Chapter 23
Chapter 23: Belinda’s smile stiffened momentarily. She caught sight of the couple in blue outfits, cheerfully mingling with friends and relatives off in the distance, leaving her momentarily at a loss for words about how to present herself. The last time she had seen Darren at Rozand, he had inquired about her relationship status. She had sensed an affection from him then. In an effort to gently reject his advances, she had fabricated a story about being married for three years to a devoted husband, convinced that the lie wouldn’t matter since they were unlikely to meet again. However, less than a fortnight had passed since their last encounter, and now she found herself unable to confess to Darren that she was actually Anthony’s granddaughter-in-law. “Belinda?”’ Darren’s voice pulled her from her reverie. He raised an eyebrow and shifted the topic with natural ease to Kristopher and Cathy. “Mr. Cox has just launched a new venture, C&M Jewels, stepping into the jewelry market. With the substantial support of the Cox Group, I’m confident that C&M Jewels will soon become a powerhouse in our field,”’ he explained, his voice carrying a hint of awe. Darren then continued with a light sigh, “As for last time at Rozand, when we were swapping dance partners, I had no idea those two came from such influential backgrounds. Had I known, I certainly wouldn’t have passed up the chance to make their acquaintance.”’ Hearing Darren’s words, Belinda pressed her lips together, lost in thought. Jewels? C referred to the Cox family, and M must mean the Miller family. He had named his jewelry business after Cathy, emphasizing her significance to him. Every tale finds a home at g’±¯lnÏν𒮒s”¤com “Belinda,”’ Darren called softly after a brief pause. He glanced at her, his expression earnest. “Do you think Mr. Cox will remember us if we go over and greet him now? Let’s try it out.”’ Before Belinda could protest, Darren took her by the wrist and began walking toward where Kristopher and Cathy stood. “You interacted with Mr. Cox more than””’ [Did last time. He’s likely to recall you.] Belinda’s frown deepened, and she said in a hushed tone, “I don’t want to go.”’ “You always were a bit reserved, even back in school,”’ Darren murmured, continuing to gently guide her forward. “But remember, in our business, it’s all about who you know.”’ The room buzzed with the chatter of the Cox family’s relatives and business associates, all too familiar with Belinda’s background. Wishing to avoid drawing any attention, she could only offer mild resistance, whispering, “Darren, I really don’t want to go”¦”’ “Kristopher.”’ From a distance, Cathy caught sight of Belinda, who was being led by Darren. Her face lit up with mischief as she grabbed Kristopher’s arm and gestured toward Belinda. “See that? It’s Belinda over there. The guy clinging to her, we met him at Rozand last time. Remember? I even danced with him.”’ Kristopher’s brow creased as he followed Cathy’s pointing finger. As his eyes locked onto Belinda, a flicker of surprise crossed his features. Belinda was usually the epitome of grace and elegance at these gatherings. Everything from her gown’s style and color to her meticulously applied makeup and tastefully chosen jewelry spoke of her refined status. But today was different. She wore a vibrant yellow dress with a daring cut, her chestnut hair cascading freely. Her appearance was both enticing and playful, capturing the attention of everyone around. When Kristopher’s gaze shifted to Darren, who had his hands on Belinda, his expression hardened all of a sudden. “Why did Belinda bring this man to Anthony’s birthday celebration?”’ Cathy pretended to ask innocently. Noticing the shift in Kristopher’s mood, she tilted her head up, stirring the pot further. “Kristopher, what’s going on between that man and Belinda?”’…