Chapter 123

Chapter 123

After lan finished speaking, Genevieve suddenly froze.

It was as if she had been frozen in place.

Blinking, she caught lan’s awkward yet polite smile, finding herself strangely silenced.

What the heck! No wonder everything seems off here! If word gets out, Selene would be the first to laugh at mel‘ she thought.

Genevieve sat there, feeling like she was on pins and needles.

As the gazes of many fell upon her, she felt her beauty fading into insignificance.

For the first time, she had the urge to find a hole and bury herself in it.

Ian couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, though he desperately tried to suppress it. “Well, Ms. Lawrence, of course you are attractive. Even the female stars in the showbiz don’t hold a candle to you, but this place…

Before he could finish, Genevieve cut him off, “So, you’re here because you’re gay too?”

Jan’s face turned pale, and he immediately waved his hands. “No, no. Of course not.”

Genevieve looked triumphant, lifting her chin defiantly. “Come on, you told me this is a gay bar. If you’re not, then what are you doing here?”

It could be serious if word got out that a popular star like Tan was gay.

Ian’s face turned pale. ‘A friend… a friend asked me to pick something up.”

Genevieve didn’t want to hear it, grabbing her purse to leave.

Ian panicked and hurried after her. “Boss…”

At the door, Genevieve paused and turned to look at him.

Ian pursed his lips and compromised, “I swear, I’m really not. Let’s just pretend I wasn’t here tonight, okay?”

Genevieve lowered her eyes and said, “And pretend I wasn’t here tonight too?”

Both were clearly embarrassed by the encounter.

Understanding her intent, lan nodded in agreement.

With that, they both turned and went their separate ways, as if the night had never happened.

Once home, Genevieve couldn’t help but soak in a hot bath to ease the tension from the evening.

As soon as she was about to rest, Daniel called her. She thought, ‘What’s up with him, calling this

late?”

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09:41 Sat, 20 Apr

Chapter 123

After a moment’s hesitation, Genevieve answered the call.

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Instead of Daniel’s voice, it was Anthony’s on the other end. ‘It’s me, Genevieve, about Johnson of TuringTech Innovations–don’t bother with him, it’s a waste of time.”

“Mr. Hoffman, what can I do for you?” she asked, patience wearing thin.

“Why did he suddenly tell me that it was a waste of time? Does he think I lack the ability?” she thought.

Anthony’s voice was deep and serious. “He is not a good guy. A lot of women have been harmed by him. I’m just watching out for you, Gen. Don’t fall for his tricks.”

Genevieve couldn’t stand it anymore. “Do you think I’m an idiot? Are you the only smart one in the world and everyone else fools?”

“Gen…”

“Call me Ms. Lawrence!” Genevieve interrupted with emphasis.

She didn’t appreciate the over–familiarity. When they were married, it was “Genevieve” this and “Genevieve” that, as if he was afraid anyone would sense their closeness. And now it was “Gen. ‘Doesn’t he see how ridiculous that is?‘ she thought.

Anthony went silent for a few seconds before speaking with a touch of resignation. “You got me to the hospital, and I need to thank you. There’s a cruise party tomorrow. Would you please come? Don’t be mad all the time; it’ll make you age faster!”

Genevieve hung up, furning.

Anthony was unbelievable. He’d never say a nice word.

Staring at the ended call on his phone, Anthony grew silent.

Daniel, standing nearby, couldn’t help but offer a word of advice in a hushed tone, “Mr. Hoffman, maybe you could’ve skipped that last sentence.”

Anthony furrowed his brows. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No,” Daniel said immediately.

‘How could he be wrong? Anthony can never be wrong!‘ Daniel thought.

He thought for a while and sent her a message. After a moment’s thought, Anthony decided to text her directly: [Johnson will be at the cruise party tomorrow. Are you going?]

Just as expected, Genevieve saw the message and replied: [I’ll be there.]

For business matters, of course, she would attend.

Anthony’s mood brightened. ‘See? She just couldn’t bear to reject me!‘ he told himself.

He reveled in this subtle yet profound affection.

Chapter 123

Daniel said, “Tomorrow’s cruise party is held by you for Ms. Lawrence. You could just tell her directly.”

He meant Anthony didn’t have to use Johnson as an excuse.

Anthony tossed the phone back with an indifferent gesture, meticulously adjusting his cuffs. “She’s shy.”

He still remembered how, before their divorce, he had mentioned taking her to a cruise party and then had to cancel last minute.

The disappointment on her face was palpable, but she still managed a smile and said it was alright.

He aimed to make up for all those regrets.

The next day.

Genevieve arrived at the port, graciously wearing a flowing white gown.

The cruise ship was massive, a behemoth rarely seen with more than ten layers towering over the docks.

The port was heavily secured, with facial recognition required for entry.

As soon as Genevieve boarded the ship, she noticed a man leaning casually against the railing on the deck.

Louis stood there with a presence that was powerfully commanding and impossible to ignore.

He saw her too and walked over with a smile to greet her. “If I’d known you were coming. I would’ve picked you up,” he said.

“How’s your health?” Genevieve vividly remembered how he nearly passed out from illness before.

Louis smiled and nodded. “Much better, thanks for your concern.”

They exchanged smiles, and as the breeze swept over the deck, the lights flickered on them, casting a gentle glow around the pair.

Anthony caught sight of this from a distance, his face darkening with displeasure.

The smoldering emotion in his eyes churned, ready to erupt and overwhelm at any moment.

The next second, he strode toward them and wrapped an arm around Genevieve’s waist as if staking his claim. “Why stand out here when the party’s heating up inside?”

Genevieve attempted to struggle free, but Anthony had a firm grip.

“What’s wrong with him again?‘ she wondered.

Louis’s smile retracted, his brows and eyes losing their warmth, giving him a sharp, almost piercing look. “Mr. Hoffman, it’s been a long time.”

Chapter 123

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“I didn’t intend to see you at all,” Anthony snapped back..

Genevieve, feeling speechless, tried to push him away without success and instead stomped hard on Anthony’s foot.

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Anthony, whose foot was just on the mend, instantly turned a shade of puce, shock, and confusion written all over his face as he gazed at her.

Genevieve turned around and left. When Anthony was about to catch up, Louis intercepted him. “Mr. Hoffman, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you…

Breaking free from Anthony’s scrutiny, Genevieve made her way into the vast banquet hall.

The multiple floors connected in a grand manner, with glittering, opulent splendor and blinding lights cascading from above. The surrounding decor was nothing short of luxurious.

Business bigwigs were making understated appearances, exchanging pleasantries, while their more flamboyant spouses, high–society ladies, mingled in their finery.

immediately found Andrea, who was being fawned over in the center of the hall,

Genevieve’s gaze clinging to Quincey.

Andrea had forsaken her usual demure and graceful style for a daring look tonight; she was dressed in a fiery red gown that barely covered her long, straight legs, and her long hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders. The whole ensemble exuded a charming, enchanting air.

When Andrea caught sight of Genevieve, she navigated through the crowd with a drink in hand. and stopped before her.

Genevieve’s aura was cool and radiant. Even without thick makeup, she effortlessly overshadowed Andrea.

She looked at Andrea indifferently.

Andrea flashed her a smile and raised her glass, gently swirling the liquid inside. “Ms. Lawrence, welcome to our engagement party.”