The day of the welcoming party finally arrived.
The Thomson family gave importance to this banquet thus all arrangements were flawless and extravagant. They made sure that the guests would be comfortable and satisfied.
The invited guests were people from high society so it was important for the Thomson family to show off their wealth.
The hired musicians played a classic song in the background as guests arrived one after another.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomson were wearing cream-colored matching outfits. The couple looked refined and romantic. Bianca also wore a cream-colored gown showing off her slender back. The three members of the Thomson family were greeting guests with a smile on their faces.
They looked harmonious and happy.
"Is the Albrecht family going to attend today?" Venice asked her husband.
George checked his phone. "My assistant did not receive a reply. But they accepted the invitation. Since this concern both families, I am sure they will come too." Then he asked, "Is Suzie already done preparing?"
Venice gave out a smile, "She is the center of this party. The celebrant should arrive late. Let us give her more time to doll up herself." Although Venice was smiling, she had a scheme in mind.
George appreciated Venice's kindness. He kissed his wife's cheek. "I can't thank you enough for accepting Suzie in the family warmly."
Venice's smile turned cold. "What has been done is done. Don't forget why we have to accept that bastard of yours in this family. Make sure she is worth it."
George coughed. He momentarily forgot the reason for all of this, "Don't worry, the Albrecht family will attend today's banquet. Suzie could take Bianca's place."
"Hmph. If only the eldest son of the Albrecht family did not get into an accident a year ago Bianca would have married into the Albrecht family smoothly. But since it happened, we can't let Bianca marry a disabled man."
Bianca heard her parent's conversation. She hugged her mother's arm. "Mom, you don't have to worry too much. The Albrecht family still has their second son. I am already acquainted with him. I will make sure I will enter the Albrecht family and be their future Madame. I'll be the official heir of our family."
Venice finally let out a sincere smile.
Right. It was better if her daughter married the favored second son. After all, she heard somewhere that the eldest son was not favored by the current Madame of the Albrecht family.
Venice doesn't know the whole story, but as someone with ears everywhere, she had some inside news that the second son was more favored than the eldest.
Perhaps the accident was a blessing in disguise for her daughter to marry the second son, not the eldest.
The Albrecht family was a family friend close to the Thomson family. George's father, the former head of the Thomson family was the best friend of the former head of the Albrecht family.
According to their family history, the Thomson family was not that wealthy before but ever since George's father met the head of the Albrecht family in his twenties, their family's status and business rose higher and higher. Until they reached their current standing.
When both heads of the family died, they both left a strange will.
George's father stated in his will that to become the official heir of their family, they need to marry a kin of the Albrecht family.
While the former head of the Albrecht family stated that one of his grandchildren should marry a descendant of the Thomson family.
It was not unexpected since the two families were indeed close. There was even a deal from both families to let their eldest marry each other.
So Bianca was engaged to the eldest son of the Albrecht family before the eldest got into an accident.
It was said that the eldest son become disabled and comatose. But despite the accident, the Albrecht family still wanted to pursue the marriage.
Venice and George could not accept that their daughter would marry a man that was not different from the dead. Coupled with the news that the eldest son was not favored, Venice and George felt that their daughter would be bullied if she married into the Albrecht family.
They could not risk their daughter's future but they also don't want to let the inheritance go to the second branch.
That was when George remembered the woman he had slept with before. Before that woman left, she left a letter to George saying she was pregnant and that she would come to him later.
George forgot about the matter since he doesn't have the heart to be responsible or take those words seriously. Only now that he investigated that matter. After looking for that woman and that child for a few months, he found Suzie.
Since Suzie carried his blood, she had become a perfect substitute for Bianca.
Thus, even though Venice had malicious thoughts about this bastard child, she had to keep her malice in. Until Suzie married successfully into the Albrecht family.
While the guests were arriving, Suzie was having a hard time on her own.
She was a person who never attended such a glamorous party before. So she was not knowledgeable in this area. She thought she could depend on the makeup artist and the maids. But an hour had passed already, and the makeup artist that excused herself for a pee break did not come back.
