Chapter 55

Evelyn smiled faintly, almost teasingly saying, "If you ask me, she's just being foolish. A simple massager could solve the problem. Giving up billions in family fortune for this man—whether it works or not, it's all the same." Winnie said, "Evelyn, are you implying that Henry has performance issues?" Henry was also a second-generation rich kid, younger than Evelyn, and they were already engaged. Evelyn gave her a light slap and hissed, "Stop talking nonsense." Winnie handed the phone back to Evelyn. "You know how the gossip reporters are, and his ex wouldn't be that stupid to come out and say these things. Doesn't she know she'd be making an enemy of him?" She was speaking very logically. "He loves her," Evelyn responded. "Didn't you read the article? It says he lost the love of his life. She's loved, so she doesn't fear offending him." Winnie fell silent for a moment. She quietly reflected on those words and suddenly understood. Loved, so not afraid to offend. Those who knew what was right were the ones who weren't loved. Ruby had taught her from a young age to know what was appropriate and to read the room, because Ruby had never been loved by fate. "You're right," Winnie looked up and smiled at Evelyn. "But as for his issues... no one in the industry has ever heard of them." "Forget it. Last time, you couldn't even recognize a person, and you were talking about the industry. I thought you were more familiar with high society," Evelyn sneered. "I mean, someone in his position, in his thirties, and still no gossip about him with young models? There's no way it's because he's pure and virtuous—it's gotta be because he's sick." Winnie let out a deep sigh. "Alright, this is actually better." "What?" Evelyn didn't understand. Winnie thought to herself, he really meant what he said last night—he wouldn't do anything to her. It was literally true. It seemed like this 100-million deal was even more secure now. The afternoon tea hosted by the event organizers was taking forever to start, and Winnie was starving, so she decided to push open the door to the break room and ask the hotel to prepare some food. This was a very well-known top-tier business hotel, popular not only as a travel and event venue for successful people but also as a popular choice for wedding receptions due to the quality of its restaurants and the grand banquet hall. Winnie, wearing her mask, decided to sneak to the executive corridor via the elevator to grab a snack. In the elevator with her on the fifth floor were a young couple. Their companion, dressed in a uniform with a name tag on his chest, seemed to be the hotel's client manager. "The banquet hall on the fifth floor is our largest. It can accommodate up to two hundred tables. I'll take you both to the executive corridor to have a look. If you're thinking of having a tea break, the view and atmosphere there are fantastic," the hotel manager explained. "Sounds good. What do you think?" The woman in the couple asked. She was very thin, maybe only about 90 pounds, but she didn't seem frail at all. In fact, she looked healthy and capable. Her skin was a rich, healthy shade, her long black hair parted in the middle. When she spoke, her bare face was lit up with a smile, giving off a tropical sunshine vibe. Her eyes were incredibly dark and bright. In short, she was a woman with a very straightforward and healthy image. Winnie wasn't particularly interested in observing others, but the elevator doors were too shiny, and everyone was exposed. After waiting for a few seconds, the elevator finally arrived, and all four of them entered. The client manager pressed the 23rd floor button and then asked, "Which floor would you like to go to?" Winnie didn't speak but simply nodded her head, indicating that she was going to the 23rd floor as well. The client manager glanced at her a few more times. She was dressed understatedly— a black knit sweater hung loosely on her slender shoulders, while her tight jeans accentuated her long legs. She exuded a cold, aloof aura that made people keep their distance. The elevator ascended quickly, bringing a slight feeling of pressure and dizziness. The moment the door opened, Winnie thought she was hallucinating. The man who had just been gossiped about by Evelyn for having "performance issues" was now walking out of the elevator directly across from hers. He was still dressed in a suit, holding his phone to his ear, walking with long strides, but not in a hurry. What was different this time was that a deep blue guest badge was hanging from his collar. It seemed to be for a very important event because the badge was meticulously crafted. The strap was wide and tightly woven, with a bronze-colored metal clasp at the bottom, holding the ID. It wasn't a transparent card holder but a textured acrylic one, with the guest's name and title clearly printed on it. Special Guest Van Executive Director of Marlowe Group Vice Chairman of the Summit He truly exuded an air of dignified elegance. Even something as ordinary as this ID badge was neatly tucked under his shirt collar, complementing his dark tie. Winnie froze for a moment. Their elevator doors had just opened, and Van, engrossed in his phone call, hadn't noticed them yet. As she debated whether to greet him, she heard someone next to her call, "Van." Everyone's footsteps stopped in unison. The elevator doors slowly closed behind Winnie, descending heavily. Winnie saw no way to evade the gaze Van had just directed at her. The hotel manager, unaware of the situation, smiled and asked, "Meeting a familiar face?" "Yes." Ada nodded toward Van, then looked up at her fiancé, smiling. "He was a classmate of mine back in the UK." Her fiancé had clearly already read the details on Van's badge. Without saying more, just the words "Marlowe" and "Director" were enough to cause a visible change in his expression. He pulled his hand out of his pocket, straightened up from his relaxed posture, and even subtly straightened his back. His business was only at the level where he could interact with department vice presidents of Marlowe Group. An old classmate reunion – what did it have to do with Winnie? She steeled herself, hoping Van hadn't recognized her. Her hope was in vain. Van ended the call, then coldly ordered, "Wait."