Chapter 754 Accepting Chloe as Her Lackey

Ophelia's gaze also fell on Chloe. Their eyes met, and Ophelia boldly scanned Chloe up and down.

Unfazed by the scrutiny, Chloe held up her gown with elegance and continued walking gracefully

toward the crowd.

Kenneth noticed Chloe as well. His gentle and indulgent expression instantly turned gloomy. He

swiftly positioned himself to shield Ophelia, as if he were afraid of Chloe going off the rails.

Chloe caught his actions in her peripheral vision and smiled in slight amusement. She was aware of

Xavia's tendencies to act pitiful, and it seemed like she had done it again.

Noah immediately put down his wine glass and approached Chloe as she stepped out, taking her

hand as his eyes displayed tenderness and affection. "You took pretty long to get ready. Are you

hungry? Sit down and have something to eat first."

"I'm a little hungry, but also tired," Chloe replied. She had spent three long hours sitting still in front

of the mirror, getting her makeup and hair done. And that was discounting the time spent getting

dressed.

"It’ll be over soon. We just need to go on stage and say a few words. There’s no need to waste

time.”

As Noah finished his sentence, Desmond ascended the high stage with the help of a few helpers.

His once pallid complexion now glowed with a rosy hue, and he looked remarkably well. The past

few days had been kind to him and his smiles had become more frequent, adding a touch of warmth

to his countenance. A few gentle wrinkles could be seen around his eyes, making him appear even

more joyous and benevolent.

It was Chloe and Noah’s turn on the stage next, but Desmond still did most of the talking. As Chloe

glanced at the people below, the realization that this engagement would soon lead to marriage

washed over her. Though she appeared calm and serene, there was a subtle lack of joy in her eyes.

Then, at an unexpected moment, Chloe's gaze locked onto a tall figure at the back—Joseph!

Why was he here?

Her eyes remained fixed on the figure at the back, and her hands clenched unconsciously. Neither

Desmond nor Noad would not have invited Joseph, so how did this guy get in?

"What are you looking at?" Noah lowered his head and followed her gaze, his breath brushing

gently against her face.

Chloe took a step back and looked again. Joseph had already disappeared as he had nothing more

than an illusion.

"Coco?"

"Huh?" She sounded puzzled, her eyes still searching for Joseph throughout the hall. With her

grandfather present today, she could not let that obnoxious man ruin the engagement banquet.

"What are you thinking about?"

Chloe hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at Noah. The young man's slightly tousled hair

and elegant attire, along with his clean and well-defined features, made him look incredibly poised.

His innocent, brown eyes fixed on her, seemingly inquisitive but also hinting at a subtle

interrogation.

She suddenly faltered. "N-Nothing. I must’ve made a mistake."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah..."

She could not tell him that she might have seen Joseph. An encounter with his enemy would only

complicate things.

"Go and take a seat. The Exotic Star employees are seated at the table on the right." Fortunately,

Noah did not press further and allowed her to take a rest.

Chloe sat for a while, chatting casually with Emily.

"Hey, shall we get to know each other?" Unexpectedly, Ophelia sat down beside Chloe. Her tone

was natural, devoid of any awkwardness.

Chloe frowned and replied coolly, "Is there something you need?"

Seeing Chloe's coldness, Ophelia's smile instantly disappeared, "Do you not welcome me?"

"I don't know you, so why should I welcome you?"

"But I know you. You’re my father's illegitimate daughter, born from an affair with his mistress."

"Shut up," Chloe retorted, her voice tinged with anger. Her mother was her sensitive spot, and she

would never allow anyone to trample on her name.

"What? Don’t dare to own up to the facts?" Ophelia taunted loudly, deliberately drawing attention

from those nearby.

Ophelia had intended to accept Chloe as her lackey if she behaved well. She had not expected

Chloe to be so ungrateful and unappreciative of the opportunity.