Suzie checked the time on her phone. There were only ten minutes left before the banquet officially started. The time was not enough. She hasn't changed yet. Her makeup was not fully done and her hair was still a mess.
She had tried to look for that make-up artist or any maid who could help her. But the whole floor was empty aside from herself. The elevators were not working and the door to the staircase was locked.
At first, Suzie waited patiently. But when an hour passed by, she started to get suspicious and looked for them. Seeing that she was locked on this floor with no way out, Suzie was now sure.
This was deliberate. She was being bullied.
But who planned this?
Whoever did this was childish. That person clearly wanted to embarrass her at this party. They wanted her to show up in a mess.
Suzie sighed. She could investigate later. As the celebrant of this banquet, people would come to look for her later when the time comes. So she wasn't worried that she would be locked here to death.
The most important matter was to attend the banquet with a decent appearance.
Suzie started putting on makeup. She doesn't have experience in attending social gatherings but that doesn't mean she doesn't know how to use makeup.
She had done a hundred jobs and one of them was being a part-timer in a salon. It was not a high-end salon, but she learned the basics there. She did not use complicated makeup but simple one.
Perhaps it was the blood of this wealthy family but Suzie has excellent features. Bianca was pretty and delicate, but Suzie has aggressive beauty. If she put on heavier makeup, she would be mistaken as a seductress. Since it was her first debut in the social gathering, Suzie doesn't want to create misunderstandings like that. So she chose lighter makeup that would emphasize her nice features.
Her skin was a little duller compared to Bianca's. That was because Suzie had been working since she was a child. She was already thankful that her skin did not become rough and looked normal.
Compared to Bianca's fair and smooth skin, Suzie was a bit darker. Thus, her overall beauty with her plain face looked dull compared to Bianca who was always dolled up.
Suzie then took out her gown- a sleeveless black one.
It has a simple design. But this was perfect for Suzie's preference.
Suzie put her curled hair in a loose bun. She had arranged a woman's hair like this before in the salon. So her craft was good.
Suzie looked for any jewelry. But nothing was left here. The makeup artist must have taken it.
Sigh.
Fortunately, Suzie brought a set when she bought this black gown. She had brought it here just in case. And it was proven useful.
Thankfully, the heels were not taken away.
After she put on her heels, the door suddenly opened.
Suzie's brow rose. The staff who came in did not even knock.
The staff looked surprised when she saw the decent-looking Suzie.
Suzie could see the shock on the staff's face. This made her guess grew stronger.
"What are you surprised about? You did not expect that I could take care of myself after locking me up here without any helper around?"
The staff's eyes went wide. She then looked down to hide her expression, "I...I d-don't know what Miss is talking about. " She then stepped back as if avoiding Suzie. "The M-madame is looking for you. The party has started."
Suzie wanted to interrogate this woman. She had learned in the streets that in order to survive and not to be bullied, she have to show them how tough she was. That she was not easy to bully and was willing to bite their flesh when she was targeted.
However, there was no time and there was an urgent matter to attend to. Suzie controlled her anger.
She stood up. When she passed by the staff, she stopped. "I'll remember your face. Make sure you got your story straight when I come looking for you later."
