The evening shimmered with a vibrant scene; the anticipation of the upcoming celebration was evident in the grandeur of the hall. Guests mingled throughout the space—businessmen and women, nobles, and presidents—each recognizing the significance of the occasion.
Dressed to the nines, they aimed to impress while maintaining authority.
With wine glasses partially filled, they engaged in conversations with each other. Among the guests, Amell Bliss laughed heartily during a discussion.
The evening was a prestigious business gala, bustling with influential and distinguished figures from the industry, all engaged in discussions with one another.
In the midst of a conversation, Evans joined in, and together, they left a notable impression on the business associate they were speaking with.
Riley, adorned in a bespoke vintage blue dress, clicked her heels as she moved about the room. She had been engaging in conversations with affluent bachelors and businessmen, but her primary focus that evening was on Tryson's presence.
Unfortunately for her, she couldn't catch a glimpse of Tryson anywhere.
Days had passed without Tryson speaking to her, and she was left pondering what the issue could be.
"Ma'am, you need to have a conversation with Minister Kelvin, your father wanted to re-" Anabelle, her personal assistant, attempted to remind her. However, she fell silent as soon as Riley directed a piercing look her way.
"Are you kidding, Ana? You really think I should talk to some old crone just because my father insisted? I need to see Tryson, and you want me to meet that man?" Riley's harsh words made Ana drop her gaze slightly.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I shouldn't have mentioned that," she apologized.
"You know what, why don't you find something productive to do? It looks like you have no work right now. I'll take care of myself, so you can just step away," Riley responded curtly.
Ana was reluctant to proceed, aware that it might jeopardize her job, but after a moment's hesitation, she nodded and exited Riley's view.
Riley, initially sporting a frown, quickly changed her expression and walked over to Evans, who was in conversation with a few colleagues.
"Mother," Riley called out calmly, drawing Evans' attention towards her.
Evans quickly excused herself and embraced Riley warmly.
"Oh, my dear," Evans murmured gently as she let go.
"How have you been, dear? It's been a while since I've seen you," Evans remarked, prompting a broad smile from Riley.
"It's certainly been quite a bit. However, I haven't seen Tryson in some time, and I figured I might find him here."
Evans was just about to say something when Amell approached the women, cutting into their discussion.
"What's the latest discussion about?" he asked casually, drawing their attention, and Riley smiled warmly when she noticed him.
"Hi," Riley greeted Amell, a smile on his lips.
"It's a pleasure to see you again after such a long time," Amell replied, his tone cool yet free of animosity.
Riley merely nodded, appearing to offer her the same distant attention that Tryson did.
"Well, Sir—" Riley started to say, but the room was filled with murmurs, leaving noticeable pauses that made the trio turn to see what was causing the commotion.
As Riley glanced towards the source of the disturbance with a deep frown, she seemed annoyed, watching Tryson and Angel make their way through the crowd, their hands clasped together.
Riley clenched her jaw, overwhelmed by anger. She couldn't fathom that the man she had been longing for was with someone else.
Yet, she remembered that Evans could handle the situation; after all, their family had always wanted her.
"Mother—" Riley began in a gentle tone, on the verge of voicing her complaint.
However, her words were abruptly halted as she observed Evans stride confidently toward Tryson.
In a moment filled with unexpected anticipation, Riley watched in awe as Evans extended a warm embrace to Angel, catching her completely off guard.
She found herself at a loss for words, overwhelmed by a sense of disbelief regarding the events that might have been unfolding.
She had learned that Angel had been sent away from the house, which brought her a sense of satisfaction.
This was because it meant she had effectively managed to fend off the woman who had attempted to steal her man.
However, she found herself puzzled by the situation.
How could she truly celebrate this victory when the only individual with the authority to expel Angel seemed to be welcoming her instead?
Furthermore, what has been occurring recently?
She wanted the family to remove Angel from their lives, but seeing this as if it were a family reunion made her blood boil.
She had been entirely advantageous to their family, as she came from the same social class as they did.
A struggling individual who had almost nothing and couldn't even compare to what she possessed, what options did she have?
To begin with, Tryson had been aloof lately, constantly occupied with his job and then his family. Even though they were courteous to her, she sensed that something was amiss.
At any cost, she had to uncover the truth.
In the next moment, she couldn't even get close to Amell as he advanced toward the couple who were conversing with Evans, as if nothing unusual was occurring.
Her jaw tightened, her fist clenched firmly, and she stamped her foot in their direction.
"Tryson, you made it," she exclaimed joyfully, clutching his arm and feigning ignorance of Angel standing next to him.
"Listen, Tryson, I was waiting for you the entire time. You really worried me; I feared something might have happened," Riley expressed with concern.
"There's actually someone I want to introduce you to, Riley," Tryson replied smoothly.
He gently took her hand from his arm and softly released it.
Riley was astonished.
What was going on?
"This is Angel Johnson, and she's my fiancée," Tryson stated, his expression unwavering.
Riley gaped in shock, her lips parting slightly as she struggled to process his words, then she stammered, "Your fiancée?"