Chapter 222: Chapter 219: The Banquet
"Norman, here." Mia led them over, followed by Mrs. Clarke and Lily Clarke.
Seeing this, Elliana still politely said, "Aunt Clarke."
Greetings were necessary at such occasions; there was no need to take offense.
However, Mia seemed oblivious to her, looking straight at Norman and then turned to introduce, "Norman, this is Mrs. Clarke and her beloved daughter, Miss Lily Clarke."
With this introduction, she glanced at the two beside Mia.
She knew Lily Clarke, though they hadn’t worked together, she had watched Lily’s dramas during college, a senior in the industry.
Besides, Lily had a good reputation in the film industry, making Elliana quite fond of her.
Norman nodded insignificantly, his expression indifferent, showing no emotion.
"Haha~"
Mia suddenly covered her face with a smile, intentionally coy, "Miss Lyle is here too, I’m really sorry, I hardly noticed you earlier."
That only shows you’re blind.
"No problem, Aunt Clarke." Elliana maintained a composed smile, unaffected, clearly aware of what kind of person Mia was.
This little matter was of no concern to her.
"If I remember correctly, the Lyle family wasn’t invited today, was it?" Mia challenged again, her voice loud enough that many looked over.
Some were curious; some anticipated her humiliation.
Before she could respond, a gentle voice was heard.
"Hello, Mr. Bennett, I’m Lily Clarke." Lily proactively reached out to Norman, a smile of admiration on her face with glimmers in her eyes.
Being a woman, Elliana naturally saw through Lily’s intentions, and with Mia combined, she instantly understood.
So she stepped in and accepted Lily’s hand for Norman, smiling appropriately, "Miss Clarke, let me introduce, this is my husband, Norman Bennett."
Lily was momentarily stunned, then withdrew her hand in dismay, looking at Norman who was gazing tenderly at Elliana.
Clearly affirming Elliana’s statement.
It seemed the online rumors saying Elliana was Norman’s fiancée were true.
"Husband? What husband?" Mrs. Clarke was puzzled, looking between Norman and Mia.
Mia continued smiling, "Oh, young people’s affairs, we elders can’t interfere."
Then pretended to ask Mrs. Clarke, "Don’t you think so?"
"You!" Awakening, Mrs. Clarke realized Mia was teasing her!
But considering Mia’s status, she couldn’t act out, so she endured, "Excuse me."
She said, pulling Lily away, though Lily was reluctant to leave, and only after several tugs did she comply.
Witnessing this, Mia laughed wildly, like a "crazy beauty," seemingly lost in madness.
Since losing her child, Mia often teetered between sanity and frenzy, Bennett family members were used to it.
Julia Bennett came over timely, smiling at Elliana and Norman, then said to Mia, "You’re drunk, let me help you rest."
"Drunk, drunk, I just can’t handle it." Mia went along with Julia, having only come to watch a spectacle, losing interest after seeing it.
With Mia gone, Elliana turned to the man and asked, "Has she always been like this?"
At this time, Philip Bennett took the stage in the center of the crowd, dressed in a suit, exuding a bit of elegance with a rather serious expression.
He then picked up the mic, "Today is my son, Zane Bennett’s birthday, thank you all for coming..."
As the words fell, it signaled the start of the banquet.
She clung to the man’s arm, no need to move deliberately, as many people approached them for conversation.
She held a glass of red wine for over ten minutes, barely sipping, just taking a symbolic sip for each conversation.
Midway through the event, one of Philip’s men approached them.
"Young master, sir asked you to come over."
Seeing this, Elliana said, "Go ahead, I’ll find Joy to chat."
"Hmm, don’t stray too far," the man reminded before leaving.
She walked towards Joy’s side.
There she discovered Joy was chatting with Lily, the two seemingly enjoying a lively exchange.
"Elliana." Joy quickly turned her gaze towards her.
Lily’s face darkened instantly, unable to tolerate the earlier humiliation.
Perhaps her intentions were seen through, thus feeling humiliated by Elliana’s actions.
"Miss Clarke." Elliana nodded to Lily, unbothered by prior events.
After all, Norman was outstanding; Lily’s admiration was understandable, as long as it didn’t cross boundaries, she had no issue.
Lily resumed her usual demeanor, smiling warmly, "Miss Lyle."
Despite the smile, internally she was quite disdainful, believing Elliana’s family couldn’t match the Bennett’s.
To her, Norman was just having fun while young, and though her family couldn’t compare to the Bennett’s, it far surpassed the Lyle family.
She inwardly despised Elliana.
Also noticing Elliana was alone now, she nodded, "Excuse me, both."
After Lily left, Joy was called away shortly too, evidently not just attending for leisure, but also for tasks assigned by Victor King.
Many entertainment bigwigs had shown up today; even while accompanying Norman earlier, she’d encountered several directors.
Just then, a man came forward striking a conversation.
"Miss Lyle."
Hearing the voice, her body stiffened, turning sharply towards the source, discovering a handsome man.
She seemed not to recognize this person, yet his voice was familiar.
Seeing this, she smiled politely, "Hello, and you are?"
The man smiled slightly, then introduced, "I’m John Walters, a representative of Will Global Films, long admired Miss Lyle’s talents."
John Walters bowed courteously, an international gesture, clearly not a local from the name.
Besides, Will Global Films was one of the top ten international film companies, making the person before her quite significant.
Yet, this man named John Walters gave her an uneasy feeling, especially the smile, causing inexplicable goosebumps.
Unable to pinpoint the reason, she simply said, "Ah, Mr. Walters, pleasure to meet you."
"Miss Lyle, you’re too kind."
Just then, Summer Hue approached, placing a hand on her shoulder, complaining, "Cousin, it’s so dull, everyone’s speaking with politeness like leaders."
Upon speaking, Summer also noticed the man standing before Elliana.
Elliana introduced, "Summer, this is Mr. Walters."
"Oh!" Seeing this, Summer extended her hand to John Walters, "Hello, Mr. Walters."
As John Walters reached out, Elliana’s previously relaxed eyes suddenly tightened!
John Walters, while shaking hands, would first curl his fingers, although this subtle move might go unnoticed, Elliana noticed it!