Chapter 75
A glint flashed in Wendelyn’s eyes. “Just a mere worm. You think something so small could kill?”
Yvonne stared at the thread-like, translucent worm in the glass bottle, her mind drifting to the infamous cursing skills of Mysonna. Things from there were always shrouded in evil–especially the insects they bred, which defied all scientific logic.
There was a chilling tale in her village: someone once visited that place, offended the wrong person, and dropped dead at home the very next day. The police simply ruled it a myocardial infarction, but the villagers exchanged knowing glances.
Wendelyn coaxed persuasively, “Relax. Even if something happens to her, you won’t be implicated. Tomorrow, once you’ve done your part, I’ll book you a flight and get you out of the country right away.”
There was no turning back now.
Yvonne clenched her teeth. “Fine,” she said at last.
The engagement party between the York and Shue families was a high-profile affair. All the elite families in Basterel had gotten wind of it, with invitations sent to close allies as well as influential figures from the city’s political and military circles.
Numerous well-known media outlets closely followed the event. After all, just days earlier, Joshua had made headlines in the Global Daily’s business section for his investment in a new energy project, sending York Group’s stock soaring by three million dollars, hitting a record high.
The engagement party arrived right on schedule, shattering the hearts of countless young women across Basterel. And the bride-to-be? None other than Shermaine–a woman with a rather notorious reputation.
That night, the snow had ceased. Everything was blanketed in white, draped in silver. Vesper Hotel stood quietly amidst the wintry scene.
In a private dressing room, a renowned makeup artist was working on Shermaine’s makeup.
Shermaine’s skin was flawless–soft and delicate. Her features carved with such precision that even the lightest touch of rouge transformed her into something ethereal. But no celestial being could rival her allure–they were downright soul-stealing.
How could Joshua possibly resist such a woman?
Rumors of her bad temper? Absolute nonsense. After actually interacting with her, it was clear she had no trace of a spoiled heiress' arrogance–just quiet courtesy and the occasional smile sweet enough to melt stone.
Shermaine let out a lazy yawn–until her phone buzzed with a 2.25 million dollar deposit. At the sight of that, a smirk curled her lips.
‘I knew they’d choose me,’ Shermaine thought, her confidence unwavering–she had never doubted her own capabilities.
The International Tech Forum was buzzing again–Dolcie and Boa were back at it, with Boa once more claiming the SSS-level mission reward. She was absolutely killing it!
Dolcie’s fanbase fell into stunned silence.
Across the Pacific, Dolcie anxiously awaited the results–only to suffer yet another crushing defeat. This time, after evaluating both submissions, the publisher chose Boa over her.
‘How is this possible?’
‘No way!’
‘How could I possibly lose?’ Dolcie thought, her mind reeling.
Dolcie couldn’t come to terms with this result.
Chapter 75
On the International Tech Forum, Boa’s popularity was soaring. She had already amassed a huge fanbase, and some die-hard fans were even changing their usernames to things like “Boa Fanboy” or “ILoveBoaHancock.”
But then, Dolcie’s fans started posting: “We’ve seen the OL system Dolcie made, and we think it’s absolutely brilliant! Yet Boa still took the reward?
I strongly suspect there’s actually a whole team behind her. That’s why their system turned out more sophisticated than Dolcie’s. Only a team could’ve solved that new energy compatible mini device problem in just ten days!”
One commenter said, “Feels like a straight-up cash grab.”
“I get that vibe too.”
“I hope the International Tech Forum can step in and investigate this.”
Right away, Shermaine’s fans fired back.
“So when she wins, it’s suddenly a team effort? Why are you Dolcie fans such sore losers?”
“Winning and losing are just part of the game. Take the L and keep growing–no need to trash Boa like this.”
“Honestly, Boa doesn’t even spare Dolcie a second thought. It’s just you guys who keep obsessively comparing Boa to Dolcie day in and day out.”
“Can’t win, and when you lose, all you do is talk trash.”
Maybe the argument got too heated, so the International Tech Forum moderator stepped in and said, “Next year, we’ll host a fan meetup and invite Dolcie and Boa. If you don’t get an invitation, don’t worry–the event will be livestreamed.”
The announcement sent waves of excitement through the forum. Comments flooded in–everyone was counting down the days to the meetup and couldn’t wait to see these two legends in person.
“It’s sure to be a blast!” someone posted, echoing the anticipation for what’s bound to be an epic showdown.
The makeup artist asked gently, “Ms. Shue, would you like a bite before applying your lipstick? Mr. York had some food prepared for you.”
“Yeah.” She was starving.
“Alright,” the makeup artist replied. “I’ll have someone bring it over for you.”
Meanwhile, Lily was led to the dressing room by a staff member. Upon seeing Shermaine, her nerves instantly vanished. “Sheary, you look absolutely stunning!”
Seeing her arrive, Shermaine smiled and said, “Take a seat. Stay by my side tonight and mingle with those business bigwigs. That way, when you attend future events, no one will dare mess with you when they see you’re with me.”
Lily nodded vigorously and said, “Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.”
The Jean family was undoubtedly the most celebrated tonight. After all, securing an engagement with the prestigious York family was the envy of every other household–especially when the groom-to-be was none other than the illustrious Joshua himself.
Jameson was mingling with other business tycoons, exchanging pleasantries and laughter, while Ruth stood gracefully by his side, wine glass in hand, the very picture of poise and elegance.
With the engagement party underway, it was a foregone conclusion that Shermaine would become the York family’s future matriarch.
Ruth thought, ‘Once someone marries into the York family, divorce is almost unheard of. The York men are fiercely loyal–they never have affairs or womanize after marriage. Frankly, any woman who joins the York family hits the jackpot!’
By now, all hope was lost for her beloved Wendy.
Chapter 75
‘Well, then so be it,’ Ruth thought to herself.
Ruth immediately turned her gaze to the other scions of Basterel’s elite families, determined to find Wendelyn a match who could inherit the Jean Group–and its sole heir apparent–naturally, many sought to curry favor with him.
Ross was also mingling with guests. As the eldest master and general manager of the York Group, numerous individuals tried to curry favor with him.
At that moment in the party hall, Leslie arrived with his father, but he looked visibly troubled. Shermaine was about to get engaged to a man she barely knew, let alone loved.
Ever since realizing she was far more remarkable than he’d imagined, his feelings had only deepened. He was falling hard, with no way out.
Leslie, his mind racing, grabbed a passing waiter and asked, “Excuse me, where’s Shermaine right now?”
The waiter replied, “She should be in the dressing room getting her makeup done at the moment.”
Leslie asked urgently, “I’m a close friend of hers. Could you take me to see her?”
“Certainly, sir. Right this way.”
As luck would have it, Roy happened to overhear as he walked by. ‘Doesn’t sound like they’re just friends,’ he thought.