Chapter 597
“You’d need to be based in V Country full–time,” Caitlin explained. “At most you’d be able to come home for holidays. Things over there are still in heavy preparation stages, and it takes a lot of energy. It won’t be as easy as it sounds. The real question is whether your family would be okay with you living there long term.”
She had her own reasons for saying this. Sending Jillian to Departure City would also conveniently create opportunities for Hayden.
“No problem,” Jillian answered firmly. “When I studied abroad, I sometimes only came home once a year. As long as my brother supports me, my parents will too.”
She had made up her mind. It wasn’t just about pursuing her design career–she also wanted more chances to see Hayden. Their relationship had been stuck in a standstill, limited to chats online and over the phone. If they could meet face–to–face more often, maybe something real could develop.
“Then it’s settled,” Caitlin said. “When I head to Departure City next time, you’ll come with me to check things out.”
“Yes, absolutely!” Jillian said quickly.
Once Caitlin’s styling was finished, Wendy’s transformation was finally complete as well.
Caitlin looked at her friend, now elegant and radiant, and couldn’t help but smile. “Wendy, you look stunning.”
“Émile really worked his magic,” Jillian added. “It’s flawless!”
“Do I really look okay like this?” Wendy asked, almost not recognizing her own reflection. She was used to going without makeup, but tonight she looked like a different person.
“You look amazing,” Caitlin assured her. “You’ll turn heads, I promise. Let me help you pick a dress to match.”
She scanned the rack of gowns and pulled out a violet evening dress. “Try this one.”
When Wendy stepped out wearing it, the effect was breathtaking.
“Wow,” Jillian gasped. “That’s perfection!”
“Caitlin’s eye is impeccable,” Émile agreed.
Caitlin smiled with satisfaction. Tonight, Wendy was going to dazzle everyone.
“Wait here,” Caitlin told her. “I’ll send someone to escort you later. Jillian and I need to head to the ball first.”
“Alright,” Wendy nodded,
That evening, Cloudtop Resort shimmered like a jewel on the edge of the sea.
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The grand ballroom of the hotel was ablaze with light, packed with New York’s finest socialites and aristocrats.
Benjamin’s parents were busy welcoming guests,
while his maternal family, the Fowlers, were also in attendance. Madison arrived with members of the Xenos Family, and representatives from the Vanderbilts, Mitchells, Jacksons, Nguyens, and many other prominent families were present as well.
The young women in particular had gone all out, every dress dazzling, every smile calculated. They were all waiting eagerly for the Jones heir to appear.
Among the crowd was the Smith family. Wanda leaned close to whisper to her daughter. “Tonya, when Benjamin comes in, don’t you dare hesitate. Step forward boldly, make him notice you. Got it?”
“I will, Mom,” Tonya said with determination.
Her friend Sydney was on tiptoe, craning her neck. “I can’t wait to see what Benjamin looks like.”
“He’s supposed to be incredibly handsome,” Tonya replied. “Rich, too.”
Sydney grinned. “Then you’ve got to go for it. Imagine if he noticed you right away–you’d have to seize that chance!”
“I’ll try my best. You too. Let’s both go for it!”
But every girl there knew the competition tonight was fierce. Especially since Reese Nguyen had arrived with her parents. The Nguyens were close allies of the Jones family, and Benjamin’s parents were speaking warmly with them, clearly pleased with Reese.
To the outside world, Reese seemed like the perfect candidate for Benjamin’s future wife. But she herself knew the truth–Benjamin wanted nothing to do with her. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t catch his heart. Instead, he only seemed fixated on that plump girl from the Smith family. Reese couldn’t understand it. What did that girl have that she didn’t?
Just then, a ripple of excitement spread through the hall. Caitlin and Jillian had arrived, drawing countless
stares.
“That’s Caitlin! She’s here!”
“And the Mitchell family’s daughter with her!”
Caitlin’s outfit was almost startling in its simplicity–no jewelry, no ostentation. Yet her face was luminous, impossible to ignore. Standing next to the other women dripping in diamonds, she made them question whether they had overdressed.
She had long been whispered about as the “nightmare” of wealthy wives and daughters, a woman who could effortlessly steal the spotlight. But tonight, with rumors circulating that she and Sebastian were back together, most people assumed she wasn’t here to compete–just to attend quietly.
Still, even without trying, she drew attention. Beside her, Jillian shone in her own bright, polished way.
Caitlin greeted the Joneses, the Xenos family, and the Fowlers politely. When Reese spotted her, she deliberately turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge her. She
still hadn’t forgiven the humiliation
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Caitlin had made her endure.
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Madison, however, warmly took Caitlin’s hand and introduced her to her parents, who greeted Caitlin with genuine pleasure.
“Most of the guests are here. Where’s Benjamin? Why isn’t that boy out yet?” Benjamin’s father muttered impatiently.
As if on cue, the ballroom doors swung open.
A group of men strode in, Benjamin and Sebastian at the front, with Nolan, Yates, Felix, and Zeke close behind.
Six tall, striking men entered together, and the atmosphere exploded.
“Benjamin!”
“Oh my God, he’s gorgeous!”
“The one in the white suit–that has to be Benjamin. He’s unreal!”
“Yates is here too! Ahhh!”
“All six of them are so handsome they could debut as a boyband!”
Screams and squeals echoed through the hall. The women surged forward, desperate to catch a closer glimpse.
Tonya and Sydney elbowed their way through the crowd, eager to push ahead. But when they finally broke through the front line, they both lost their balance and tumbled straight to the floor–landing right at Benjamin’s feet.
Benjamin and the others were forced to halt, looking down from above at the two women sprawled on the ground.