Jace Kingsley’s movement came to an abrupt halt. The collaboration between MK and Celestial Holdings... His eyes narrowed, a swift change in the blink of an eye. Lauren Howell stood there, unaware of the change in Jace Kingsley. She looked towards where Ava Sterling disappeared, her eyes full of confusion and speculation. What could possibly make Ava so excited, if not the collaboration between MK and Celestial Holdings? Lauren recalled Ava’s smile just as she left, the more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Could this mean there’s hope again? Otherwise, why would Ava run so fast? Lauren found it incredible, too incredible. "Just now you mentioned the collaboration between MK and Celestial Holdings, what do you mean?" Suddenly, Jace Kingsley’s voice reached her ears. Lauren paused, only then did she remember Jace was still there. Her heart tightened, looking at Jace immediately. Jace’s face lacked the usual gentleness, nor the warm smile he usually had when facing Ava. He looked at Lauren, serious in both eyes and brows. Within this seriousness, upon closer inspection, a barely noticeable coldness could be seen. Lauren didn’t see this; to her, Jace was worried about Ava, caring deeply about her, afraid she’d encounter trouble. Originally, she thought this matter was over, but clearly, it wasn’t. Lauren thought for a moment, and still said, "Previously..." Ava Sterling drove the car at high speed, shortening the original more than two-hour journey to less than two hours. Original content can be found at novᴇlfire.net Even so, it was already past seven. The city’s lights were bright, the villa amidst a magnificent light show, music wafted, noble ambiance filled the surroundings. Ava watched the people in the villa, men in suits, women in long gowns, all meticulously dressed, whether in appearance or accessories, everything carefully selected. They held their wine glasses, smiling and conversing, the air filled with the aroma of expensive wine and intoxicating floral scents, everything here spoke of two words: Wealth, Elegance. Ava glanced at the time, 7:40 PM. The soirée was in progress. Taking her phone, bag, and car keys, Ava got out of the car and walked inside. But as she reached the door, someone stopped her. "Miss, please show your invitation." Ava’s eyelashes flickered for a moment, then she gave a graceful smile, "Just a moment." She turned around and picked up the phone to call Quentin Quinn. The person ignored her, but Quentin wouldn’t. Sure enough, after four beeps, the call was connected, Quentin’s voice came through, "Madam." The music from the villa played on the other end of the phone, identical to what she heard now. Even the bustle was the same. Ava chuckled, "Quentin, I’m here, come and meet me." Ava heard the sound over at Quentin’s side, naturally, Quentin heard Ava’s voice on his side too. Quentin looked at the person standing tall in the hall, surrounded in the center. He held a glass of champagne, looking at the person talking in front of him, his elegant face showed no warmth under the lights. Quentin Hung up the phone and headed out of the villa. Ava stood there, smiling gracefully at the bodyguard at the door, waiting. However, her appearance drew all eyes from around onto her. Not because she was extraordinarily beautiful tonight, nor because her attire was lavish, but because her outfit was so distinctive, undeniably eye-catching. She wore a gauzy dress, indigo-purple, the wreath removed, her long hair flowing down. Makeup was still the previous translucent bare makeup, even the lip color was rose red, not at all striking. Yet this naturally draped light fabric, faintly fluffy, with irregular edges, naturally wrapped her figure, paired with her long hair reaching the waist, white long legs, arms like lotus roots: standing there, she resembled a fairy fallen to earth, pure and clear. The guests at the soirée were all formally dressed; no matter how they dressed, they would not be like Ava. Ava wasn’t intentional in her attire either, knowing it was somewhat inappropriate. But there was nothing she could do, time was too tight, and although her attire wasn’t entirely appropriate, it wasn’t frivolous, just slightly different from others’ formal wear. If anything, it was eye-catching. Remarkably eye-catching. But Ava ignored these gazes, focusing inside, searching for Poe Vaughn, seeing where he was. His anger could mean trouble. Of course, she wasn’t worried he’d breach the contract in a pique; he must have considered collaborating with MK. Her words alone couldn’t influence his thinking. He is a businessman, a successful one; a businessman exhaustively calculates everything. However, if he truly broke the contract out of anger, she wouldn’t mind. In the past few days, she has come to terms with it, especially thinking of Jace, she regained rationality. Feeling her thoughts have reached a new height. If she can’t earn this billion, so be it, she’ll earn it from somewhere else, gradually. Anyway, it’s only a matter of time. If he breaks the contract, she would also be relieved, not needing to constantly tread carefully, nervously, repeatedly offering smiles. Quickly, Quentin appeared in Ava’s sight. Ava’s eyes brightened, immediately waving to Quentin. Quentin had already seen her, or rather, he saw her as soon as he came out. Beautiful purple color, unique among tonight’s guests, only Ava wore it. Worn in such a captivating way, making it hard for him not to notice. Quentin stepped forward quickly, coming before Ava, "Madam." Ava beamed, "Am I late? Does it matter?" She roughly assessed the evening party, something significant for Poe Vaughn, but not for her. She believed her presence or absence as a companion wouldn’t affect anything. Quentin pictured that extremely cold face, replying, "It matters." "The mister is inside; I’ll take you in," Quentin gestured invitingly. Ava nodded, "Alright!" Forget thinking so much, anyway, once inside, she’ll apologize to him. No matter what he says tonight, she won’t be angry; she’s already at fault. Admitting mistakes is Ava Sterling’s life principle! Ava followed Quentin inside, guests’ eyes were still on her, with varying expressions. Ava was long used to being watched by others; her career was about being seen, so she walked confidently, maintaining her best posture into the majestic lights. Tonight’s party was grand, people both outside and inside, with exquisite pastries and expensive drinks all around. Poe Vaughn wasn’t outside; he was inside. Ava entered the hall, immediately spotting him in the crowd receiving all attention. Upon her arrival, Poe Vaughn’s sight turned towards her.