Chapter 48 Dizziness
Layla's teeth caught her tongue in shock. Impossible. Jennifer was pretty, sure—but she didn't have the kind of cunning or ambition that could hook a man like Francis. The thought twisted sharply inside her, a mix of jealousy and resentment. Her gaze snagged on the ruby at Jennifer's throat, the gemstone throwing off a sharp glint under the chandeliers. It was almost painful to look at.
But Virginia's sudden retreat snapped her out of her spiral. Layla hurried after her, all other thoughts shoved aside.
Jennifer caught a glimpse of Layla's brisk exit and arched a brow. Eugene had nerve—inviting Layla here of all people. Had they truly severed ties? The question flickered through her mind and vanished just as quickly.
Francis was already moving through the crowd, and she followed, meeting a steady stream of polished smiles and polite greetings from elite.
When the ceremony began, the room shifted. The lights warmed to a honey-gold glow, music melting into soft piano notes that curled through the air. A spotlight swept up the grand spiral staircase, and there was Aria—radiant in a gown that caught every glimmer of light—her hand resting delicately on Eugene's arm.
They descended slowly, the perfect picture of grace, while servers rolled out a towering cake.
In front of the entire room, Eugene turned to Aria, voice thick with emotion. "Meeting you is the luckiest thing in my life. I'll love you forever." His gaze held hers with an intensity that could have been scripted for the silver screen. Together, they cut the first slice of cake, and applause thundered through the hall.
From a shadowed corner, Layla watched, smiling faintly. "Eugene, if I didn't know you so well, I might almost believe that." Her eyes lingered on him a moment longer before flicking to Jennifer, who was applauding with a calm, detached smile.
Jennifer's expression was unreadable, untouched by the scene on stage. The company's crisis was behind her; Eugene was no longer hers to worry about. Francis's gaze found her in the crowd, and when he saw she wasn't stirred in the slightest, the corner of his mouth lifted.
The formalities ended quickly. Aria and Eugene moved through the guests, glasses in hand, offering thanks.
When they reached Francis and Jennifer, Aria's smile was bright. "Francis, thank you for coming tonight. I heard you and Jennifer are officially together—congratulations on winning the beauty."
Francis lifted his glass in a smooth gesture. "Congratulations to you too."
Jennifer echoed the sentiment, her voice warm but steady. Looking into Aria's open, trusting face, she hoped silently that Eugene would prove worthy of her.
Across the room, Declan tipped back his champagne, the expensive bubbles tasting bitter. He had debated inviting Jennifer tonight but hadn't, afraid it might be awkward. And now, in just a few days, she was Francis's girlfriend.
Compared to Eugene, Declan had always thought his youth and wealth gave him an edge. But Francis was another league entirely. No wonder Jennifer had kept her distance—she'd already chosen.
Later, the party splintered into smaller groups. A few men close to Francis beckoned him over for cards. One grinned. "I just got my hands on some excellent cigars. Francis, you in?"
Francis glanced at Jennifer, an unspoken question in his eyes.
Someone laughed. "Come on, Francis, you need your girlfriend's permission for something this small?"
Jennifer's brow creased. Cigars meant smoke, and smoke meant coughing fits. Francis had never lit up around her—she'd assumed he didn't smoke at all.
Francis's reply was easy, but firm. "You're all heavy smokers. The room will be a fog, and she's allergic."
The refusal landed cleanly, though a few faces turned toward Jennifer with thinly veiled annoyance.
Aria drifted over, her smile smoothing the tension. "Let's not spoil the fun. How about this—Francis, you join the card game, and Jennifer can spend time with us girls. She'll be more comfortable."
Jennifer didn't want to be the reason anyone was disappointed. She nodded. "I'm fine. Go ahead."
Francis squeezed her hand lightly. "Alright. Jennifer's gentle by nature—don't let anyone give her trouble." Then he followed the men toward the private rooms.
Aria looped her arm through Jennifer's. "Ms. Brown, Francis is really good to you. I've known him a long time, and I rarely see him this attentive to a woman." She stopped herself from saying the first time. There had been one other woman—someone who had kept Francis from committing to anyone for years. She'd never expected Jennifer to be the one to break that pattern.
Jennifer smiled faintly, though inside she knew his protectiveness tonight was more about keeping a promise than deep affection. If there was attraction, it was likely fleeting. Still, she didn't see herself losing in this arrangement.
Aria ushered her into a bright, lively room packed with female guests.
Introduced as Francis's girlfriend, Jennifer was met with warmth—at least on the surface. Compliments flowed: her styling, her skin, her poise. She answered each question with patience.
Then someone tilted the mood. "Jennifer, I heard your family background is… ordinary. How did you meet Francis? How did you win him over?"
Another chimed in, voice laced with envy. "Francis has been linked to actresses and supermodels, but never confirmed any of them. You must have some secret weapon to make him claim you publicly."
Jennifer couldn't exactly say Francis was simply drawn to her physically. She settled on, "I don't know what he sees in me. Maybe I'm just lucky."
The answer didn't satisfy them. She glanced toward Aria, who let the silence stretch before stepping in. "Alright, enough interrogation. You're making her blush."
Jennifer's cheeks were indeed warm. She reached for the nearest glass of orange juice, taking two quick gulps.
From the doorway, Layla watched her drink. A small, satisfied smile touched her lips before she lifted her own glass of red wine.
Minutes later, the room's air felt heavy. Jennifer's head swam, the edges of her vision softening. She gripped the sofa for balance. "Ms. Clark, I'm sorry; I feel a little dizzy. Could I rest in the lounge for a bit?"
Aria called over a female server and instructed her to escort Jennifer to the ladies' lounge.
As soon as Jennifer left, Layla slipped out too, murmuring something about touching up her makeup.