Chapter 183
Victoria and Curtis both noticed that the hotel was on high alert, with security stationed every few paces along the walls. There weren’t any idle guests wandering about the only people inside were the elite business leaders personally invited by Stein.
As they ascended to the Grand Magnolia Banquet Hall, Victoria took in the enormous dining table, crowned with a lavish floral centerpiece. By a rough count, nearly thirty people were attending the luncheon.
Violet arrived arm-in-arm with McNeil. Simms and Yulia soon followed.
When the group saw Victoria had turned up as well, everyone-except for McNeil -couldn’t hide their surprise.
“Looks like Mr. Garcia is really invested in Victoria,” Yulia remarked, her tone edged with a faint, awkward smile.
Violet leaned toward McNeil and whispered, “Why don’t we take those seats over there?” She nodded toward a spot away from Curtis and Victoria.
Victoria chose a seat at random, and Curtis immediately sat down beside her.
McNeil, however, didn’t intend to sit too far away. Instead, he made his way toward Curtis, with Violet hurrying after him.
Scott, who had been clinging to Curtis all afternoon, realized there were no seats left next to him. Sitting beside Victoria was out of the question-he was here for Curtis, after all. How was he supposed to chat if Victoria was in the way? Spotting the steely look on McNeil’s face, Scott knew better than to make trouble. He quietly found himself another seat.
As Violet passed by Victoria, she made sure to speak loudly enough for her to hear. “This really isn’t the place for you. Didn’t you know the host arranged the guest list down to the last person? Don’t blame me if you get asked to leave later it won’t be a pretty sight.”
Victoria didn’t reply. She calmly picked up her water glass and took a sip.
Seeing her indifference, Violet decided not to waste any more energy. If Victoria insisted on humiliating herself by showing up uninvited, so be it.
Violet settled in beside McNeil, who poured her some tea. She took a small sip, then glanced again at Victoria, her lips barely curled into a cool, almost imperceptible smile.
Most of the guests were prominent figures from Starfall City’s high society. Over the past few months, McNeil had brought Victoria to countless events-many people were now familiar with Violet, having crossed paths with her frequently.
There was still a buzz about Quantum Core Technologies’ latest game launch, especially among those who knew Violet had written the code herself. More than a few guests took the opportunity to strike up conversation with her.
After a quick glance at McNeil-and with his nod of approval-Violet excused herself to chat with those curious about her work.
Yulia couldn’t conceal her delight at Violet’s popularity. “When I first met her, I had no idea she was not only a straight-A student and a racing enthusiast, but also a brilliant programmer. Turns out she’s got quite the knack for business, too.”
After singing Violet’s praises, Yulia turned to McNeil and thanked him. “McNeil, Violet wouldn’t be where she is today without your guidance. Please keep looking out for her.”
McNeil stayed silent, but the warmth in his expression was answer enough.
Simms, meanwhile, looked more satisfied than anyone. Watching Violet thrive in the business world and seeing her steady relationship with McNeil put him at ease —at least she was far more promising than his own unreliable daughter.
“I really don’t get why Victoria insists on crashing these important events,” Simms muttered, keeping his voice low. “Is she here to spy on Violet and McNeil? Doesn’t she feel out of place, with no one paying her any mind?”
Yulia, always irked by Victoria’s presence, rolled her eyes. Simms continued, “She knows nothing about business, and I doubt this Garcia fellow is interested in her for anything beyond her looks. As for spying-please. If she couldn’t keep her own husband in six years, what hope does she have here? Don’t waste your energy worrying.”
Victoria’s behavior today reminded Simms of Edith, his late wife. Back in the day, Edith insisted on tagging along to all his business functions, even though she was hopelessly out of her depth and often caused awkward scenes. It had always annoyed him.
Yulia, on the other hand, was his lucky charm-socially savvy, never a source of embarrassment, always smoothing things over and helping him out of tight spots.
With Simms’ reassurance, Yulia let the matter drop.
Once all the guests had taken their seats, everyone quickly found their circle of conversation. Violet returned to her spot. Only a few seats at the grand table remained: the place of honor reserved for Stein, the seat beside him for the host, and one empty spot next to Victoria.
Since Victoria was a stranger to most, nobody wanted to sit by her. Coincidentally, one guest hadn’t shown up, leaving an extra vacant chair.
Victoria didn’t mind. She was only here to meet Stein over lunch, then she’d be on her way.
Just then, a stir at the entrance signaled the arrival of Mr. Campbell. Out of respect, everyone stood up.
With the host at his side, Stein entered the banquet hall. As the host gestured toward the head of the table, Stein’s gaze swept the room. To everyone’s surprise, he walked over and took the seat right beside Victoria-making his choice clear for all to see.