Steve teased "Tut, tut, tut. That's so you. Did you dump Wendy Allen? I saw her at Hyatt this afternoon."
Of course, she wasn't on her own, but with an uncle of Spencer's. They were having high tea and displaying noticeable intimacy.
It was a small community, and everyone understood how things were without much explanation.
Spencer gave Steve an indifferent nod. She was the past, and he wasn't interested at all.
They all smiled knowingly. Then James suddenly remembered and mentioned, "Btw, where's Nathalia Carter? Haven't seen her yet."
Tom Cooper scanned around and spotted their target, "Is she the plain-looking girl standing next to her sister Evette Carter? She isn't very noticeable, is she?"
Wearing a grey dress, her hair up in a bun, adorned with a jade bracelet and necklace, Nathalia looked a bit out of place. Her attire had seemed to successfully conceal her pretty face, especially standing next to Evette and Mrs. Carter.
Steve had been spoiled by beautiful women, and he wasn't so kind with his comments. "Ha. What an ugly girl! No wonder she's been hiding."
On hearing Steve's comment, Spencer lifted his eyebrows. Though he didn't say anything, somehow, he felt like he had been insulted.
Nathalia seemed to sense something among the whispering and turned to look at their direction, nonchalantly. Patrick blew her a kiss; Steve rolled his eyes at her, and James raised his glass respectfully.
They were all expecting a bashful face as usual. Teasing girls was something they would do for fun, and they knew well how it usually worked, judging by experience.
Spencer had a sip of champagne and smiled as he knew the guys would not be getting what they were hoping for this time.
And indeed, they failed unexpectedly. Nathalia glanced over, her face showing no hint of emotion except a slight frown when she located Spencer. A bunch of boring rich boys and a pervert. Noted. Nathalia thought.
Then she locked her eyes at the ground like she'd spotted something valuable, just to avoid attention.
Her attire tonight was thoroughly planned and arranged by her step-mother. Mrs. Carter had made sure Nathalia looked her worst and received not a single praise.
However, there was always a more powerful weapon than a beautiful look.
She knew she was to impress people tonight, and they would remember her forever.
James was shocked at Nathalia's reaction, and his jaw dropped, "What the hell?! Is there something wrong with that girl?"
They were not used to a reaction like that at all, as women would normally flock around them. It was the very first time they had encountered one that took no notice of them.
Patrick was outraged, "What?! Did she just ignore us?"
So was Steve. "That's insulting. Oh, wait. I guess she's playing hard to get. Aha. Cunning."
James let out an unforgiving "Huh." He came up with an idea and suggested it to the others. "Alright, guys, let's have some fun."
They were not someone that would easily accept a cold welcome from any woman. "Time for fun." The rest agreed heartily.
Spencer shook his head slightly and smiled cheekily. He followed the team and stayed at the back, a mischievous excitement growing inside him.
They all possessed their own charm, be it handsomeness, elegance, gentleness, or majesty. Attention followed them wherever they moved, with constant screams of adoration and excitement from the female spectators.
Evette was ecstatic, and her face reddened, her heart racing, "Nathalia, look, they are coming towards us! Oh, my god. Oh, my god. I'm so excited."
Nathalia knitted her brows, thinking What's to be excited about? They are just some rude, ignorant dummies.
Though proud and self-assured Evette was, she couldn't help withdrawing her pride in front of them. Just like most other women, she admired and adored them. Whichever event she knew they would attend, she would make sure she was there. Sadly, they had never paid any attention to her.
Watching them walking towards her, especially Spencer, whom she was determined to capture and keep, she murmured breathlessly, "They are the most priceless bachelors. They have business all over the world, endless money to spend. Who doesn't want to be with them? Especially Spencer, he's every woman's dream…"
Nathalia listened but seemed to be deep in thoughts.
It was true that the Carters were reputable and rich, but compared to them, the Carters were far lower down the ladder.
Patrick extended his hand gentlemanly "My pretty lady, may I introduce myself…"
The whole room was surprised. Really? Are they interested in someone like Evette Carter? She's nobody compared to them.
The women in the room were flaming with jealousy as well as resentment.
Evette was overwhelmed. She gazed at Patrick as she held out her hand "I know you. You are Patrick Burton." Am I dreaming? Is Patrick speaking to me? Perhaps they have finally noticed my beauty! All of them. My god. This is amazing! The money on this dress is very well spent! Though it was a lot of money, it was surely worth it.
She had completely forgotten about the incident at the jewelry shop earlier as her proudly recovered.
Patrick placed a kiss on Evette's hand and gave her a bright smile "Ah, you know my name. I'm flattered."
The crowd was bombarding Evette with bitter looks. Who does she think she is? How does she deserve Patrick's attention?
She was so elated and excited that her face was burning.
Each gentleman introduced themselves, and soon they started chatting and joking together with Evette. Their honey-sweet words delighted her tremendously while the attention from the jealous spectators satisfied her egoistic need immensely.
Now that I've won these men's attention, I must be the most desirable woman in Miami.