Chapter 149

On the night of the banquet, Zach happened to be free, so he accompanied Elvira. She was dressed in a silk, light pink gown that made her look young and energetic. Her long, curly hair draped over her shoulders; she looked gentle and charming. Zach was instantly captivated. He hugged her, pressed her against the wall, and kissed her earlobe. “Babe, you’re so beautiful. I don’t even want to bring you out to meet people. I just want to hide you from everyone.”

Elvira smiled, grabbed his tie, and smiled brightly. “I feel the same way about you.”

Zach looked at her gentle eyes and lost control. He lowered his head and kissed her deeply. Elvira hugged him back, kissing him passionately. Soon, his uncontrollable strength tore her gown apart. Ambiguous moans echoed in the changing room.

An hour later, they left the house. Elvira wore a new sapphire blue gown; thick foundation concealed the hickeys on her neck. She wore a carefully designed set of jewelry to minimize their public appearance.

On the way, Elvira powdered her chest and glared at Zach. She kicked him angrily. “Can you be more careful next time? Don’t kiss me so hard. The foundation can’t cover the hickeys.”

“Okay, my lady. I’m truly sorry. I will be more careful next time,” Zach apologized good-naturedly.

Elvira rolled her eyes helplessly. She found it impossible to believe him.

When they arrived at the banquet, many people were already present, including Elvira’s clients. Upon seeing her, everyone greeted her warmly.

The Willis family was also in attendance. Judy’s recent livestreaming success had earned the company a significant profit, filling her with pride. Many people flattered Karen and Judy.

Judy smiled proudly. When she saw Elvira, her eyes flashed with arrogance. Elvira ignored her arrogance; whoever had the last laugh would be the winner, she mused.

“Grandma, Elvira and Zach are here. Let’s go greet them,” Judy said, taking Karen’s arm.

Karen initially wanted to avoid Elvira but, unwilling to offend the Gilbert Group, she followed Judy with an aloof expression.

“Elvira, you haven’t been home in a long time. Bring Zach home another day,” Judy said, concealing her provocation behind a kind smile.

“You guys are in my way. Please make way,” Elvira responded, showing Judy no respect, her expression indifferent, her tone distant.

Judy chuckled and looked at Zach. “Zach, my sister doesn’t want to go home. Please help me persuade her. It’s not good to keep going against her family.”

Zach hugged Elvira and said indifferently, “Didn’t you check yourself in the mirror before you went out?” Judy’s expression froze. She quickly touched her face, fearing something was amiss.

“Your face is disgusting. You should go out less often lest others feel disgusted,” Zach mocked mercilessly.

Judy, noticing the curious stares of the surrounding guests, felt her expression darken. No girl could remain indifferent to such public humiliation.

“Judy, let’s go!” Karen, thoroughly annoyed by Elvira’s presence and attitude, had nothing more to say.

After the Willis family left, Elvira felt the atmosphere improve.

Zach was called away. Worried something might happen to Elvira, he assigned a bodyguard to protect her, instructing the bodyguard to follow her closely, especially to the restroom, and check on her well-being.

When Elvira exited the restroom, she bumped into Karen, who was washing her hands. Elvira joined her, and the two ignored each other.

After washing her hands, Karen wiped them dry. Looking at Elvira with disdain, she declared, “Elvira, if you were sensible like your sister, I wouldn’t hate you so much! Fortunately, I chose your sister as the company's successor, not you!”

Elvira turned off the tap, carefully wiped her hands with a tissue, smiled, and said, “Is that so? Congratulations on choosing a successor you’re satisfied with! I wish you and Judy happiness together forever!”

Elvira discarded the tissue and left. Karen sensed a hidden meaning in Elvira’s words, feeling a knot of discomfort in her chest. She thought, ‘As expected, Elvira is a jinx. I feel uneasy whenever I see her!’

Returning to the banquet hall, Elvira searched for Zach. Unable to find him, she asked the bodyguard about his whereabouts.

“Mr. Gilbert had something urgent to attend to, so he left early. I presume he didn’t have time to tell you,” the bodyguard explained.

“I see.” Elvira took out her phone, intending to message Zach to inquire about his situation and offer assistance.

Judy approached. “Elvira, I just saw Zach leave with a woman. They seemed quite close. Who is she?”

“Whoever she is is none of your business. Mind your own business. Oh, right, I heard you’re making a movie. Let me officially inform you that I’ll also be making a movie. And I’ll release it at the same time as yours,” Elvira smiled.

Judy’s expression changed dramatically. Her mocking tone vanished, replaced by a frown. “You want to make a movie too? Do you know anything about movies?”

“You make it sound like you know how to make a movie,” Elvira said amusedly.

“Of course, I do. I’ve been an actress before. Moreover… I’ll find the most professional team! I’ll invest 200 million dollars. What do you have?” Judy challenged.

“No matter what I have, I will defeat you! Judy, just wait for my next move!” Elvira declared war.

“Humph, let’s wait and see! I’ve got 200 million dollars to invest in my movie! It won’t be that easy for you to win against me!” Judy, though flustered by Elvira’s recent unusual behavior, felt confident with the Willis Group and several financial groups backing her. She believed Elvira's past victories didn't guarantee future success and was sure she could crush Elvira.

“Let’s see which one of us will win.” Elvira smiled and turned to leave.

Judy, on the other hand, panicked, secretly wishing Elvira were dead.

Elvira was speaking with a client when she saw someone unexpected—Mandy, Samuel’s daughter, approaching.