Chapter 230 Echo's Prestige
Master collector Vincent, aside from his relationship with the Hensley family, was highly respected throughout Harmony City's high society circles.
As a junior, Stefan had no reason to refuse his invitation.
But...
Stefan instinctively glanced at Cecilia beside him.
A cruise appraisal event would definitely attract all the important figures in Harmony City.
At the last Hensley family dinner, Cecilia had already been wronged once. He didn't want her to go through another experience of being scrutinized by everyone with those strange looks.
Vincent on the other end of the line, not hearing a response, cheerfully joked again: "Stefan, what's wrong? Is this a bad time? I heard that Dione has been worried sick about your marriage lately. Have you found a girlfriend yet? If you're dating someone, you can bring her for me to meet. It would put Dione's mind at ease too."
Stefan held the phone, genuinely unsure what to do for a moment.
He knew Vincent meant well, but that kind of occasion might not be good for Cecilia.
Cecilia noticed Stefan's hesitation. She knew exactly what he was thinking.
She understood his concerns and knew he wanted to protect her.
But constantly avoiding things wouldn't solve the problem.
Some situations she would have to face sooner or later.
Besides, she wasn't alone anymore.
Cecilia reached out and gently touched Stefan's arm, gave him a look, then silently mouthed: "Give me the phone."
Stefan was slightly startled, then understood what she meant. Without asking questions, he handed her the phone.
Cecilia took the phone and spoke in a calm, light voice: "Mr. Anderson, hello, I'm Amelia Martinez."
She only meant to say hello first, then ask about the cruise ship's tonnage and whether it sailed smoothly.
Because Cecilia was worried she might get seasick, and if she ended up throwing up everywhere, that would be embarrassing.
But who knew, after just a few words, Vincent's attitude completely changed, and he became excited all at once.
"You are... you're Echo?" Vincent suddenly raised his voice, his tone full of delight. "I heard your speech at the finals! That's the voice, absolutely can't be wrong! Oh my god, I finally get to talk to you!"
Cecilia was stunned.
Echo? And a competition?
How would he know... Vincent had actually followed her competition?
Cecilia couldn't help but look at Stefan, who also looked surprised, clearly not expecting this turn of events either.
Vincent didn't care about their reactions. Like a fan who'd successfully met their idol, he gushed about his admiration.
"Ms. Martinez, let me tell you, I absolutely love your 'Wild Growth' collection! It's pure genius! Especially that main dress, combining ancient cultural essence with modern architectural deconstructionism so perfectly—I was sitting in the audience and almost jumped up to applaud! Such a shame that piece was collected by the organizers, otherwise I would have paid any amount to buy it!"
"And your previous collections, I've studied them all. Your designs are full of life—among the new generation of domestic designers, you're absolutely one of a kind! I've been wanting to meet you for ages, and I never expected you'd be with Stefan! This is... this is such a coincidence!"
Vincent's enthusiasm practically spilled through the phone, making Cecilia feel a bit embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Dione sitting nearby was completely stunned.
Dione's eyes widened, looking at Cecilia, then at the investigation report about Anna in Stefan's hand, her mind in complete chaos.
Echo?
That genius designer "Echo" who recently caused a huge stir in both fashion and high society circles by winning the national designer competition championship?
Was Amelia?
The lower-class woman I insulted as having questionable origins who only knew how to seduce men—Amelia?
Dione felt deeply ashamed.
Who was Vincent?
He stood at the top of Harmony City's art circles, with sharp judgment—ordinary people couldn't even catch his eye.
How could someone he praised so generously and even called a "master" be the worthless woman I described?
Anna, who I thought was worthy of the Hensley family, had to be careful and polite when talking to Vincent.
But Amelia did nothing except say a few words on the phone, and Vincent got this excited?
What... what was going on?
Cecilia chatted pleasantly with Vincent for a bit, genuinely grateful for his appreciation.
As the conversation ended, she remembered her original purpose for taking the phone, and after Vincent extended another invitation, she replied: "Alright, Mr. Anderson, I'll visit you with Stefan when the time comes!"
"Good, good, good! Wonderful! Wonderful!" Vincent's voice was full of laughter. "Also, I'm very curious what kind of parents could raise such an outstanding design master as you. You must bring your parents too, so I can learn from them how to educate my own juniors! You must all come, I'll make sure to host you properly! It's settled then!"
Before Cecilia could respond, Vincent hung up. Cecilia had no choice but to return the phone to Stefan.
The atmosphere in the living room was completely different from before.
Stefan looked at Dione's flushed red face and found it somewhat amusing, though his expression showed nothing.
"Mom, you heard Vincent's invitation. Amelia is a distinguished guest personally invited by Vincent, and she and her family will definitely be going."
Stefan deliberately paused before continuing in a meaningful tone, slowly: "If you don't want to go, or if you're not feeling well, then just rest at home. I'll explain to Vincent."
If Dione didn't go, what would people say?
The female host of the Hensley family not attending master collector Vincent's private appraisal event? What would others think?
That the Hensley family completely disregarded Vincent's goodwill? Or that Dione was being pushed aside by Stefan and his girlfriend to the point she couldn't even leave the house?
Either way, Dione would be humiliated!
Dione trembled with anger. She glared at Stefan and forced out a sentence through gritted teeth.
"Of course I'm going!"