CHAPTER 184: CHAPTER 184: AN EX-WIFE IS STILL A WIFE

Does Henry Preston seem so disgusted with Azure Vaughn now that he would still accept the invitation to the banquet?

I wondered in my heart.

"This banquet is hastily organized under the name of City A’s business association, sponsored by Azure herself, involving a wide web of connections. It’s impossible for Henry not to attend," Ivan Underwood can always easily guess what I’m thinking, even just over a phone call.

Azure Vaughn is not who she used to be, getting the business association of City A to agree with her seems normal.

"I don’t want to go, you’d better find another dance partner." I pondered for a moment and didn’t agree to Ivan Underwood.

"Don’t you want to meet the person who transformed Azure? Knowing your opponent well leads to sure victories. You are bound to intersect with them in the future." Ivan reminded me.

What he said actually made a lot of sense; if Azure Vaughn comes back, she’s likely to continue targeting me. By then, if I’m unaware of her current situation, it won’t benefit my counterattack.

"Have you heard of the name Wendy Hawthorne?" I suddenly asked Ivan Underwood.

Silence fell on the other end of the call, I even thought he had hung up, but the screen indicated the call was still connected.

Half a minute later, he spoke again, his tone somewhat subtle, "Have you asked Henry?"

Ask Henry what for? Henry must have already known who Wendy Hawthorne is, didn’t he investigate Azure’s current identity?

Also, I feel that part of the reason Henry would attend the banquet cannot be disconnected from this person.

I felt an indistinct, strange unease urging me to change my decision. Perhaps I should attend this banquet.

"Alright, let’s go together then." I didn’t pursue Ivan further, but changed my mind instead.

"Okay, see you tonight." Ivan’s voice suddenly carried more joy, no longer so gloomy and oppressive. Is my willingness to be his dance partner that important?

——

Tonight, the banquet is held on a yacht, attendees need to verify their identities, it’s very strict.

Before boarding, I first met up with Ivan, and then we went up together.

Today I’m wearing a sequined little black dress, very dazzling, with a hollow design at the waist, exuding both elegance and sensuality. Adding to that, I’ve slightly gained some weight, so I feel great in it.

Ivan, on the other hand, is in a white suit, exuding an aura of noble grace, immediately presenting the charm of a gentleman. However, he doesn’t smile much, always giving off a sense of coldness and distance.

Ivan and I arrived at the yacht’s banquet hall, which is spacious with European palace-style decor, opulent and magnificent.

The banquet hasn’t started yet, but quite a few people are already here. I cast my eyes around, Tiana O’Connell, Crystal Dawson, and Leah Lane are all present.

I immediately went over to them, "You guys arrived even before me."

"Who wants to come!" Crystal Dawson sighed, with a big belly, "I’m here accompanying Silas Lockwood, it’s not suitable for him to not attend this occasion."

"You could rest at home, pregnant women shouldn’t be exerted," I said.

"No, I have to come to keep an eye on him!" Crystal made no secret of her suspicion towards Silas, given that he used to be a playboy.

"She’s here to watch over her man, I’m here to expand my connections," Tiana O’Connell regarded herself as diligent as always.

Leah Lane pointed towards Graham Garrett nearby, "I’m here accompanying someone as well, but Zoe, what’s going on with you coming with Ivan Underwood?"

Her eyes darted around, standing up with a hint of mischief.

Crystal Dawson immediately perked up with interest, "Have you two made progress? Did the sparks of love ignite without us knowing?"

I glanced back at Ivan; amid the crowd, his height was very noticeable, and his cool and noble aura was quite attractive.

After noticing me staring at him, he gave me a smile, exuding a momentary tenderness.

"Tsk tsk, how gently that cold-faced guy smiles at you!" Crystal’s old mischievous self lingered, "Zoe, Henry is over there, go link arms with Ivan and infuriate him!"

"He’s already here?" I scanned around but didn’t see Henry Preston’s figure.

