Everyone present today belongs to the circle of the wealthy and powerful, with deep backgrounds, representing the second and third generations.
Vincent Hawthorne’s married status has long been public knowledge, and it was even widely publicized seven years ago that he married a once-in-a-century genius from Northwood University, Tanya Sinclair.
Back then, Tanya’s genius aura added to his prestige, but now, she has been absent from the public eye for five years, long forgotten by everyone. Moreover, several heirs of prestigious families he wishes to associate with are present today.
However, Tanya’s attire today is utterly unpresentable...
Vincent Hawthorne clenched the wine glass in his hand tightly, downing it expressionlessly in one swift motion.
If he were to admit publicly now that she is his wife, both he and The Hawthorne Family would become the laughingstock behind closed doors among these people in the circle.
After weighing his options, Vincent ultimately chose to remain silent.
Yet he couldn’t bear to watch Tanya stand there, enduring those malicious gazes.
Vincent gave Rhys Lucas a meaningful look.
Having been brothers for so many years, Rhys naturally understood his intention—Vincent wanted him to help Tanya out of the situation.
Heh, at any other time, he might reluctantly do him this favor.
But tonight presents such a great opportunity to vent Cindy Lynn’s vexation.
Rhys coldly watched Tanya, who was almost drilled full of holes by countless gazes under the spotlight, sneering inwardly.
If anyone is to blame, it’s this foolish woman who woke up only to bully Cindy Lynn so harshly! Get full chapters from novęlfire.net
She’s asking for this!
Tanya looked at Vincent’s indifferent, detached profile, unable to suppress the cold that surged over her body.
She knew Vincent didn’t love her.
But after all these years of feelings, she has risked her life to save him multiple times, and they have two children... If he had even a shred of conscience, just a bit!
He wouldn’t be doing this to humiliate her!
Tanya slowly exhaled a breath of impure air, no longer wanting to pay attention to everyone in this room. Ignoring the spotlight trailing her, she walked straight towards the door.
But upon pulling the door, she realized it was locked.
Tanya said coldly, "Open the door! Or I’ll call the police!"
The host smirked unkindly, "Miss, is this your first time at a place like The Dissonance? Which young master invited you here? Didn’t they tell you about our rules? The Rose Battle is held every three months, and no one can leave early before selecting the Rose Queen for tonight."
His words incited another burst of sneering laughter all around.
The young scions regarded her as if watching a monkey show.
Vincent had already arranged for a waiter to take his daughter Joy to join Caden on the other side.
This kind of occasion is unsuitable for children to stay.
Cindy Lynn watched this scene indifferently, a barely detectable cold smile emerging on her lips.
Cody Crawford couldn’t stand it anymore.
He didn’t particularly like Tanya either, but after knowing her for so many years, apart from overly reaching for Vincent and stubbornly clinging, there really wasn’t much wrong with her.
He put down his wine glass, intending to step forward and help Tanya out of the situation. Suddenly, the fire sensor light in the center of the ceiling flashed incessantly, and the sprinkler system erupted, spraying water everywhere.
"Damn, what the hell is this?"
The previously relaxed crowd was caught off guard, scurrying around awkwardly.
"What the hell is happening?"
"Ah, my dress is custom made, it can’t get wet!"
"Damn it, my watch cost five million, it’s brand new!"
Only Tanya, standing by the door, avoided the disaster.
She saw Vincent and Rhys simultaneously heading towards Cindy, with Rhys even taking off his suit jacket to shield Cindy from the water.
And Cindy hurriedly looked toward Rhys, one hand clutching Vincent’s arm.
Tanya shifted her gaze expressionlessly. Since she couldn’t leave now, she hoped the spray would intensify, soaking them thoroughly!
Suddenly, she noticed two men standing in a corner on the second floor.
Based on their silhouette, they seemed to be two men.
The lighting and glass design here were meticulous and specially crafted, allowing the people on the second floor to clearly see the first floor, but from the first floor, no perspective could reveal the individuals on the second floor, only their outlines were visible.
Tanya faintly felt something familiar about the man in front’s silhouette.
She even sensed that the man was also staring at her.
The host, also the manager of the first floor, could no longer laugh, almost kneeling with apologies, quickly arranging for a group of waiters to bring in towels.
He simultaneously ordered technicians to check the back room. Soon, the sprinkler system was turned off, but most people got wet to some degree.
Tanya felt a sense of cosmic justice, appreciating the timely malfunction of the sprinklers, feeling quite pleased internally.
When she raised her eyes to look at the second floor again, the man standing in the corner was gone.
The technical staff hurriedly returned at this time, whispering something to the host, whose face turned pale.
"What the hell happened?" Rhys wiped the water droplets from his head, frowning with questioning eyes.
The host, sweating profusely, said, "I’m sorry, Mr. Lucas, there was a malfunction in the fire system suddenly. It’s been fixed now. I assure you it won’t happen again!"
It was, of course, a lie!
The technicians reported back that the issue wasn’t with the first floor’s fire system, but someone turned on the sprinkler from the control room on the second floor, deliberately releasing the water.
No one even knew how they offended the powerful individuals on the second floor tonight.
The host was only responsible for the first floor and had no access to the upper floors. Moreover, all the guests tonight were extremely wealthy or influential, forcing him to bear the responsibility.
He cleared his throat, hastily pushing the party towards its peak.
"Distinguished guests, water brings wealth. This year, everyone is guaranteed to have success in all affairs and abundant prosperity! Now, the Rose Battle officially begins! Will the ladies participating in the Rose Battle please come forward? As per the usual protocol, gentlemen in attendance will present roses; the lady receiving the most roses will be tonight’s Rose Queen, becoming a lifelong VIP of The Dissonance."
Shortly after, several spotlights focused on the stage, showcasing a few women who were elaborately dressed, as if ready to walk the red carpet, personally escorted by their male companions to the platform.
Among them, naturally, was Cindy Lynn.
She was escorted to the center by Rhys himself.
Just now, protected by Vincent and Rhys from either side, she remained dry, still exquisitely beautiful, with even her hair shining.
Standing under the spotlight, Cindy looked towards Vincent below, their eyes meeting; she smiled tenderly.
It made Tanya want to vomit.
There was still a single empty slot on the stage.
The host again turned to Tanya at the door, urging, "Could the gentleman accompanying this lady please escort her onstage?"
Many people were looking around, eager to see who Tanya’s escort might be.
Cody Crawford had long been unable to bear it, standing up, ready to help Tanya out of the situation.
But he paused, his peripheral vision catching a sudden movement from Vincent, who turned and strode purposefully towards Tanya...