Chapter 1222
A shadow crossed lan’s eyes. His long fingers typed a reply. “Okay, leave it to me. Make sure you get some rest. Don’t overwork yourself p>
Eleanor didn’t write back. Ian put his phone away and walked over to Henry, who was talking with guests, and clapped him on the shoulder.
Henry turned to him. In a steady voice, lan relayed Eleanor’s message. “She asked me to congratulate you and Miss Quigley. She couldn’t make it in person p>
Henry smiled in understanding. “It’s fine. Her research is too important to be delayed. We can get together after she’s done with this busy period p>
lan nodded. “I’ll let her know p>
Just then, another group of guests arrived from the elevator bank. Ian and Henry instinctively looked up and saw Walden Wells walking in with a stunningly dressed Vanessa on his arm.
Vanessa’s crimson sequined mermaid gown was indeed eye-catching under the lights. She held tightly to Walden Wells’s arm, but her expression froze for a few seconds when she saw the two men greeting guests at the entrance.
She hadn’t expected to run into lan and Henry right away.
These two men, who had once held such important places in her life, were now standing side by side.
One was cool and distinguished, the other handsome and beaming with joy. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.
Although neither man would ever belong to her again, the bitterness she had forcefully suppressed began to bubble up uncontrollably.
Vanessa took a deep breath, maintaining an elegant and appropriate smile as she pushed her roiling emotions back down. She couldn’t lose her composure,
especially not in front of lan and Henry.
Walden Wells chuckled and stepped forward to congratulate Henry. “Henry, congratulations! I hear the bride is absolutely beautiful p>
“Mr. Wells, please, come in. I hope you’ll forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality,” Henry said, maintaining a polite smile while completely ignoring the woman at Walden’s side.
Walden chuckled again, then turned his attention to lan as if just noticing him. With a feigned familiarity laced with condescension he clapped fan on the shoulder. “Mr. Goodwin, the position of Chairman of the Guild of Commerce isn’t an easy one. Take it easy, don’t wear yourself out p>
The words sounded like advice from an elder, but the slight disdain and insinuation
in his tone made it clear he doubted lan’s ability to handle the role.
lan’s expression remained unchanged, not even a flicker in kis eyes. He gave Walden a faint glance “You don’t need to concern yourself, Mr. Wells. I’m perfectly capable of managing the Guild’s affairs p>
Walden, ever the seasoned businessman, just laughed. “Good, good.” Vanessa’s gaze was uncontrollably fixed on lan’s handsome face.
Despite her heart being full of resentment and bitterness, she had to admit that lan was the most breathtaking man she had ever met. The white hair didn’t detract from his charm; instead, it added a unique quality other men lacked, making his features seem even more sharp and captivating.
This was a charm not built on money or power, but one that radiated from his very being.
She knew she would never forget the shock of seeing him for the first time, how she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, willing to use her own blood, her very life, to capture his attention.
But now, as she stood before him, his eyes didn’t linger on her for even a second. That complete indifference hurt more than any hatred ever could.
She knew the real reason for her meticulous preparation today wasn’t to be Walden Wells’s arm candy, but for him. She would have been satisfied with even a flicker of emotion in his eyes.