"He arrived long ago, huh, where did he go?" Crystal couldn’t spot Henry either, feeling puzzled.

I withdrew my gaze, pinched Crystal’s cheek, "Stop trying to set me up. Did you tell Henry that I found a boyfriend?"

Crystal’s face turned red, then she defended herself confidently, "Who told him to keep asking Silas about you? I deliberately made something up to irritate him."

"Stop making things up from now on, okay? My reputation is ruined!" I warned her with mock anger.

Leah and Tiana watched with amusement from the side.

By half-past eight, the banquet began, and nearly all the notable figures in City A were present at this event.

Under everyone’s gaze, Azure Vaughn, wearing a dazzling red gown, a resplendent necklace glittering around her swan-like neck, complementing the swinging crystal earrings, shimmering with brilliance under the lights.

She appeared like a beautiful princess, her face filled with pride and confidence, and behind her, Fern Tate was equally well-dressed, though her looks and aura were a bit inferior.

Standing in the crowd, listening to the amazement and praise of others, I only felt a bit bored, hoping for Wendy Hawthorne to appear soon, curious about what she might say.

"Thank you all for attending tonight’s banquet, it’s destined to be an unforgettable, delightful night. Here, I’d like to reintroduce myself..."

Azure’s voice resonated crisply in the hall, she seemed excited, eager to showcase her transformation to everyone.

I instinctively glanced around and finally spotted Henry Preston.

He was not far to my right; like Ivan, he stood out by height, catchable at a glance. His black and white irregular patterned shirt, paired with black casual suit, wasn’t very formal, exuding more casualness, and the delicate side profile showed no flaw.

While listening to Azure speak, he occasionally looked down at his watch, seemingly a bit impatient.

Noticing my gaze, Henry’s eyes sharply turned towards me, filled with a sense of pressure.

I promptly looked away, pretending to nonchalantly continue listening to the chatter.

Soon, Henry Preston appeared behind me. As he approached, others didn’t dare block his path.

I knew he was right behind me, so close that I could smell his familiar light fragrance.

Suddenly, one of his hands reached for my right shoulder, "1, 2, 3."

I turned to glance at him; he had already withdrawn his hand, holding an earring delicately between his fingers, with a faint smile on his lips, "Your earring fell."

"Thank you." I took the earring from his hand and put it back on, then took two steps forward, subtly distancing myself from him.

Where I stood was already quite in front, and with Henry Preston’s noticeable height, Azure Vaughn had long been watching us. The smile on her face was gradually fading.

Fortunately, she had finished saying what she needed to, and then she introduced her godmother, Wendy Hawthorne.

Wendy Hawthorne, about fifty years old, was well-maintained, adorned in jewels, slightly plump, and spoke with a hint of a Hong Kong-Taiwan accent, exuding femininity.

As she appeared, I heard a noise behind me. Turning around, I saw Henry Preston had turned and left.

"Enjoy the evening!" Wendy Hawthorne concluded her speech, marking the official start of the evening party.

Not in the mood for fun, I left the banquet hall and headed to the yacht’s deck to catch some fresh air, taking the opportunity to call Ivan Underwood, unsure where he had gone.

But the line was busy. Just as I was feeling puzzled, I heard Ivan Underwood’s voice on the other end, "If you expect me to follow the family’s arrangements, that’s impossible."

Startled, I instinctively walked softly towards the direction of the voice. Ivan, with his back to me, was on the phone.

Someone who never smoked was at that moment holding a cigarette, occasionally taking a drag.

"That’s it, I’m busy." Then, he hung up after saying that, and turned to meet my eyes.

Upon seeing me, he immediately discarded the cigarette, the icy expression on his face melting, becoming less cold, "Why did you come out?"

"It’s not much fun inside. Was that a call from your family?" I’d already guessed who was calling him.

