Chapter 526

It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and they wouldn't miss it for the world. Both Joe and Jeremy were present.

This charity gala was an auction, with proceeds donated. It was held once or twice a year. Several attendees brought dates, often to deter unwanted attention and avoid trouble. However, Joe had never attended such a gala with a date.

Rumors of Joe's new paramour had circulated; she'd been seen with him at auctions, shopping, and dining. Yet, he hadn't brought her to this momentous occasion, suggesting their relationship was casual.

Joe became the center of attention. Countless Jipsburg residents aspired to marry him.

"I've never been so popular," Rowan remarked. "How many people have chatted me up today?"

The citizens of Jipsburg were overly ambitious. Joe remained expressionless, though a cold glare betrayed his annoyance. Rowan glanced at Jeremy, who mirrored Joe's icy demeanor.

"What's wrong with them?" Rowan wondered. "Who's foolish enough to upset them?"

Spotting a familiar face, Rowan asked, "Isn't that your secretary? Didn't she accompany you to such events when your wife wasn't available? Why is she serving at the gala tonight?"

He admitted Annabelle was extremely attractive; he might have been captivated if he hadn't loved Jenny. He understood Jeremy's predicament: A woman as gorgeous as Annabelle would be hard to resist.

Jeremy immediately saw Annabelle, dressed in a worker's uniform, ushering guests. Her post-abortion weight loss accentuated her figure, attracting considerable attention.

Annabelle sensed Jeremy's gaze. Their eyes met—love shimmered in hers, while his was cold, almost as if he were looking at a stranger.

Joe raised an eyebrow. Annabelle was trouble for Jeremy; he wouldn't easily get rid of her.

"What's going on? Is Jeremy tired of his secretary?" Rowan whispered to Joe.

Joe glared, replying, "Gossiping won't benefit you." Rowan clicked his tongue; Jeremy had indeed grown weary of her. He mused that while one might tire of even a beautiful woman if there was no affection, true love changed everything.

Suddenly, he saw Annie out of the corner of his eye.