Chapter 47 No, It's Girlfriend
"If it's true, I must make it to the finals so I can see Ryan in person," Jennifer said longingly.
Mia stared at the screen for a while, then suddenly said, "Jennifer, have you noticed that Ryan's eyes from this angle look a bit like yours? Could you two be related? Maybe you have the same outstanding design talent as him."
Jennifer looked at the screen in surprise, then shook her head with a smile. "You have quite the imagination. Ryan and I aren't related. And you can't just praise me blindly just because we're friends."
At that moment, Francis at the hospital also received a phone call from his father, Asher Carter. "Francis, Ryan will be coming back to the country soon. Remember to clear your schedule and come home for dinner together."
Francis said, "Okay, Father. Mr. Mitchell has been living in Valdoria for many years. Is there something special about this trip back?"
Asher sighed. "Ryan actually had a daughter when he was young. He's been searching for her for years, and now there's finally news."
Francis raised an eyebrow—sounds like there's a story there. But he didn't ask more questions, only saying he could help if needed.
Ryan and Asher had been friends for many years, and when Franciswas little, he quite liked this gentle and kind Ryan.
On the day of the engagement party, Jennifer went early to get her makeup and hair done. She wore a nude pink dress—the fitted bodice cinched at the waist to show off her beautiful curves, while the lower half had layers of light, dreamy tulle. Paired with the ruby necklace at her neck, she looked pure and lovely with a hint of allure.
The makeup artist praised her extravagantly. "Ms. Brown, you're so beautiful! I've worked with many female celebrities, and I dare say you're more beautiful than most of them!" Jennifer lowered her head shyly with a smile.
Just then, there was a commotion outside the styling studio. Someone said a man as handsome as a god had arrived, driving a black Bugatti Veyron—the car was impressive, but the man even more so!
Francis stood in the doorway, calling for Jennifer. She looked up. He was leaning against the doorframe in a dark gray custom suit that fit him just right—broad shoulders, narrow waist, those long legs making her pulse skip a beat. His expression was stern, but his eyes held a softness just for her. Today, his features seemed sharper than usual, handsome in a way that didn't look real, like he'd just stepped out of a magazine ad.
Jennifer lifted her skirt and trotted over, looking up obediently and saying, "I'm ready." Her voice trembled slightly because he was even more charming today.
Francis reached out to hold her waist, pulling her close, then whispered in her ear, "You look beautiful today. I'm already looking forward to the end of the party."
His low, husky voice made her heart flutter. Her long lashes trembled as she said softly, "There are so many people here, don't say things like that." She'd been with him long enough to read the look in his eyes—there was no slipping away tonight.
Francis refrained from teasing her further. After greeting the studio owner, he took Jennifer to the engagement party, which was being held for the daughter of the Vitality Pharmaceuticals Group. The event had attracted all the important people in Golden Harbor. They arrived relatively late, and the banquet hall was already lively.
When Jennifer entered on Francis's arm, many eyes, some obvious and some subtle, looked their way.
In one corner of the hall, a group of young people gathered around a girl in a deep purple princess dress. Her name was Virginia King, daughter of Radiant Charm Jewelry Group's CEO. She had the highest status among these rich kids, so everyone clustered around her with flattery.
Layla was also in this circle. She wanted to get close to Virginia to get into Radiant Charm Jewelry Group, but Virginia was very proud and barely glanced at her.
However, she noticed Virginia's gaze lingering on Francis a few times, so she immediately said, "Do you know that woman with Francis? I think she used to be my colleague. I can't believe someone with her background could know a top-tier man like Francis."
The women's ears perked up. Someone said, "She does look unfamiliar, not like she's from our circle."
Everyone here knew Francis. When he first returned to the country, many people asked about his relationship status, wanting to introduce their daughters or younger relatives to him. After learning Francis was still single, even more people wanted to meet him at this party. But no one expected him to bring such a beautiful woman, and they seemed quite close.
Virginia's father wanted her to enter a business marriage with Francis—the two families were well-matched. But Virginia only wanted to marry someone she liked. Today when she saw Francis, she was somewhat satisfied with his appearance. So she finally looked at Layla properly. "Since you know her, what do you think her relationship with Francis is?"
Layla smugly squeezed next to Virginia, her tone rising. "Her? Her family runs some tiny business—nothing like yours. Francis is probably just having a bit of fun before he moves on."
Everyone nodded. Francis always needed a female companion for parties, but he brought different people each time—sometimes business partners, sometimes actresses. Jennifer was probably no different.
Layla could tell Virginia was interested in Francis, so she suggested, "In my opinion, only Ms. King with noble status and outstanding looks would be a good match standing next to Francis. Jennifer is ultimately too reserved in her manner and might easily embarrass herself at this kind of event."
Virginia held her wine glass with a smile. "Then shall we go over and see the show? Actually, she is quite pretty." With her suggestion, naturally no one objected, and the group walked toward Francis while chatting and laughing.
Many people were curious about Jennifer's identity. Someone who could accompany Francis to this kind of event was no ordinary woman. Just then, a plump middle-aged man stopped Francis to greet him, smiling broadly. "Dr. Carter, you remember me, right? We had dinner together three months ago."
After introducing himself and getting Francis's nod, he asked, "This beautiful lady with you today looks unfamiliar. Who is she?"
Francis flashed a smile as he said with dignity, "Jennifer, my girlfriend."
Although he had promised this before, being introduced this way in public still made Jennifer's heart race. She smiled gracefully and greeted the man before her.
Francis's voice carried, and those nearby heard every word. The surroundings went quiet for a moment. But soon everyone resumed their conversations naturally, with some lowering their voices to discuss and envy what kind of charm Jennifer must have to make Francis publicly acknowledge her as his girlfriend.
Virginia, who had been walking this way, stopped in her tracks. She frowned and said, "Girlfriend? He said she's his girlfriend?"
"Yes, you heard right," someone chimed in. A flash of embarrassment quickly crossed Virginia's face. She glared at Layla, then turned and walked in another direction.