"Yeah, just a small issue. Let’s go back in." Ivan Underwood walked towards me, naturally taking my hand, "Tonight you’re my dance partner, mind if I hold your hand?"

Ivan’s palm was warm, holding my hand gently. It would be easy for me to pull away if I wanted; this was the opportunity he left for me.

This was the biggest difference between him and Henry Preston; he wouldn’t do anything overly forceful. In our previous life, even though he liked Azure a lot, he never physically forced her.

In this regard, he truly was a gentleman, but I always felt that holding hands was too intimate, especially after his family disagreement. His family would absolutely not approve.

Why should I be holding hands with him in public, inviting misunderstandings?

I gently withdrew my hand, slightly apologetic, "I’m not used to holding hands with others."

This was true; even with Henry Preston, we hardly held hands.

Ivan Underwood smiled indifferently, "Alright, as you wish."

When we returned to the banquet hall, it was lively. Azure and Fern Tate moved among the guests, with their socialite demeanor.

Yet Henry Preston was nowhere to be seen. Silas Lockwood approached us, "Ivan, have you seen Brother Henry?"

"No, he probably went to find Wendy Hawthorne." Ivan took a sip of his red wine, his tone indifferent.

"Huh?" Silas Lockwood was taken aback. What’s going on?

I was surprised too. I could understand if he went to find Azure, but what did he mean by going to Wendy Hawthorne? Still, Wendy Hawthorne’s presence was nowhere to be seen at the scene.

Ivan Underwood didn’t explain much further. At this moment, a man walked over, seemingly acquainted with Ivan but in a mocking tone, "Dr. Underwood, what brings you here? Don’t you dislike such commercial events?"

"Just say what you want." Ivan Underwood’s attitude towards others was truly aloof; other than his patients and his close friends and family, it seemed everyone else was irrelevant to him.

He wouldn’t easily get angry, always speaking in a calm, icy tone.

The man’s eyes shifted towards me, as if he recognized me, but I definitely didn’t know him, he seemed unfamiliar.

His smile was somewhat subtle, "Isn’t this the ex-wife of The Preston Group’s CEO? How come you’re with Dr. Underwood today, could it be... this isn’t quite appropriate, don’t you think? Aren’t you and Mr. Preston good friends? Friends’ wives shouldn’t be messed with, even ex-wives."

Indeed, a troublemaker, trying to stir up trouble involving me.

"Sir, I advise you to lay off the salt if you have so much idle time," I smiled calmly, advising the troublemaker.

"Just a casual question," the troublemaker assumed an innocent look.

"Move along, mind your own business!" Silas Lockwood interrupted, much more straightforward than me, "What nonsense, you better watch it or I’ll give you a slap!"

The man seemed a bit nervous now, considering our three attitudes weren’t friendly. His loose tongue had its limits, and he slinked away awkwardly.

But his words weren’t without reason. Many here could recognize me, especially since the past incident between Henry Preston, Azure Vaughn, and me caused such a stir.

And although Ivan Underwood kept a low profile, with his distinguished status, there were always people who could identify him. The two of us seen together would surely spark gossip.

All at once I lost all interest and just wanted to leave. I whispered to Ivan, "I’m going to the room to rest for a bit, feeling a little tired."

"I’ll accompany you," Ivan Underwood replied.

"No need, just stay here." I immediately declined. My intention was to be alone, not to continue being misunderstood here.

Ivan Underwood understood what I meant, first furrowing his brows, then relaxing them, the corners of his lips curving into a smile, "Alright."

I quickly left, and just as I reached the door, I found Azure Vaughn waiting for me.

Hadn’t she just been in the hall, laughing and chatting with others?

Her face was cold, eyes burning with anger, "Zoe Hathaway, why must you oppose me? Haven’t you stopped liking Henry Preston? Can’t you maintain some distance?"

"Are you talking about the earring?" I thought of something, then calmly raised my hand to touch the earring on my right ear, smiling, "It’s not like I asked for it, really sorry."