Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Harassed

However, the couple was about to be disappointed. Balthazar remained calm, his expression untroubled. He finally spoke:

“I heard that you, Mr. Sterling, were once married. It’s said that you only did so to obey old Mr. Sterling’s orders. Tell me, were you just being a good grandson, or were you afraid of losing your inheritance? I'm sorry Mr. Sterling, I really don't know this and I'm asking you just out of curiosity. After all, WEE Group was built and developed by me alone and was not inherited from my grandfather or father."

One was a privileged heir waiting for his inheritance, while the other was a young man who built his empire from scratch. It was obvious who came out on top.

William ground his teeth, glaring at Balthazar’s smug demeanor. Just as he was about to continue attacking him, a commotion arose at the party’s entrance.

Everyone turned to see two women, one elderly and one young, walking in arm-in-arm.

The older woman was graceful and kind, while the young lady beside her... Her beauty outshone all the other women in the room.

Without hesitation, Balthazar walked over to them, wrapping his arms around both women and flashing a bright smile.

Balthazar led the two of them to the center of the party. Although Mrs. Winchester rarely socialized in elite circles, the other ladies recognized her and took turns coming over to greet her.

Before, Amelia had thought that becoming the wife of the Sterling family would mean never having to associate with Balthazar again. So, after returning to America, she never approached his family, only knowing that he had a mother and a younger sister.

Now, seeing Mrs. Winchester standing there, she didn’t dare approach. William, having just been insulted by Balthazar, was visibly upset, and she feared that making a move on her own would cause him to lose his temper and humiliate her in front of everyone.

Unexpectedly, William seemed to notice her hesitation and said:

“Your task at events like this is to make connections and win the support of the businesswomen. Why are you just standing there? Go and chat with those ladies.”

As he spoke, William’s gaze was fixed on Selena, who stood next to Mrs. Winchester. Though surrounded by beautiful flowers, none compared to her.

Today, she was wearing a silver mermaid dress, expertly tailored to highlight her captivating figure.

William couldn’t help but be entranced. He never imagined that after losing weight, the plain and unattractive wife he once knew would transform so spectacularly. This very figure had haunted him for the past year, and now that she was back, she might as well obediently serve him.

Meanwhile, Amelia felt irritated by William’s command. She could handle socializing on her own, but she despised his authoritative tone.

Yet, there was nothing she could do. He had already reclaimed control of BrightVerse Entertainment from her, and if she didn’t submit, she’d lose everything.

So, Amelia quickly composed herself, flashing a bright smile as she approached the group of ladies.

“Hello, everyone. May I have the honor of joining your conversation?”

Amelia had a naturally friendly face. Even in France, where she was a foreigner, she was always warmly welcomed. Surely, these women would be no different, she thought confidently, even casting a smug glance at Selena, who stood quietly beside Mrs. Winchester.

"Hmph, a lowly sugar baby like you doesn’t belong at these high-society events. The moment you step into this world, your true nature shows. Let’s see how I deal with you today."

Amelia’s thoughts were clear, but the women around her were far more astute than she realized. They saw right through her intentions, and her brazen approach only made Selena’s quiet composure all the more appealing.

Though Selena’s beauty was striking enough to make them feel wary, afraid that she might catch the attention of their husbands or boyfriends, Mrs. Winchester had already introduced her as Balthazar’s girlfriend. This alleviated any tension.

Seeing the group of women ignoring her, Amelia nearly lost her forced smile. However, she forced herself to keep going, asking:

“I’ve heard that Balthazar has a younger sister. Why isn’t she at the party today, Auntie?”

Amelia thought she was making polite conversation, but Mrs. Winchester had already heard from her daughter about Amelia’s domineering behavior. On top of that, she was disgusted by how Amelia had abandoned Balthazar, returned to America, and stole another woman’s husband to become the matriarch of the Sterling family.

Out of politeness, however, Mrs. Winchester still responded:

“She’s busy and couldn’t attend today. Besides, there’s no need to bring the whole family. It’s enough that I’m here with my future daughter-in-law.”

At the mention of "future daughter-in-law," not only Amelia but also the others present were taken aback. Even Selena was surprised. If she was just a girlfriend, breaking up was always a possibility. But being called a daughter-in-law...

Amelia took a deep breath and tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, commenting on Mrs. Winchester’s jewelry:

“The gems on your jewelry and gown are beautiful, Auntie. Do they have a name? Where did you get them?”

Mrs. Winchester replied calmly:

“They were a gift from my future daughter-in-law. I find them beautiful, too, and they have such a cool touch.”

The other women quickly chimed in, genuinely admiring the gemstones. One of the experts even remarked that their value was beyond reach.

Upon hearing that the gems were a gift from Selena, the women surrounded her, asking where they were purchased. When they learned they were heirlooms, they were both disappointed and impressed. They couldn’t believe she had given such a precious family treasure to please her future mother-in-law.

Amelia clenched her teeth, glaring at Selena. Clearly, she was lying. A poor girl from the countryside couldn’t possibly have such valuable family heirlooms. It was obvious that Balthazar had bought them and Selena was just pretending to have given them as a gift.

Having been twice cut down by Mrs. Winchester, Amelia wisely switched to talking with other guests. Meanwhile, Selena continued to stand quietly beside Mrs. Winchester, only responding when spoken to, never trying to get too close to anyone.

It wasn’t until a waiter approached and whispered something to Selena that she excused herself and left.

Seeing this, Amelia wanted to follow, but Mrs. Winchester subtly held her back. Only when Selena was out of sight did Mrs. Winchester finally let her go.

Meanwhile, Selena rushed to the lounge after hearing from the waiter that Balthazar had gotten drunk and needed her help. However, when she arrived, Balthazar was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was a man around his age sitting inside.

“I’m sorry, I must’ve entered the wrong room. Excuse me.”

Selena bowed her head apologetically and turned to leave. But suddenly, the man lunged at her from behind, grabbing her and throwing her onto the long sofa.

“You have such a poor memory. With that forgetful mind, how will you remember all the men who’ve come to see you?”