Kenneth had never been treated like this before , his face darkening with barely concealed anger .
Tonight I have to get inside .
Gray Corporations stock had plummeted uncontrollably lately and numerous partners had terminated their cooperation .
I needed to use Madam Kates birthday banquet to network with potential investors .
If I could negotiate the Eastgate Lands project with Mr.
Brooker , so much the better .
This banquet was crucial .
I cant afford any mistakes .
Finished But no matter how much he tried to bribe the security guards , they remained unmoved , leaving him in an increasingly awkward standoff .
Just as the tension reached its peak , a soft , female voice called out from behind him .
Kenn ? He stiffened as he turned to see Willow standing there , arm in arm with an extraordinarily beautiful woman .
Willow ? What are you doing here ? She smiled sweetly .
I came with my best friend to celebrate her husbands mothers birthday .
Then she playfully shook Caseys arm and cooed , Dearest Casey , since youre the Brooker familys member , cant you bring Kenn with you ? Kenn ? Calling so closely , this man could be someone this little girl likes .
Casey chuckled and patted her hand before turning a frosty glare on the guards .
Madam Kate is my husbands mother .
Do you dare stop me ? The guards bowed apolipically .
Of course we wouldnt stop a member of the Brooker family ! But protocol must be followed .
Since you are family , you must have an invitation .
Without another word , Casey pulled a gold embossed invitation from her purse .
While the other guests had red invitations , only the Brooker family received gold invitations .
The guard inspected it carefully before breaking into a submissive smile .
Madam , please go right in .
Casey raised imperiously ; she declared , These two are my guests .
They will come with me .
The guard hesitated , but seeing that Kenneth had connections to the Brooker family , he reluctantly stepped aside .
Willow , Casey , and Kenneth swept into the hotel .
1/2 Chapter 135 Collision Course Finished conversation .
Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over the guests dressed in exquisite gowns and glittering jewels .
Kenneths sharp eyes scanned the room , immediately zeroing in on potential business allies .
Without a second thought for Willow or Casey , he snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and strode toward a group of investors .
Meanwhile , Willow clung to Caseys arm , her eyes sweeping the room in search of a particular figure , which is tall , imposing , effortlessly regal .
Her brow furrowed in frustration .
I hadnt come for some old womans birthday .
My whole purpose was Felix .
But despite the sea of people , there was no sign of him .
Releasing Caseys arm , she muttered , I have to go to the bathroom .
Having been granted permission , she hurried out of the banquet hall , determined to track him down .
She lingered outside the restrooms for nearly ten minutes , hoping to catch him , but he never appeared .
Gritting her teeth , she made her way to the private suites .
Just then , in one of the rooms , Andy checked his watch Five minutes till the banquet starts .
Lets go .
Lauren nodded and stood gracefully .
Andy immediately stepped forward to straighten the delicate layers of her blush pink tulle gown , making sure every pleat fell perfectly .
Satisfied , they stepped out , only to come face to face with Willow .
The color drained from Willows face .
Of all the times to run into her .
Lauren looked like a princess out of a fairy tale .
The Swiss style peony embroidery on her bodice caught the light with the slightest movement .
Her makeup was flawless .
Flawless skin touched with the faintest blush ; lips stained cherry red , and parted slightly in surprise .
A few artfully loose strands of hair framed her face , accentuating her delicate features .
She was radiant .
And it made Willow seethe .
Lauren ?! Her voice was shrill .
What the hell are you doing here ? 260