standing there with his friends!
"He's not my boyfriend. He's the director of our planning department. Mason Reeve." Chloe stated as they sit down across her. "We noticed you've been sitting here for a long time now. You must be bored already."
"It's alright. I don't know a lot of people in this party, and not many people recognise me since I was gone for several years." she replied. She then glanced at the man sitting beside Chloe and caught him gazing at her. He didn't avert his eyes either even after getting caught staring. What does he want?
Charmaine took her eyes off him. If those stares was a way to flirt with her, she'll just pretend she didn't notice anything. If she could choose, she'd rather have a boring night than a troublesome one. But things don't always go according to your wishes. Just a few minutes later, a group of women approached their table and even though they were smiling, she can smell hostility seeping out from them.
"So... you're Leo Ji's new woman?" the blonde lady asked. "Do you know who I am?"
"No. Should I know you?" Charmaine answered without looking at them. The three girls were standing in front of her and she refused to look upon them.
"Of course she doesn't. She must be some poor migrant. She looks Asian to me." One of the women mocked her. "I think she's together with Leo Ji for money. Look at her dress! It's a limited edition Anya Cheree. She must have rolled in bed a few times to get Leo Ji to buy it for her!"
Instead of burning in fury, Charmaine suddenly laughed. She found these women pretty dumb. "I'm sorry but this dress is not a limited edition. I had Anya Cheree tailor it for me. And what is it to you if I'm with Leo Ji for money or not? You're not the one spending millions for me!" she refuted.
As she predictated, the women started glaring at her after that statement. The smell of gun powder became more apparent. Chloe leaned closer to her and whispered to her. "Miss Song, that's the Prime minister's niece, Miss Bailey. I don't think it's good to offend her." she warned.
Charmaine raised her brows. What if she's Chanel Aikens' cousin? She's not the one who's seeking trouble! Suddenly, she seemed to have realised something. She glanced at the direction Leo Ji was standing at a few minutes ago and sure enough, he's not there anymore.
Charmaine raised her head and glared at the women. Were they sent here to distract her? These women just bought the perpetraitor the right amount of time to attack Leo while she was not watching. How annoying!
"I'm sorry girls but I need to visit the washroom." Charmaine said as she quickly stood up. She needs to find Leo and check if everything's alright.
"Hmm. Look at her go! Coward." Miss Bailey snickered as she watched Charmaine walk away. Growing impatient, Mason Reeve also stood up and with his hands on his pockets, he glared at the three women.
"How dumb. She's the owner of Anya Cheree. Why would she want to waste her time on dull people like you." he stated before walking away.
The three girls began staring at one another. Who did he say they provoked?