Chapter 89
James fell silent for a moment, then looked at me: "Even though that's the case, it's easier to attract gossip if you come with me."
"Just let her go with you." I interrupted him, my voice calm.
James and Amelia both looked at me.
A flash of surprise crossed Amelia's eyes, followed by anger, but she quickly suppressed it and forced a smile: "Sophia, do you really not want to go?"
"But... this kind of computer circle gathering, you haven't really been exposed to it before. Won't you find it boring? Besides, Mr. Schmidt has a bit of an odd temper and doesn't really like outsiders coming..."
"Do I need your approval to go or not?" I looked at her, my tone cold. "James just said I'm his wife. It's legitimate for me to accompany him to a private banquet. As for whether I understand computers..."
I paused, meeting James's scrutinizing gaze: "I'm learning about computers. Although my level isn't high, I'm not completely clueless either, and I won't embarrass the Smith family."
That was actually true.
James looked at me, seeming to consider whether to take me along.
Amelia panicked. She stepped forward and gently tugged at James's sleeve, pleading: "James, that's not what I meant... I'm just worried Sophia won't adapt to that kind of occasion. Besides, Mr. Schmidt isn't inviting many people this time - they're all insiders in the computer field. If you suddenly bring an extra person, I'm afraid Mr. Schmidt will think we're being rude..."
"One invitation can include one companion," James spoke, his voice emotionless. He pulled back the sleeve Amelia was holding and looked at me. "Go change. We leave in an hour."
"James!" Amelia's face went pale.
James didn't look at her again and turned to walk toward the study.
"I said I'm not going. Figure it out yourself." I was unusually firm.
Amelia stood there. The look in her eyes as she stared at me was like poison.
After a long while, she finally squeezed out through gritted teeth: "Sophia, you're quite self-aware. That kind of occasion isn't for you anyway. Better not go and make a fool of yourself and embarrass the Smith family."
"You should worry about yourself." I smiled and turned to go upstairs.
That kind of party where you can't even eat your fill - whoever wants to go can go. I'm not going anywhere.
To avoid going with him, I left the Smith Mansion directly, so he couldn't catch me.
But halfway there, someone sent me a message.
I opened it and saw messages from Andrew and Alfonso.
Andrew said he was invited to Alfonso's 60th birthday banquet, but he was temporarily unavailable and wanted me to go in his place.
The other message was from Alfonso, inviting me to his birthday banquet.
If Andrew asked me to go, I had to go.
An hour later, I randomly bought a dress outside and changed into it.
I wore a simple black mermaid dress, put my hair up, applied light makeup, and headed to Alfonso's birthday party.
When I arrived, a waiter led me into the villa.
The banquet hall was decorated in an antique style. Unlike typical lavish and noisy business receptions, it felt more like a private, elegant gathering.
There weren't many people there, mostly dignified, important figures. They gathered in small groups, chatting, with topics mostly revolving around computers, algorithms, and the latest industry trends.
As soon as I entered the banquet hall, I headed straight for the dessert buffet area.
It wasn't that I loved eating - mainly because I was representing Andrew, so people would inevitably want to drink with me later. I needed to eat something first, otherwise the alcohol would upset my stomach.
While I was sitting on the sofa eating, I felt two very intense gazes.
James saw me. His eyes lingered on me for a moment. He wanted to come find me, but was held back by someone, and he quickly looked away.
Amelia wore a champagne-colored floor-length gown with exquisite jewelry and bright makeup. You could tell she had dressed up carefully.
Seeing my plain outfit, contempt flickered in her eyes.
Amelia worked hard to maintain a proper smile. Her gaze searched through the crowd, and soon her eyes lit up. She pulled James toward an elderly man in a suit who looked vigorous and spirited.
"Mr. Schmidt!" Her voice was sweet and crisp, with just the right amount of respect and familiarity.
Alfonso turned at the sound. Seeing Amelia, his stern face showed a gentle smile: "It's Amelia, you came."
"Mr. Schmidt, happy birthday." Amelia presented a prepared gift - a vintage-style watch. "I know you like collecting watches. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."
"How thoughtful of you." Alfonso accepted it and nodded, then looked at James: "And this is?"
"Mr. Schmidt, this is James, the president of the Smith Group, and also my..." Amelia introduced, "He has admired you for a long time and came specially to attend your birthday banquet today."
James stepped forward with a respectful attitude: "Mr. Schmidt, I've heard so much about you. Happy birthday."
Alfonso looked James over and nodded slightly: "The Smith Group, I've heard of it. Mr. Smith is also young and accomplished."
His gaze then fell on me.
Amelia quickly said, "This is Sophia, she's... she's James's wife."
She deliberately emphasized "wife," then added as if casually, "Sophia doesn't know much about computers. She's just here today to join in the fun."
Hearing this, Alfonso's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. His gaze toward me cooled somewhat. He only nodded politely before turning back to continue talking with James. Their conversation naturally revolved around his need to find computer experts.
I stood to the side, clearly feeling myself excluded from their exchange.
Amelia stood beside Alfonso. She occasionally said a few words - though not very deep, she could at least join in on some basic topics, appearing quite "studious," which led Alfonso to praise her a couple more times for having "talent and being willing to work hard."
A triumphant smile appeared on her face. She secretly glanced at me, full of provocation.
I shook my head, ignoring her childish behavior.
James was focused on conversing with Alfonso and didn't notice my side.
I held my wine glass and walked to the buffet table nearby, quietly enjoying my leisure time.
"Amelia, I came to play with you."
I turned and saw several fashionably dressed young people gather around Amelia; they seemed to know her quite well.
"Amelia, you're here! Come upstairs with me!" A girl in a pink dress pulled Amelia's hand.
Amelia said apologetically, "I just arrived and was talking with Mr. Schmidt the whole time. I really didn't see you. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, you didn't do it on purpose." The girl wasn't angry at all and comforted Amelia instead.
Amelia smiled: "You trust me that much?"
The girl nodded: "Yes, you would risk your own life to save a stranger. You must be a good person, and good people don't lie."
They smiled at each other.
The girl covered her mouth, laughing while looking left and right, scanning all around: "Didn't you say you'd bring your boyfriend? Where is he?"