The Winters family was one of the most established and respected wealthy families in Knoxwell. Though their influence had waned somewhat over the years, they still commanded the respect of politicians and businessmen. The golden wedding banquet held by the family was a grand event, drawing many prominent figures from high society, making it an occasion brimming with excitement and glamour.
The car pulled up to the Winters' manor, and Cassius got out first, his presence immediately drawing attention. Lia, standing beside him, scanned the crowd, hoping to avoid any encounters with members of the Valen family.
Cassius noticed her discomfort and slightly bent his arm. Lia glanced at him before instinctively taking his arm.
"Remember, you're my girlfriend now," he reminded her softly.
"Yes, Mr. Cassius," Lia replied, nodding in agreement.
Cassius frowned slightly. "My name?" he asked, a hint of displeasure in his voice.
"Sorry, Cassius," Lia corrected herself. She had gotten used to calling him Mr. Cassius, thinking of their relationship as more formal and distant. She stuck her tongue out playfully, unaware that Cassius had caught the movement out of the corner of his eye. A small smile tugged at his lips.
As the heir to the Ravencroft family, Cassius was a well-known figure in the political and business circles. His reputation had earned him respect, and he was often the subject of flattery wherever he went. His sudden appearance at the Winters' event only heightened his mystique.
"Cassius, it's been a long time. You're looking better than ever," Benjamin, the host of the golden wedding, greeted him warmly.
"Uncle Benjamin, you're too modest," Cassius replied with a polite smile.
Benjamin's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and with a knowing smile, he asked, "Cassius, who is this?"
The people attending the golden wedding banquet were either couples or lovers, so it was immediately clear that Cassius wasn't here alone. However, Benjamin wanted to be sure.
"This is Lia. She's my girlfriend," Cassius said affectionately, pulling Lia closer to him.
"Oh, a talented man and a beautiful woman. A perfect match," Benjamin remarked, though the words carried a trace of disappointment. He had been hoping to pair Cassius with his granddaughter, but now it seemed his plans had already been thwarted.
Cassius, understanding Benjamin's thoughts, nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle." He then looked at Lia and squeezed her hand gently. "Lia, this is Uncle Benjamin."
Lia gave a polite greeting. "Uncle Benjamin, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Lia."
Benjamin regarded her for a moment, trying to place her. "Lia… lovely name," he said with a smile, though inwardly, he was puzzled. He couldn't quite place which family she might belong to.
After a few more pleasantries, he led Lia to a VIP seat, away from the main crowd of important guests. He didn't engage in the ongoing discussions with the other elites, instead choosing to focus on Lia.
Lia, feeling a little out of place, glanced at him. "Cassius, you don't have to stay with me the whole time," she said, a little uncomfortable with all the attention on them.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't want to deal with them either. It has nothing to do with you." Lia nodded, a little relieved.
"But..." he added, giving her waist a slight but deliberate squeeze.
Lia looked up, puzzled. "What?"
"You're too dazzling," he said, his voice low, almost possessive. "I can't let others covet you."
Lia's lips pressed into a thin line, unsure how to respond. He was the one who was dazzling, not her. If she weren't standing by his side, she would hardly be attracting any attention.
Thankfully, the event was private, not open to the press. Otherwise, she could already imagine the gossip headlines the next day.
Just then, a man approached them. "Mr. Cassius, hello, I'm—"
Lia listened quietly as Cassius conversed with the newcomer. Her role was mainly to listen, offering an occasional response when prompted. She knew she was part of the spectacle, but it felt like the world was revolving around him.
Cassius was certainly a figure to be reckoned with. His first appearance back was at this golden wedding banquet, and naturally, his presence raised eyebrows. Given his status and achievements, it was easy for the rumors to spread about his motivations for attending.
After dismissing another guest, Cassius turned to Lia, offering her a small plate of dessert. "Eat something to fill your stomach," he said with a smile.
Lia looked up at him, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you."
He was always so considerate, not just focusing on his own needs, but also taking care of her comfort in these overwhelming surroundings. She could tell he was looking out for her.
"You seem nervous," he observed, noticing how her hands trembled slightly as she took a bite.
"A little," she admitted.
All around them, people whispered, guessing what the two might be talking about. They were an undeniably attractive couple, and their every move was scrutinized by those around them.
Cassius, having taken over the Ravencroft family business after finishing college, had quickly made a name for himself. While many had expected him to simply coast by on his family's wealth, he had proven himself to be more than capable. He expanded the family's international enterprises rapidly, and his return to Knoxwell last month marked a new chapter in his career. No one dared underestimate him.
In the business world, he was known for his decisiveness and ruthlessness, and his personal life was devoid of scandals. The fact that he had brought a woman with him to this event only fueled curiosity, and everyone couldn't help but speculate.
Lia soon realized that Cassius had brought her to the banquet as a clear statement. His presence had already drawn the attention of many powerful families, who were eager to introduce their daughters or granddaughters to him. But Cassius rejected every offer, one by one, causing even more whispers.
Lia couldn't help but think that Cassius was perhaps one of the rare men in their world who still valued family and commitment, something she didn't see often in the upper echelons of society, where everything was driven by power and interest.
"I'll go to the bathroom for a bit," Lia said, breaking the silence between them.
Cassius's expression softened, and he pinched her waist lightly. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"It's fine. I'll be back soon," she said hurriedly, not wanting to draw any more attention to their relationship than necessary.
Cassius knew she was uncomfortable with the idea of him accompanying her, so he didn't press her further. "Be careful," he said, his voice warm but firm.
As Lia stood to leave, Cassius's eyes followed her slender figure as she walked away, blending into the crowd.
In the bathroom, a group of women were touching up their makeup and chatting amongst themselves.
"Did you see? Cassius, who just came back, actually brought a woman with him," one of the women, dressed in a silver-white gown, remarked with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't even get me started. That woman has taken all the attention for herself. Everyone is looking at her, not us," another woman chimed in, frustration lacing her voice.
As with any event where wealthy women gathered, rivalries and envy were never far behind. Everyone had dressed to impress, but here they were, all competing for attention—only to find that someone else was the center of it all. They couldn't help but feel a mix of irritation and jealousy as they watched Lia, the uninvited star of the evening, garner all the attention.