Suzie smiled and kissed the twin's head. "Always remember that you two not only have us but you have each other. Keep looking out for each other like this as you two grow up, okay? Then Mommy will give you a lot of rewards." Hearing rewards, the two children's moods turned happy. "What rewards? Are we going to the ocean and dive with sharks?" "Are we going to fly in the air and meet Superman?" Suzie laughed. She really wished her children would never lose their innocence and their imagination towards the world. They could grow up strong and disciplined, but they should never lose their innocence toward life and their hope for the future. She would make sure of it. "Let me think about it." The two children talked about the rewards that were about to come while they held Suzie's hand. When Javier met them at the company's lobby, he could not help but smile at the scenery. The scenery of his wife and his two children laughing and smiling warmed up his heart. Life was full of ups a
"Everyone, I appreciate your presence here. The reason behind gathering you all and convening this meeting on such short notice is to announce that my wife will be visiting." Tension hung in the air as Javier initiated the meeting. However, the revelation that followed left everyone in a state of surprise. Maintaining his composed demeanor, Javier continued, "Many of you had the opportunity to meet her at last year's opening ceremony. She expresses her regret that she couldn't personally greet each and every one of you on that occasion. My wife is a busy mother, her schedule is quite demanding. I kindly ask for your understanding in this regard." "Madame does not need to apologize." "Madame's kindness is truly remarkable. It's touching that she considers employees like us. We're genuinely grateful for her thoughtfulness." "There is no need to bother about us...." Those with a talent for flattery seized the opportunity to win favor. And their strategy proved effective. Javier's
Three years later...In the massive conference room of a certain high-rise building, a group of executives and the board of directors were seated accordingly in their positions. The seat at the head of the table was empty.Everyone waited for that person's arrival with their hearts in their throats.Only the people in higher positions within the company knew how terrifying their boss was. Though young, their boss was ruthless when it came to business and never gave a second chance to those who harmed the company.He was generous to those who worked hard and remained loyal, but ruthless to his enemies. In three years, the company had risen unimaginably and become the number one empire in the country. It then ascended to a top-three rank in the whole of Asia.To those employees who remained with the company even during the most difficult times, their rise to these positions was a testament to their loyalty. They considered themselves fortunate to have stuck with the company and reaped n
In the quiet embrace of dawn's gentle touch, the sea awoke from its slumber, its vast expanse stretching out as far as the eye could fathom. The horizon, adorned with hues of soft amethyst and pale rose, held a promise of the spectacle to come. A delicate, cool breeze carried the faint scent of salt and adventure, caressing the senses like a whispered secret. Suzie tiptoed out of the bedroom and washed her face downstairs. She then busied herself in the kitchen. It had been two weeks since the couple had stayed on the island, and there hadn't been a single day when Suzie woke up early to prepare breakfast. Partly because it was Javier's fault for keeping her up late, but whenever she did wake up, Javier had already cooked breakfast and cleaned the kitchen. Even the dishes were taken care of by Javier. There wasn't much else for Suzie to do but watch her handsome, gorgeous husband handle the chores. Suzie appreciated his efforts. However, she also wanted to showcase her cooking ski
Suzie woke up, feeling an ache in her lower body. She opened her eyes and saw sunlight peeking in through the curtains.How long had it been since she was out?She slowly sat up straight and felt the stinging sensation again. She couldn't help but blame the man once more for being too fierce last night.It was as if the married couple had a connection; Javier appeared at the door, holding a warm glass of water.He looked surprised to see Suzie awake. He hurriedly walked in and handed her the water."You're awake. How do you feel?" Guilt and self-blame were evident on Javier's face. He knew that he had been too rough last night.Suzie wanted to scold him, but seeing him like this, her heart softened. Still, she glared at him. "You were indeed too rough last night."Javier gently helped Suzie to her feet. "I'm sorry. I lost control. Mrs. Zhou kept you away from me for three days—how could I not miss you?" Javier couldn't help but drag Mrs. Zhou into the conversation.Three days without
"....so just look at me and don't be nervous." A voice sounded on the front, breaking the fight that was about to start. Ambassador Milliard and Uncle Surge had already arrived in front of the bride's waiting room. At the door, Javier was almost hugging the door as he spoke with a pitiful voice, "I really wanted to see you. I haven't seen you for three days. Mrs. Luo is too strict." "We will see each other in a few minutes. So go to the hall and wait for me. Let my makeup artists work in peace," Suzie's voice sounded from inside the room. "...Alright. I miss you so bad, wife." Ambassador Milliard: "...." Uncle Surge: "...." Fortunately, they were the only people here. If other guests happened to pass by, Javier's image would completely shift from that of a peerless young CEO to that of a lovestruck fool, simping for his wife. The door swung open, and Javier, who had been clinging to it, almost stumbled forward. Mrs. Luo emerged from the room and deliberately avoided him. "Jus