CHAPTER 58: CHAPTER 58: BIRTHDAY BANQUET

Rhonda Sullivan was so angry that her veins were about to pop. Seeing the guests on the other side enjoying the spectacle, she could only playfully throw a tantrum at Ethan Sterling, pretending to be angry as she pouted, "Wenny and I disagreed to do a better job at work. Doesn’t it bother your conscience, dear CEO, to mock an employee like me?"

Opposite, Mr. Young laughed heartily, "Mr. Sterling, Mr. Sullivan, you two are quite humorous. Isn’t this the famous Miss Wenny?"

Ruby Sullivan smiled and accepted his business card. The person was a representative of a 4A international advertising company in the Celestian Region and a partner of the Sterling Group.

"Mr. Young, it’s a pleasure to meet you." She smiled and shook hands lightly with him, saying, "I’ve always liked the creative ads your company produced for the AⅡ series."

"How is Dr. L these days?" Mr. Young cheerfully switched to the topic that interested him more.

"I heard the Lawson Group’s latest perfume, Blue Mountain, is selling as well as ever. My mentor might be vacationing again somewhere with sun, sand, and beauties," Ruby Sullivan chatted pleasantly with him.

Ethan Sterling coughed lightly, reminding the other of his presence.

Mr. Young was taken aback, then smoothly asked, "I wonder if Miss Wenny has time for us to talk more?"

Before Ruby Sullivan could speak, Ethan Sterling pulled her gently closer with a smile, "Sorry, Mr. Young, Wenny is a bit busy today."

Mr. Young seemed slightly surprised, then recalled the triangle relationship between Ethan Sterling and the two beauties, and knowingly said "Oh," "Then... I’ll go greet some friends first. Miss Wenny, I’ll invite you for coffee another day."

Ruby Sullivan smiled and nodded.

Who knows how many people want to connect with the Lawson Group. Mr. Young’s intentions were straightforward and direct, simply wanting to get news about Dr. L from her to secure more business opportunities.

Ethan Sterling slightly pursed his lips, accepting the polite comment from Mr. Young, then subtly released Rhonda Sullivan’s arm, switched his champagne to his left hand, and lightly placed his right arm around Ruby Sullivan’s waist, "There are quite a few important figures here today. Let me introduce you."

Ruby Sullivan looked up at him and smiled sweetly, kindly reminding, "Isn’t it bad to leave the birthday girl alone like this?"

She spoke loudly enough for Ruby Sullivan to hear clearly, but her eyes lingered on Ethan Sterling’s face, eyes sparkling with laughter and sentiment, purposely flirting with him in front of Rhonda Sullivan.

Ethan Sterling raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly at the gaze, loudly asking the nearby Rhonda Sullivan while firmly looking at Ruby Sullivan, "Rhonda, you don’t mind, do you?"

Dropped into the background, Rhonda Sullivan’s discolored face couldn’t be concealed by makeup. She glared coldly at the pair, biting her teeth tightly and forcing a smile, "For work’s sake, of course, I wouldn’t be so petty."

With support from the elder Mrs. Sterling, she had nothing to worry about. Once, even Ethan Sterling didn’t want to look at Ruby Sullivan but ended up marrying her. Rhonda Sullivan took a deep breath. She just had to endure and she’d be the one laughing last.

Ethan Sterling walked by her side, smiling at passing guests, and whispered, "This dress looks very nice."

"Doesn’t the perfume I’m wearing smell good?"

Only then did Ethan Sterling notice the light scent around her, a mix of fresh green and sweet tones.

Ruby Sullivan smiled, "This is my special perfume with a hint of basil."

"Basil?" Ethan Sterling was somewhat surprised, suddenly recalling how Ruby Sullivan liked using this herb in cooking, even growing plenty in the backyard, occasionally joining the gardeners wearing overalls and a sunhat.

Ruby Sullivan was pleased with his momentarily entranced gaze, "The charm of herbs goes beyond culinary uses. There’s a rose rosemary that can even be used as a hair dye."

"That’s indeed fascinating." Ethan Sterling gazed down at her slightly, joyful music from the band drifting around, seemingly filling his eyes only with her. He turned, smoothly holding her hand, "Let’s go meet a few friends over there."

Ruby Sullivan glanced at their clasped hands, "Mr. Sterling, if I’m not mistaken, aren’t there some well-known reporters here today? Aren’t you worried about making headlines tomorrow?"

"Just right, we can use it to promote the new perfume." Ethan Sterling answered indifferently.

Observant guests noticed Ethan Sterling’s attitude towards Wenny and naturally spoke more politely with her.

Soon, Howard came over, saying that a few guests of the elder Mrs. Sterling’s generation had arrived, asking Ethan to greet them.

Ethan Sterling hesitated momentarily, but he didn’t take Ruby Sullivan along, smilingly instructing, "Wait for me, we’ll have the first dance together later."

Though Ruby Sullivan kept smiling, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. Today’s Ethan Sterling seemed different, as if he transformed into her thoughtful boyfriend, wanting the world to know their special relationship.

She pondered that things might not be that simple, yet couldn’t guess Ethan Sterling’s reason for this act. However, noticing Rhonda Sullivan chatting happily with important guests near the elder Mrs. Sterling, she turned to find some fruit to eat.

Mr. Young saw her alone and immediately approached to chat, but before they exchanged many words, an angry woman stormed over.

Ruby Sullivan noticed his strange expression, turned slightly, and before she fully turned, someone poured a glass of orange juice over her head, the sticky juice matting her bangs to her face.

"Oh dear, what a shame! I accidentally spilled orange juice on you." Rhonda Sullivan’s friend, Gemma Joyce, exaggeratedly stared as she haphazardly wiped Ruby’s hair with a napkin, covering her mouth with laughter.

Mr. Young was dumbfounded, his mouth slightly open.

Ruby Sullivan turned and smiled at him, "Would you be my witness?"

Mr. Young gulped and nodded.

"Thank you." Ruby Sullivan stepped forward, about to grab the woman’s hair, when she heard a familiar child’s voice.

"Someone, escort this lunatic out!" Just then, Seth Sterling rushed in front of Ruby, glaring furiously at Gemma.

He was wearing a handsome black suit today, his hair slicked back with gel, a miniature version of Ethan Sterling.

Gemma Joyce was startled, "Whose child is making a fuss?"

Before she finished speaking, her arms were held from both sides.

"Throw her out!" Seth Sterling said angrily.

Gemma Joyce was furious too, "Let go of me! I’m a friend of your young mistress. Rhonda, Rhonda, help me!"

Unaware of what was happening, the band stopped the music abruptly, and all the guests’ gazes focused on Gemma Joyce.

The elder Mrs. Sterling, who was talking with some old friends, looked over in surprise.

Rhonda Sullivan’s expression turned very unpleasant as she quickly walked over to stop the security, "Let go of her, what’s going on?"

Seth Sterling, already holding Ruby Sullivan’s hand, leading her to Ethan Sterling, immediately accused, "Your crazy friend poured orange juice over Auntie Wenny. Mr. Young can testify."

Ruby Sullivan lowered her head; in her messy state, she couldn’t bear to look at anyone, timidly glancing at Ethan Sterling, and softly said, "Mr. Sterling, could you have Howard take me home? I’ve had a bit to drink."

Ethan Sterling glanced at Rhonda Sullivan, quickly took off his suit jacket, covered Ruby Sullivan’s head with it, and lifted her up horizontally.

Gasps erupted among the guests.

Seth Sterling quietly whispered "yes," raising his little fist in triumph.

The elder Mrs. Sterling’s face darkened instantly, and she sternly warned, "Don’t forget what I told you!"