Chapter 4
He said he was involved with people from that circle, so it wasn’t. convenient to disclose the relationship.
She wanted to introduce him to her family, but he said the time wasn’t right.
So, the two of them dated in secret for five years.
Sienna, completely confused, was held by Lewis as they entered the manor hall.
The crystal chandelier suddenly dimmed, and a waiter pushed a nine- tiered champagne tower into the center of the hall.
The crowd began to cheer. Pop!
At the moment Lewis popped the cork, the crisp sound of high heels hitting marble came from the entrance
Champagne splashed onto Sienna’s collarbone, and Lewis‘ grip on the bottle suddenly tightened.
Tracy stood against the light, wrapped in a mink shawl, as reporters all turned their cameras toward her.
“Ms. Hudson, how come you have time to attend a private party?”
A financial reporter quickly made his way to the front.
Tracy removed her shawl like unveiling silk at an archaeological site, revealing faint sunburn marks on her shoulder and neck. “To congratulate an old friend…”
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She glanced at Sienna, where champagne was trickling into her deep V neckline. “On his fifth anniversary.”
More gossipy questions followed. “We’ve been following your X updates. Since your return, you seem to be spending a lot of time with a mysterious male guest. May we ask if he’s your partner?”
Tracy deliberately looked across at Lewis. “Just a very close old friend.”
Someone joked, “Old friends can fall in love and get married too. Would you choose that mysterious male guest?”
Tracy glanced at Sienna beside her, then finally locked eyes with Lewis.
She said word by word, “No… I… wouldn’t… ”
Lewis‘ arm around Sienna instantly tensed, and his gaze darkened.
Everyone’s smile froze under the chill, and the lively atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing point.
Lewis said coldly, “Today is my anniversary, not an archaeologist’s conference.”
The manor owner quickly tried to smooth things over. “Yeah, yeah. Let the music play!”
These were all people from Lewis‘ circle–they instantly understood the situation, and the mood warmed up again.
Sienna cut a piece of cake and handed it to Tracy, smiling as she said, “Welcome, the famous archaeologist.”
Tracy took the cake, stared at her face, and then showed a surprised expression. “Why do I feel you look a bit like me?”
She turned to the people around, asking, “What do you all think?”
Chapter 4
Those in the know were clearly a bit awkward and began to explain, “Beautiful ladies tend to have similar features, haha.”
Those unaware began glancing back and forth between the two women.
They left behind comments like, “Indeed, they do look a bit alike.”
“Not quite the same–one’s stunning and intellectual, the other’s elegant and cool with a sense of intelligence.”
Sienna heard this and smiled calmly.
“Maybe it’s fate. I wanted to study archaeology when I was little.”
Those who caught the hidden meaning exchanged glances.
Indeed, Sienna was very young, only 22. She had just graduated from university, exuding an innocent purity.
She came from a privileged background, had elite education from an early age, and carried a natural grace and composure.
As for Tracy, she seemed to be just past 28–not old by any means.
But her cosmetically enhanced face, coupled with years spent in the sun and wind of archaeology, couldn’t hide the complexity she carried.
That’s why some used “intellectual beauty” to explain it.
The manor owner began to wrap things up. “Everyone, help yourselves. Drinks are on the house.”
The crowd dispersed, beginning their rounds of social niceties.
Lewis held Sienna by the waist and asked softly, “Babe, want something
to eat?”
Chapter 4
But at events like this, food and drink were never the main focus.
Sienna didn’t know anyone and just felt a bit awkward.
“Let’s go take a look at the balcony.”
Lewis carried champagne and dessert, staying by Sienna’s side.
But his gaze kept drifting toward Tracy inside the hall.
Tracy first chatted briefly with reporters and media folks, clinked glasses. with a few research scholars, and then moved on to mingle with major academic figures.
She wanted to develop her career back home, so naturally she had to build connections.
Under the influence of alcohol, with all the flashing lights and flowing wine, it was inevitable she got coaxed into drinking, probed, and tested.
Lewis‘ expression grew darker, his face more sullen.
At first, he restrained himself by chatting with Sienna, but later, his eyes weren’t even on the balcony anymore.
Sienna followed his gaze–an academic bigwig was caressing Tracy’s waist, while another handed her a glass of red wine.
Lewis could no longer sit still. He suddenly stood up and strode over, snatching the wine from her hand.
His tone was cold but full of concern. “Did you forget what the doctor said? Still drinking?!”
