Chapter 27

ScarlettPOV

"Mr. Blair is receiving guests in the east reception room," Tom's voice sounded as he guided me toward a smaller reception hall.

I saw an elderly man sitting in the main seat conversing with guests, presumably Elliot Blair, the patriarch of the Blair family.

Elliot's hair and beard were completely white, making him look quite old, but his complexion remained ruddy and his voice was still strong and clear.

"Mr. Blair," I said, my voice clear and confident, "thank you for your invitation.

Richard sends his most sincere regards and regrets that he cannot attend personally."

Elliot examined me with sharp eyes. "You are...?"

Before I could speak, Tom stepped forward from behind me.

"Mr. Blair, this is the future lady of the Gray household. "

Mr. Gray is currently handling urgent business in Silverpeak City. He apologizes for his absence and will visit you personally upon his return."

"Of course, of course," Elliot nodded understandingly.

"Richard is always busy. But this future Mrs. Gray..." his gaze held an appraising quality.

"The engagement ceremony has not yet taken place," Tom explained, "but their union has been decided."

I stood to the side unable to get a word in, though it seemed unnecessary anyway.

Blair's face lit up with a smile. "Congratulations! The Gray family finally welcomes a new mistress. Richard has been a bachelor for too long."

I maintained a proper smile, like an exquisite ornament.

But at the thought of becoming Richard's wife, a chill spread from my spine throughout my body.

I had to force myself to breathe deeply to avoid showing fear in public.

Tom presented our gift with both hands—an antique silver box containing an extremely rare manuscript that Elliot was reportedly seeking.

Just as Elliot was expressing his gratitude, a man hurriedly approached him and whispered something in his ear.

Elliot's expression changed immediately.

"Please excuse me," he said, already quickly rising to his feet.

"They're here—bring them in at once!"

He paused, reconsidering. "No, I'll go greet them myself."

After nodding briefly to us, Elliot rushed away, leaving us standing awkwardly.

"Who could command such attention from Mr. Blair?" I whispered to Tom.

Tom's expression remained impassive as he quietly replied, "Miss Smith, some matters are not for you to know, so it's best not to be curious."

My fingers clenched into fists, my body silently trembling.

Even a butler from the Gray family dared to treat me this way.

I couldn't help but wonder if Richard had ever truly considered me his fiancée, after all, Tom's attitude represented Richard's attitude.

When we returned to the main hall, I noticed George's gaze frequently falling on me.

Sandra noticed too; she stayed close by his side, her hand possessively on his arm, though her smile became somewhat strained.

Watching their intimate figures, I found a quiet corner to remain in.

Given my position, I had little reason to engage in small talk with others.

Tom appeared behind me again at some point.

"Miss Smith, we should stay for at least another hour. Mr. Gray expects you to make a good impression on Mr. Blair."

I nodded, my smile unwavering: "Of course, that's what I should do as the mistress of the Gray family."

Tom's expression stiffened momentarily before he silently withdrew.

Sipping champagne, I surveyed the entire ballroom, mentally searching for the identities of these guests.

Most of Silverlight City's power was concentrated here tonight.

Politicians, business magnates, old money families—all connected through marriages, business deals, and shared secrets.

Among them, the focus was on Sandra, who shone brilliantly like the female protagonist of this party.

When I noticed George staring at me again, the sound of breaking crystal drew everyone's attention.

"Sandra, are you alright?" someone nearby asked with concern.

"Just an accident," her voice was polite and gentle, but only I knew the malice in her glance toward me.

I took another sip of champagne, not wanting to conflict with her.

Becoming Sandra's enemy would be unwise. As the most beloved daughter of the Blair family, she wielded more power than heirs of ordinary families.

As the servants were cleaning up the broken glass pieces, I noticed her pulling three young men aside—seemingly Sandra's followers—whispering to them, occasionally glancing in my direction.

Sensing something amiss, but before I could leave, a frivolous male voice sounded in my ear.

"Hey, beautiful," the tallest of the three greeted me, his eyes wandering over me shamelessly, as if considering how to approach.

"Why is someone as pretty as you being neglected by everyone?"

"I was just leaving," I answered calmly, attempting to walk past them.

"Don't be like that," another man said, smoothly blocking my path.

"We just want to make friends with you. I'm Ethan Blair, the senator's nephew."

A cold anger rose within me as I realized I was being pushed into a carefully designed trap, like a deer being slowly tightened in a hunting net.

I quickly assessed the situation.

Three half-drunk young men under Sandra's instructions—if I became entangled with them and caused a scene, it would embarrass Richard.

But directly refusing them might escalate the situation. I needed a third option.

In this situation, coolness ultimately prevailed. I smiled and took out my phone.

"Phone number or social media?" I asked with feigned ease, unlocking my screen.

For a moment, they didn't react, their confused expressions almost comical.

My calm behavior must have been the opposite of their expected resistance, tears, or intimidation!

"Both," Ethan quickly regained his composure, staring at me with slight wariness that made my scalp tingle.

He was probably much smarter than the other two.

"Though I'd prefer to get to know you personally tonight."

I forced my smile to remain in place. "Your number?" I prompted, unable to let him see through my bluff.

After exchanging contact information, I tried to escape.

"Now that we're connected, I really should—"

"What's the rush?" The third man, who had remained silent until now, blocked my path.

"The party's just getting started. We can go to a private lounge upstairs..."

My heart rate accelerated—I absolutely could not go upstairs.

But with Tom nowhere in sight, I could only rely on myself.

"Sounds great," I answered, my voice ambiguous as if flirting, while my brain raced to find a way out.

"But is this really appropriate? At the Blair family event?"

Confusion flashed across the man's face. "What do you mean?"

I moved a little closer, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret.

"Well, Sandra specifically asked me not to get too involved with you guys tonight." The lie flowed smoothly from my lips.

"She said if people saw us so... obviously together, it would upset her father."

"Sandra talked to you about me?" He immediately seized on the key information.

"She mentioned you might approach me," I continued, my heart pounding loudly.

"But we should be discreet. You know how she feels about you."

I didn't specify what these supposed feelings were, but men like them would be happy to fill in the blanks in a way favorable to themselves.

While they hadn't yet figured it out, I added: "We've exchanged numbers now, we can meet later at another... more private place."

The man's eyes darkened, filled with desire and excitement.