CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80: WHO RECEIVES HIS GENTLENESS?

Vivi Sterling was so mad she laughed, "Corinne Kensington, who do you think you are? Do you really think you deserve this dress?"

Corinne pulled a black card from her purse and handed it straight to the sales assistant.

"Why not? Because this is Aeria Mall, the Fordham Group’s property; because I’m the future CEO’s wife; because Aiden’s gave me this unlimited black card. Is that good enough?"

An unlimited black card—it was Aiden Fordham’s supplementary card! He actually gave it to her?

In the past, Aiden Fordham would transfer her a million every month as pocket money, but compared to this black card, that money was a joke!

The sales assistant, hearing all this, bowed hurriedly, "So you’re the future CEO’s wife, please wait right here."

She walked over to Stella Grant, speaking coldly, "Please take off the dress. We’re not selling it."

"Not selling it? You’re asking a customer to undress—so this is the level of professionalism at Aeria Mall?"

Stella Grant retorted coldly, making the sales assistant hesitate.

Unexpectedly, Corinne Kensington pulled out her phone and dialed Aiden Fordham directly, putting the call on speaker.

The line rang for a long while before connecting.

"Aiden, there’s a really annoying woman fighting me for a dress. She even said Aeria Mall’s sales assistants were rude."

"Get Manager Donovan to put her on the Fordham Group’s blacklist. I have a meeting—just do it!"

The call ended!

"Did you hear that?" Corinne boasted to everyone, "I’ll go look for Manager Donovan right after this and put them all on the blacklist."

Vivi Sterling nearly exploded when she heard that, "That damn man—can’t even tell right from wrong, such a clueless tyrant!"

Being blacklisted from the Fordham Group was a big deal; with Fordham’s business spanning across the country—healthcare, real estate, entertainment, dining... That meant they’d be shut out of everything.

Later, Aiden Fordham would realize just how huge of a price he’d pay for one careless sentence!

Stella Grant said nothing, turning around and walking straight to the dressing room!

...

After hanging up, Aiden Fordham’s mood sank to rock bottom.

Annoyed.

He was still stewing over Stella Grant’s matchmaking date today. Why was this woman in such a rush?

Didn’t she already have Andy Lockwood? And yet she’s speed dating? Huh, seems like she doesn’t really like Andy Lockwood after all.

Thinking that, a jolt ran through his heart, and some of his anger faded.

He leaned back in his spacious executive chair, tapping his fingers unconsciously on the armrest as he closed his eyes.

The peace didn’t last; his phone buzzed loudly.

Group chat notifications flooded in "ding ding ding"—scores of new messages, total chaos.

Aiden Fordham frowned and reached for his phone.

Right at the top of the screen was a photo catching his eye.

Stella Grant.

Wearing a powder-purple gown he’d never seen before, standing angled in front of a fitting room mirror, lips tipped with a faint smile. The light traced her graceful curves, her skin nearly dazzling.

Aiden Fordham’s eyes were glued to her.

Even his breath stopped for a split second.

That waist, those collarbones, and her face...

The more he looked, the faster his heart pounded out of control.

How had he never noticed before—Stella Grant was damn hot and so tempting.

His fingers unconsciously traced her image on the screen.

The group chat was already hyped up.

Damian Hawthorne: Holy shit! Stella Grant’s looks and figure—absolute perfection! [Power][Power]

Ezra Jacobs: Honestly, her vibe totally crushes Best Actress Kensington. Such a shame. Really.

Aiden Fordham’s gaze darkened.

Before he could think deeper, Damian Hawthorne tossed out a screenshot—Vivi Sterling’s Moments post.

Same picture of Stella Grant.

Caption: "Gorgeous girl at home, sweet or spicy, currently single. Quality gentlemen DM me, first come first served!"

Comments had already stacked up dozens of floors.

"A recommendation from Vivi? Gotta be solid! Drop me her WeChat!"

"Meet up! Arrange it soon?"

Me, me, me! Eligible bachelor right here!

Everyone commenting was a recognizable rich kid from their social circle.

Aiden Fordham’s face completely blackened.

People started tagging Abraham Grant to fix the mess, but he just shrugged—marriage contract with the Sterling Family had been dissolved, nothing he could do, then ghosted the chat. Everyone started clowning...

Aiden Fordham had no patience for their flirting, he chucked his phone aside—out of sight, out of mind.

But that burning jealousy in his chest just kept growing.

"Knock knock knock."

A knock came at the door.

"Come in." Aiden Fordham’s voice was cold as ice.

Keegan Lindsey pushed the door open, holding a tablet.

"President Fordham, the Medical Association just sent word—there’s an impromptu charity gala tonight. What do you think..."

Aiden Fordham impatiently waved him away.

"Not going."

Keegan paused, then added, "I checked the list. Andy Lockwood will attend. He’ll be bringing a female companion..."

Aiden Fordham’s hand stilled—Andy’s companion, who else could it be?

He was quiet for a few seconds, tapping his fingertips on the desk, "Alright, I’ll go."

Keegan nodded, "Okay, I’ll make arrangements right away."

"Wait." Aiden stopped him, his voice flat but eyes bottomless, "Invite Corinne Kensington. She can be my date."

"Yes, sir!"

...

Night fell, neon lights flickered on.

Inside a regular five-star hotel in Meritopia, the midsized conference hall was brilliantly lit.

The Medical Association’s charity gala was underway. Theme: supporting healthcare systems in third- and fourth-tier cities.

Attendees were all professionals from medical and related fields, every one of them stylish and poised.

When Aiden Fordham entered the event arm-in-arm with Corinne Kensington, all eyes landed on them instantly.

Greetings and polite chat surrounded them like a spotlight.

In a quiet corner nearby, Andy Lockwood was flipping through a promotional brochure with Stella Grant.

Stella had her head down, reading intently, her long lashes casting gentle shadows in the light.

Andy stood beside her, murmuring explanations that made her smile and snicker quietly now and then.

The big screen at the front of the hall was rolling donor names—companies and individuals.

"Lockwood Group, $50 million" was strikingly listed at the top.

Soon, the chairman took the stage, grabbed the mic, his voice genuinely excited.

"Honored guests, let’s give special thanks to President Fordham of the Fordham Group! With incredible generosity, President Fordham is donating a full $100 million!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than thunderous applause broke out.

On the screen, "Fordham Group, $100 million" shot straight to the top, instantly overtaking the Lockwood Group for first place.

Stella Grant looked up—right as Aiden Fordham approached, arm in arm with Corinne Kensington.

Andy Lockwood was first to raise a hand in greeting, "President Fordham, you’re quite the philanthropist."

There’s no telling whether he was being sincere or just snarky.

Aiden Fordham gave a crooked smile, his gaze passing quickly over Stella Grant as he shot back, "Right back at you, President Lockwood’s not too shabby either."

Corinne Kensington snagged a glass of red wine from a passing server, lifting it toward her lips.

Aiden Fordham reached out instantly, gently pressing her wrist back.

His touch was light, but his tone left no room for argument, kindness threaded through.

"That’s your third glass tonight, no more."

He paused, his voice dropping lower, "You’ll get tipsy soon. Behave, okay?"

The last word was indulgent, doting.

Then, he lifted his fingers and, naturally, tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, his gaze full of tenderness—like the rest of the world didn’t exist.