Chapter 107 Come Here To
Me
The banquet hall radiated prestige, not because of any over–the–top extravagance, but due to the caliber of its attendees. Every guest was clad in haute couture, luxury designer pieces, or the season’s most coveted ensembles. The women, in particular, vied for attention, each striving to outshine the next in grace and sophistication, hoping to catch the eye of the city’s most influential figures.
Yet, amidst the glittering gowns and tailored suits, Renee stood apart. Her attire, understated yet deliberate, defied the expectations of the evening. The moment she stepped inside, curious gazes followed her every move.
Many of the guests were well–acquainted with her and couldn’t hide their surprise. Whispers spread like wildfire, speculating whether she and William had rekindled their relationship.
“Ms. Carter, it’s been some time.”
“It has.”
“Ms. Carter, good to see you.”
“Likewise.”
Renee acknowledged each greeting with effortless poise. Then, just as the murmurs were settling, a sharp, condescending voice cut through the air. “Well, well. If it isn’t the former heiress of the Carter family! What a surprise! Tell me, how did you manage to get an invitation? Last I checked, even your so–called prestigious family isn’t worthy
of an Infinity Group event anymore.”
Renee turned her gaze to the speaker and immediately recognized her–a frequent shadow of Sylvia’s.
Celeste Vazquez, maybe? Not that it mattered.
Renee’s expression remained unreadable as she regarded her. “Do we know each other?” Then, after a brief pause, her lips curled in mild amusement. “Oh, I see. Of course, you
know who I am. Everyone in Tofral does. But you… remind me again—who are you supposed to be?”
Celeste’s face darkened instantly. Renee’s words were laced with indifference, yet the meaning was clear–Celeste was insignificant, a nameless extra in her world.
“You!” Celeste sputtered, her composure slipping. “You think you’re still someone important? Wake up, Renee. You’re nothing now.”
“You’ve got it all wrong. No matter what happens, I’ll always be Renee Carter. But you… you’re just another young heiress of some insignificant family, aren’t you? Do you even have a say in your own life? No, you’re just waiting to be married off to benefit your family.”
For women born into high society, marriage was often less about love and more about strategic alliances. The daughters from such families had little say in their own futures, bound by the expectations of arranged unions. Whether those marriages would lead to happiness or misery was a gamble they had no choice but to take.
Renee’s words hit Celeste where it hurt. Lately, her family had been pressuring her into an engagement she had no interest in, and Renee had unknowingly struck a nerve.
Celeste scoffed, masking her discomfort. “And what about you? Why are you here tonight? Are you hoping to crawl back to William? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Renee let out a light, amused laugh. “William who?” She tilted her head slightly.
“Should I know him?”
Celeste’s irritation flared. “Quit the act!”
Feigning realization, Renee widened her eyes. “Oh, that William. How odd! I was married to him for three years, yet I don’t recall ever hearing about you being his friend.
Or wait-” she paused, letting her gaze sweep over Celeste with mock curiosity. “Were you one of his secret lovers?”
Her voice carried just enough volume to ensure those nearby caught every word. A hush spread through the surrounding guests as all eyes turned to Celeste. Celeste’s face burned with humiliation. She had never been involved with William, but like many, she had admired him from afar. And now, thanks to Renee’s words, the insinuation hung in
the air for everyone to hear.
“Don’t talk nonsense!” she snapped furiously.
“I don’t know her.” A deep, commanding voice suddenly cut through the tension.
The moment Renee heard it, her heart sank. She had let herself get carried away, forgetting that this was an event hosted by Infinity Group. Of course, being the CEO himself, William would be here.
Across from her, Celeste looked even more mortified. First, Renee had publicly embarrassed her, and now William himself had dismissed her like a stranger. Her face turned scarlet, her hands clenching into fists as she struggled to maintain composure.
Then came the final blow. “Nene, come here to me.”
William’s voice softened in a way that made those around them take notice.
In the ruthless world of business, William was known for his cold, calculating nature -someone who spoke with authority and never entertained unnecessary sentiment. Many present had lost to him at the negotiation table, yet not one had ever heard him speak so gently before.
