Joyner walked over, arm in arm with a blond, blue-eyed Western man with high cheekbones and a pronounced nose. Her face seemed to have changed slightly, looking less repulsive than before. Ava Sterling glanced from the man’s face to Joyner’s, a slight curve at the corner of her mouth: "Truly, you can be seen everywhere." Ava and Joyner had long-standing grudges. From the smallest initial disagreement to major disputes, their relationship became increasingly irreconcilable, and the two were now practically enemies. Even when Joyner put on a harmless look of ’we’re good sisters, we’re familiar,’ Ava didn’t believe she had truly let go of her resentment. The man held by Joyner scanned Ava’s alluring figure from head to toe, his eyes lingering on several suggestive areas, then spoke to Joyner: "Who is she?" Joyner immediately giggled, "She’s my good friend, Ava Sterling." "She’s also a supermodel~" The man’s gaze once again fell on Ava, scrutinizing her. Anyone could see that his gaze towards Ava was a man’s gaze at a woman, direct and undisguised. Ava frowned, glanced at the man’s cunning eyes, and said to Jace Kingsley, "Let’s go." She loathed insincerity the most. Jace’s gaze swept over the man and Joyner, he acknowledged softly, and accompanied Ava onto the yacht. A glint of hatred flitted through Joyner’s eyes, and she coyly said while holding the man’s arm, "Jack, let’s go in too." The man watched Ava’s swaying waist and full hips, his hand slapped Joyner’s behind, causing her to lean into his arms, giggling non-stop. Joyner’s interruption made Ava forget about the man; as she and Jace walked inside, she immediately noticed the opulence. Glass chandeliers, marble pillars, luxurious crystal lights, freshly delivered flowers, all piled up riches, shimmering brilliantly. Jace leaned in and whispered, "Do you want to eat something?" Ava surveyed the people there, spotting some familiar faces. Familiar might not be the right word, just some she had seen a few days ago. People she had noticed when visiting The Pearce Manor. Some attendees from that evening’s banquet had also come today. Ava recalled once again that person, wondering if they would come too? After that night, that person hadn’t contacted her; Quentin Quinn hadn’t messaged or called her again, as if they had vanished from her life, leaving no trace. She didn’t mind, as they were only in contact due to necessity, and without need, they wouldn’t meet. Strangely, sometimes recalling that night felt dreamlike. The feeling grew over time, increasingly like a dream. Jace’s gentle voice whispered in her ear, and Ava snapped back, "Sure!" Due to a photoshoot, she hadn’t eaten much that night, merely nibbling on something. Her stomach was empty now, and Jace’s suggestion made her realize her hunger. Seeing her immediate brightened eyes, Jace smiled, leading her to the exquisite pastries, "You like cream, this pastry should be good." The charity banquet was hosted by Westerners, so naturally, the cuisine was Western, with no Asian dishes. Ava wasn’t used to Western food, but she liked desserts and loved cream. Jace picked up a creamy dessert, holding it to her lips, "Try it, see how it tastes." Ava nodded, unreservedly taking a bite. The cream was sweet, soft as a cloud, pleasantly sweet with a hint of grassy flavor, very delicious. Ava immediately nodded, her eyes glowing even brighter. "Delicious, absolutely delicious!" Jace laughed, offering the remaining half to her lips. Ava didn’t hesitate, again opened her mouth, biting into the other half. After finishing, she didn’t forget to share, picking up a piece to feed Jace, "You try it too, it’s really good, not greasy at all." Jace opened his lips, taking a small bite. Ava watched intently, eyes full of anticipation. Jace savored the taste, soft, fragrant, and sweet, just like her scent. He swallowed, meeting her expectant gaze with warmth, "It’s delicious." "See, I told you it’s good!" "Come on, eat more, let’s both eat, fill our stomachs first. Drinking on an empty stomach isn’t wise later." Ava instantly recalled recent lessons, determined not to drink on an empty stomach tonight! She’d already decided, if anyone toasted Jace, she’d drink on his behalf. His stomach wasn’t strong, and he couldn’t afford the strain. So Ava joyfully started devouring the pastries, while Jace occasionally fed her; she saw no issue, opening her mouth readily. She ate heartily, feeling sweet and utterly content. But suddenly, she sensed something, instinctively looking up. In that instant, she froze. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novelꞁire.net