Chapter 188: The Best Cover

Ophelia's voice was calm, with a hint of smugness. She gently twirled a lock of her perfectly styled hair, admiring her delicate face in the mirror, but her gaze quickly shifted to Justin standing nearby.

"Today is the day of our engagement, even if it is not officially married, at least we have to face the media, can't you have a slightly better attitude towards me?" she said.

Justin, already dressed in a sharp suit, looked handsome but his expression was cold. His eyes, especially when they landed on Ophelia, seemed to regard her not as a lover, but more like an adversary.

"Your goal’s been achieved. Do you really need to flaunt it to the world?" Justin's voice was steady. "The Fuller family and the Barnett family have already dominated the business news. This is just a formality. No one’s gonna remember what dress you wore."

"But I will," Ophelia's face turned cold. She stood up and walked over to Justin, her smile still in place as she pretended to adjust his collar. Her words, however, were icy, and her eyes sharp.

"I don’t care about your past relationships or what you think. I won’t let anyone ruin my engagement party. I, Ophelia, will not be made a laughingstock."

Seeing Justin's face darken, Ophelia raised her voice slightly, adding a touch of affection. "There, perfect. Let’s go, darling." She linked her arm through Justin's.

She was always so domineering, leaving no room for negotiation. 

Justin's expression changed subtly. Despite his disdain for Ophelia, he couldn't escape the Fuller family's grip. This engagement was a strategic move to solidify their alliance.

Soon, the couple appeared before their guests. 

Ophelia wore a gentle smile, leaning close to Justin like a delicate flower. But her words could chill anyone to the bone.

"The Barnett family sure knows how to make a splash, inviting so many media outlets today." she whispered.

And Justin remained calm. "The Fuller family did the same. Half of these reporters were probably invited by you."

They exchanged a glance that held entire conversations - both knew precisely what the other was thinking, yet neither chose to voice it. Maintaining appearances before outsiders had become their unspoken pact. 

As for the uncertainties looming beyond this moment, those too remained suspended in silence. It seemed as long as the marriage ceremony proceeded, all subsequent complications would somehow dissolve into irrelevance.

Meanwhile, Gabriella followed Alfred, clearly displeased. She clenched her fists, trying to suppress her frustration. Alfred noticed her mood and turned to her.

"What's wrong? Not happy?" he asked.

"Not really. I just don’t get why Mr. Barnett insisted on bringing me here," Gabriella replied, her voice calm but serious. "I’m not a socialite or a family friend. My presence won’t enhance this event."

But Alfred chuckled. "Your presence is enough."

He glanced at Justin. Once, Justin had feelings for Gabriella. Watching him drift away from her was a form of revenge for Alfred.

However, Gabriella, unaware of Alfred's motives, found the event tiresome and kept her guard up, hoping it would end soon without any incidents.

She especially hoped Samuel wouldn’t show up.

But as she was thinking this, she saw Samuel's face in the crowd. Her heart skipped a beat, and she clenched her fists tightly. 

She was so unlucky. The more she wanted to avoid someone, the more likely she was to run into them.

Feeling uneasy, Gabriella looked away.

Alfred noticed her change in demeanor. "What's wrong?" he asked.

But Gabriella didn’t answer, looking scared. 

Alfred followed her gaze and saw Samuel. He was surprised that Gabriella, who once would have done anything to be with Samuel, now seemed so afraid of him.

How much time had passed, and the situation had completely changed?

Alfred's mood improved. He placed a hand on Gabriella's shoulder, as if to provoke her. "You two haven’t seen each other in a while. Should I call him over?"

Before he could finish, Gabriella grabbed Alfred's hand, using him as a shield. 

The sudden move brought them closer, and Alfred was taken aback, unable to speak. He stared at Gabriella's doll-like face, his heart racing.

Samuel, not far away, glanced coldly at Alfred. 

Alfred, known for his disinterest in women, had always rejected those who tried to get close to him.

However, Alfred treated them with extreme coldness, not only giving no response but also refusing any chance of meeting again.