Chapter 124 The Uninvited Guest
Chapter 124 The Uninvited Guest
Chloe's POV
I was still lost in the magazine cover when my phone started ringing.
On it, Stephanie's eyes were sharp and confident, nothing like the girl I remembered who used to follow me around, giggling about which guy was cute.
I felt like I never really knew her at all.
But the phone snapped me out of my thoughts. I didn't want to answer, but it kept ringing nonstop, so I finally picked it up.
It was Jessica.
"Chloe! Quick, check the Pack forum! Bennett is about to drop some huge news!"
Stephanie's POV
The Pritchett Pack party was set at the fanciest hotel in the city.
As night fell, luxury cars lined up at the hotel entrance. It was all glamour and chatter, with people clinking glasses and mingling.
Anthony and Elara were standing at the door with their darling daughter Chloe, smiling warmly as they greeted the guests.
Chloe was wearing a champagne-colored strapless gown tonight, showing off her stunning figure perfectly.
With her arm linked through her father's, she flashed a sweet, polite smile at every guest. Her every move hinted at the future lady of the Pack.
But I knew her gossipy heart was probably already miles away.
Sure enough, the moment her parents were busy chatting, she whipped out her phone and sent me a private message.
Chloe: [Hurry over! I've already spotted three top-tier Alphas here. All over 6 feet tall, and I'm guessing their net worth starts at nine figures! If you don't come soon, those two-faced girls will snatch them all!]
I couldn't help but smile helplessly at her message.
This girl, some things never change.
Just then, the Bentley I was in glided silently to the hotel entrance.
The door opened.
I stepped out in a starry blue custom Elie Saab gown, slowly making my way down. The skirt was adorned with countless tiny diamonds that sparkled under the lights, as if I had draped an entire galaxy over myself.
On my feet were silver Christian Louboutin heels, the crystals on them echoing the shimmer of my dress.
The moment I appeared, the noisy atmosphere at the entrance fell silent.
All eyes turned to me at once.
Karon had gotten out halfway to handle a last-minute 2-billion-dollar deal, or I'm sure our entrance together would've been even more jaw-dropping.
At that moment, Chloe's pretty eyes widened in shock. She even forgot the guest she was talking to, lifted her skirt, and rushed toward me.
"Oh my God, Stephanie!" She circled around me, letting out an exaggerated gasp.
"You look absolutely stunning! I bet no one can outshine you!"
As she spoke, she dramatically clutched her chest and turned to a nearby photographer snapping pictures. "Hey, take a few more shots! Tomorrow's front page is all about my bestie's face!"
Her over-the-top reaction made me laugh.
I walked over to Anthony and Elara, offering my sincerest congratulations.
Then, I handed over a small velvet box.
"Just a little something, nothing much."
Elara took the box gracefully, her eyes full of curiosity.
When she opened it, her well-maintained face showed pure shock.
Inside was a pair of cufflinks carved from imperial green jade, flawless and crystal-clear, obviously worth a fortune.
But what truly stunned her was the iris flower mark embroidered in gold thread on them.
It was the signature of her favorite designer, and the idol my mother Isabelle admired most in her youth—Zoey's handmade work.
Zoey had retired years ago, and her pieces were now rare treasures at auctions, priceless and impossible to find.
"This… this is too much…" Elara's voice trembled slightly, almost unnoticeable.
"As long as you like it, that's all that matters."
I smiled, my gaze shifting to the elegant cheongsam Elara was wearing.
"Madam, that cheongsam looks beautiful on you today."
My compliment made Elara's smile even brighter.
Anthony burst into hearty laughter.
"Stephanie, you've got a way with words!" He looked at me with undisguised admiration. "If Chloe had half your sensibility, I'd be over the moon."
Chloe pouted beside us, clearly annoyed. "Dad! Do you have to roast your own daughter in front of everyone?"
As we chatted happily, my eyes casually swept over the crowd mingling in the hotel lobby.
Then, my body froze.
My pupils shrank instantly.
Bennett.
He was here.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, holding a glass of champagne, he stood under the grand crystal chandelier in the center of the hall, laughing and chatting with a few people.
He looked so at ease, as if he were the host of the night.
My heart sank.
Anthony's invitation couldn't have gone to him.
So how did he get in?