Her long hair hung straight down her back, with strands tucked behind her ears, revealing her fair earlobes. She wore an asymmetrical long dress, which upon closer inspection wasn’t really a dress, but a layer of sheer fabric. The sheer fabric wrapped from one of her shoulders, covering her chest, slightly revealing her waist, and then wrapped around her hips, falling along one leg. The other long leg was fully exposed. Her arm was draped with sheer fabric, like a scarf draped at the wrist, naturally hanging down as she walked gracefully, dressed in purple, glowing with fluorescent light. Poe Vaughn looked at the person in his line of sight, his finger slightly moving, then he shifted his gaze away. He took up a wine glass and took a sip. Ava Sterling looked at the person standing under the light. As usual, he glanced at her once then turned away, as if looking at her any longer would cost him a pound of flesh. She chuckled twice to herself. Since he was so disdainful of her, why did he marry her? There were so many women, he could have found someone else, saved himself the eyesore of her presence. Thinking this, her steps didn’t stop, and Ava came to Poe Vaughn’s side, offering him a gentle smile, "Sorry, I’m late." Tonight’s attendees were all business elites, very distinguished. They conversed with Poe Vaughn, discussing business matters. Now with Ava appearing, their gazes held surprise. Looking at Ava and then at Poe Vaughn, one could clearly tell what kind of relationship they had. However, they were even more surprised. There had never been a woman by Poe Vaughn’s side, not even a female companion. This was the first time. They simply could not believe it. Poe Vaughn said nothing, not even letting his gaze fall on Ava. He had one hand in his pocket, holding a glass, exuding an aura of aloofness. Ava scoffed in her heart, raised her hand to link arms with Poe Vaughn, and then casually took a glass of wine from a tray held by a waiter. She raised her glass to the person standing in front of Poe Vaughn, her face wearing an apologetic smile. She didn’t even know why she was here, neither he nor Quentin Quinn had said, but she guessed she was here to play the trophy wife role. The reason they chose her as the trophy wife instead of someone else was simple: she was readily available and free to use. The crowd saw her smile, looked at Poe Vaughn’s expression, and then at Ava linking arms with him without him shaking her off, they too smiled back at Ava. Just like that, everyone resumed their conversation. However, when they toasted to Poe Vaughn, Ava proactively intercepted the drinks and drank them herself. What is a trophy wife for? To naturally serve as a shield for drinks. She was well aware of her role. As a result, Ava drank a considerable amount of wine, showing no fear, one could say, accepting all that came her way. And Poe Vaughn completely ignored her. Just like that, Ava kept drinking, drinking until she was dizzy, her body unconsciously leaning against him. Poe Vaughn looked at the person softly leaning against him, her usual clear eyes now misty, her originally light makeup intensified by the flush on her cheeks. Especially her lips, red as roses... Another glass was raised, "It’s rare to see President Vaughn, I toast to President Vaughn." Ava looked over and immediately stood upright, "Our President Vaughn’s a lightweight drinker, I’ll drink on his behalf." With that, Ava stepped forward to raise her glass for a toast, but she had drunk too much, her legs were unsteady. Taking that step, her foot in heels twisted to the side. This twist caused her body to lean sideways, looking as if she would fall. Poe Vaughn extended his long arm, and her slender waist fell into his grasp. With a slight pull of his arm, Ava stumbled into his embrace in an instant. Poe Vaughn looked at the person, slightly raised his glass, and drank the wine inside. The person saw Ava in Poe Vaughn’s arms, then looked at Poe Vaughn’s indifferent face, thoroughly shocked. At first everyone thought Ava and Poe Vaughn had an indescribable relationship, but later they realized Poe Vaughn had no special attitude towards Ava at all. Just like a deity to a mortal, indifferent and apathetic. And Ava was so beautiful, every frown and every smile was extremely captivating, they couldn’t help but toast her. Initially, some had concerns, observing Poe Vaughn’s demeanor, but seeing his complete disregard, they had no more reservations. Unexpectedly, it was at this moment that Poe Vaughn made a move. Proactively pulling a woman into his embrace, almost as if announcing his claim over her. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the NoveI-Fire.ɴet Everyone was extremely shocked. Poe Vaughn drank the wine and withdrew his hand, placed the glass back on a waiter’s tray, and said to the shocked eyes still standing before him, "It’s getting late, I have matters to attend to, I’ll take my leave." "Hope to have a drink with President Vaughn again." At this point, everyone reacted, continuously speaking polite words. In no time, Poe Vaughn turned and left the hall; Ava stood there, still dazed from the previous moment. Now seeing the person walking away, seemingly about to disappear, she hurried to catch up. She had drunk so much, nearly to the point of throwing up, and yet he was still angry, wasn’t that being petty? Ava lifted her skirt, unsteadily following. The car was already parked outside, Quentin Quinn stood by the rear, opening the door. Poe Vaughn got inside, and Ava hastily went to the other side to open the door and sit in. Afraid a moment’s delay would result in him abandoning her. The door closed, and quickly the car moved forward. Ava had drunk the most this time, especially since she hadn’t eaten and was drinking various types of wine, so her stomach felt extremely uncomfortable, like it was on fire. However, that was not important, what mattered was tonight’s events. She was at fault, she needed to apologize, to placate him. "I didn’t mean to, there was a photoshoot at Mobi Beach today, it went on until past five." "As soon as it ended, I called Quentin Quinn; I didn’t mean to be late, the place was too far, and time too close." "Honestly, don’t be mad anymore." "Being angry isn’t good for your health." Ava rarely softened her tone, speaking without an ounce of temper. What could she do, knowing she was wrong? The car was very quiet, the windows tightly closed, no sound from outside could come in, but consequently the car was full of the smell of alcohol. All emanating from Ava. Even as she spoke, alcohol wafted with every word onto Poe Vaughn’s face. Sitting in the car, Poe Vaughn closed his eyes, hidden in the shadows, looking quite daunting. However, at this moment, Ava’s delayed reactions left her oblivious. As her breath blew onto his face, filled with the scent of alcohol, Poe Vaughn spoke, "Open the window." His voice was icy, chilling to hear. The driver immediately opened the window, and instantly, the wind blew inside, messing Ava’s hair. Making her even more dizzy, and her stomach churn. Instinctively, Ava turned her body to block the wind, facing him, and her hand gripped his leg.