Chapter 30: The Return Of The Ex-Girlfriend

But hadn't he explicitly stated that he would be attending with his woman, Sophia Harrison? Could something unexpected have happened?

Vivian wasn't the only one puzzled, the charity event's organizer was curious too.

During his brief exchange with Ethan, the organizer inquired, "Mr. Benton, you didn't bring a companion tonight?"

Ethan shot the organizer a look as icy as a winter's gale, his tone as cold as glacial ice, "So, I can't get in without a date?"

"No, no, not at all! I didn't mean that!" The organizer was taken aback by Mr. Benton's unexpected rage, apologizing profusely in his surprise.

Just as Ethan turned away with a stormy face, Nathaniel had finished his small talk and returned to Vivian's side.

He gestured towards Ethan's retreating figure and said to Vivian, "Did you see that man? That's Ethan, the current CEO of the Benton Group. It's quite astonishing. He woke up from a coma, and now he's incredibly fit and handsome. I bet he's the dream guy for countless women in Amorita."

"Really?" Vivian smirked, "But don't forget, he's already married."

"Oh, right. But with the foolish girl from the Swain family, I doubt their marriage would last long. I think many people share my view. Look, he didn't even bring his wife to this event.

"I heard that the chairman of the foundation had personally invited him and his wife. After all, this charity gala is for the disabled, and if Ethan's wife had attended, it would have added more meanings to the event."

"So what?" Was it now public knowledge that he considered her foolish?

"I think he doesn't care about his wife. You know, he's been relentless in suppressing the Swain Group."

Vivian narrowed her eyes, "But if it were me, I wouldn't show any mercy either."

As they were talking, a lady in front of them tripped over her dress. Although she managed to stay upright, the entire glass of whiskey she was holding ended up spilling all over Vivian.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to do that," the woman quickly apologized with genuine remorse. "Let me accompany you to the lounge to clean up."

The woman hadn’t meant any harm and her apology had been sincere enough. With that, Vivian decided to let it go.

"No worries, I can handle it myself," she said.

"I really should escort you," the woman insisted, remorse clear in her voice. "My name is Alice Smith, and my father is the chairman organizing this charity event. As our guest, it's only right that I help you after such an incident. I have a spare dress if you need one, though I can’t guarantee it'll meet your tastes."

The woman was exceedingly polite, and out of social courtesy, Vivian introduced herself as well.

"I'm Vivian, but there's no need for a new dress. I can just dab it off somewhere. This dress doesn’t show water stains."

Seeing Vivian was determined, the woman didn't press further. "Alright, but please allow me to guide you."

Vivian nodded, "I appreciate it."

Just as they were about to head to the lounge, a sudden commotion at the banquet hall door caught their attention.

In an instant, it seemed as though every gaze was drawn there.

Even Vivian found herself involuntarily glancing in that direction.

With a single look, she spotted the center of attention in the crowd — Ethan.

And with him, a woman dressed elegantly, making her way towards him with a confident stride.

That woman, Vivian had already seen her picture more than twice. It was Sophia Harrison, Ethan's ex-girlfriend.