Chapter 353: Chapter 251: Who Are You Calling? 3
Vivian Yates furrowed her brows, her gaze deep and dark as she stared at Leona Grant.
He wore a perfectly ironed, handmade Italian suit, his figure tall and straight.
From her angle, she had a perfect view of Leona Grant’s face.
He pursed his lips, his gaze lingering fondly on the spot where Annabelle Linton had disappeared. His cold features were chiseled and deep. Bathed in the sunlight, he seemed to radiate a noble aura, looking even more perfect, handsome, and regal than usual—so handsome he seemed unreal, like a figure in a painting.
This was the man she had loved for over twenty years, yet he had ended up as Annabelle Linton’s husband and had fallen in love with her.
’I hate this! I won’t accept it!’
’But what’s the use?’
Vivian Yates gazed obsessively at Leona Grant, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes. But then she remembered the words of the person she was collaborating with over the phone, and her fists clenched.
She grit her teeth and said in a suppressed tone, "No. It’s the patriarch’s birthday banquet today; we should lay low. Annabelle Linton isn’t the same person she used to be. To deal with her now, we need a long-term plan, or the losses will outweigh the gains."
"We’re just going to let her be?" Mrs. Yates asked, unwilling to accept it.
Vivian Yates whipped her head toward her mother and said sternly, "Mom, I’m seriously warning you, do not act rashly. Leona’s opinion of me has already changed, and I can’t let him hate me any more. I know what I’m doing, so don’t ruin my plans. Do you hear me?!"
"But..."
"Do you hear me?!"
"Ah, yes, I hear you, I hear you. Goodness."
Mrs. Yates replied irritably, her gaze shifting to where Annabelle Linton had disappeared, a trace of calculation and disgust lingering in her eyes.
...
Evening fell in the blink of an eye.
Night had fallen. All the dazzling crystal chandeliers in the grand hall were lit, making the scene even more extravagant.
The Grant family was a prestigious and influential clan. A seventieth birthday banquet was a once-in-a-lifetime event, so a grand celebration was a must.
If Annabelle Linton remembered correctly, the patriarch’s birthday banquet would last for three days and three nights.
This was partly for the sake of grandeur, and partly to give all the well-wishers ample time to attend, as one day would certainly not be enough for everyone.
In her previous life, when she was the Grant family’s daughter-in-law, she had been busy helping out for all three days. But not this time.
In any case, she had already seen the patriarch, so there was no need to stay here the whole time.
She was among the first batch of guests, which meant she could leave around midnight tonight.
Annabelle Linton sat in a corner, her eyes lowered as she called Aaron Wyatt. The call still didn’t connect.
She frowned in confusion. ’He normally picks up as soon as the phone rings. I have no idea what he’s doing today.’
After several failed attempts, she gave up and put her phone away, deciding to take a stroll outside.
But just as she stood up, she bumped into a maid carrying a tray of red wine.
Disaster was unavoidable. The entire tray of red wine spilled onto her snow-white gown.
The maid recognized Annabelle Linton; she was a servant of the Grant family.
The maid gasped and hurriedly began to wipe the stain while apologizing, "I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, Miss Linton! I didn’t do it on purpose. Please don’t blame me."
Annabelle Linton frowned, looking at the wine stain on her gown. It was incredibly obvious.
She sighed helplessly and started walking toward the lounge area on the other side. "I’ll wait for you in a lounge over there. Go get me another gown."
"Yes, of course! Thank you for not blaming me, Miss Linton. I’ll go get one for you right away."
The maid ran a few steps before turning back. "But I don’t know which room you’ll be in."
Annabelle had no choice but to give the maid her phone number, telling her to call once she found a lounge.
The maid agreed and ran off.
Annabelle found an empty lounge and called the maid.
Then she went into the bathroom, wiped herself down, took off the soiled gown, and wrapped herself in a bath towel.
But as soon as she opened the door, she saw a man sitting on the sofa, shirtless, staring at her with a lecherous expression.
