Chapter 133

On the day of the Silverstone Group's 30th anniversary party, Grace Li headed to the dress shop at 4 p.m. Her stylist was meeting her there.

She figured her makeup and styling would take about an hour and a half, and she planned to leave for the event venue at 5:30 p.m., expecting to arrive by 7:30 p.m., which was exactly when the cocktail party was supposed to start.

After slipping into her evening gown, Grace Li couldn't drive, so she asked Ryan to be her driver. Olivia also decided to join, wanting to check out Los Angeles for a bit.

Grace Li didn't plan to rush back to New York that night, so she booked two hotel rooms—one for Ryan and Olivia.

While Grace Li attended the cocktail party, they planned to enjoy the night view of Los Angeles and pick her up after the event to head back to the hotel.

But, of course, things didn't go as planned. On the way to the venue, they hit traffic.

Looking ahead at the long line of red taillights, Olivia was more anxious than Grace Li. "Seriously, it's not even a holiday, why's there so much traffic?"

Ryan checked the map on his phone. "We're backed up for about a mile, but it's not too bad. Looks like there was an accident up ahead."

Olivia craned her neck, trying to get a glimpse of the situation. "How much longer is this gonna last? We're running out of time, the party's about to start!"

Ryan shrugged. "Boss isn't stressing, so why are you?"

"I'm stressing for her!" Olivia shot back.

Grace Li, sitting in the backseat, chuckled. "It's fine, we'll still get in. The party's open all night."

Olivia turned around and looked at Grace Li. "No way, you're the queen of the night! You can't be late!"

Grace Li laughed helplessly. "I'm just an ordinary person. You guys, Mr. Thompson, are the real VIPs. And seriously, can we drop the 'queen' thing? If anyone hears you, it'll be a joke."

"Heh, it's just for us. I won't call you that in front of others," Olivia grinned, glancing at Grace Li in the dim light outside. "But seriously, I have a feeling you're going to totally wow everyone tonight. I'm already in awe, and I'm just your friend!"

Grace Li said, "Don't get ahead of yourself. Silverstone Group is huge, and the anniversary party will have so many big names. I just don't want to look out of place."

"Come on, have more confidence!" Olivia exclaimed.

Ryan turned his head. "Boss, honestly, from my perspective, you look amazing tonight. If you show up late, you'll definitely steal the spotlight."

Grace Li laughed. "You two really have wild imaginations."

Olivia smirked. "It's just like in TV dramas, right? The female lead always makes a dramatic entrance, with slow-motion and background music. It's so glamorous."

Grace Li wasn't too concerned about how she'd enter. She had been thinking more about what Aiden Thompson would think when he saw her at the anniversary party, and why Rex Thompson had personally invited her.

As for stealing the show, she didn't think that was likely. That stuff only happens in dramas. She had spent a lot of time getting ready, not because she thought she would impress everyone, but because she didn't want to look out of place at her boyfriend's family event.

**

The Silverstone Group's 30th anniversary cocktail party was an extravagant affair, held in the ballroom of a luxury hotel in Los Angeles.

Suppliers and major clients of Silverstone Group were all there, and the guests were the who's who of business and society.

Aiden Thompson, chairman of Silverstone Group, was the busiest person at the event. Many suppliers and clients approached him to toast, greet him, and offer their congratulations, and he responded to each one.

Rex Thompson, who wasn't feeling well and had been advised not to drink, was there but mainly kept to chatting with old friends. Most of the business matters were left to Aiden.

Vera Thompson, the event's organizer, was also busy running the show.

Mabel Thompson stayed by Rex's side, observing the guests as they mingled. She glanced over at Aiden but still hadn't seen Grace Li.

When Rex had a moment, Mabel leaned in and quietly asked, "I've been scanning the room and haven't seen Grace Li yet. Did she say she was coming?"

Rex nodded. "Yes, she told me she'd be here."

Mabel said, "It's already past 8. I'm wondering if she was just being polite when she said she'd come."

Rex sighed. "Let's wait and see. If she doesn't show up, there's not much we can do about it."

Mabel glanced toward the entrance again, feeling a bit anxious.

At that moment, Keith Pierce walked over with a drink in hand, smiling as he greeted them. "Rex, long time no see. How have you been?"

Rex extended his hand for a handshake. "Keith, it's good to see you."

"It's hard to believe Silverstone Group has been around for 30 years now. The company's growth has been incredible, and it's all thanks to you," Keith said.

Rex chuckled. "It's also thanks to your support, Keith."

They shared a smile.

Keith Pierce added, "And now with Aiden running things, Silverstone Group is definitely set for even greater success."

"Thank you for saying that," Rex responded.

At 8:15 p.m., Aiden Thompson, chairman of Silverstone Group, took the stage in the banquet hall. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, holding a microphone, he stood at the center of the stage with a digital banner for Silverstone Group's 30th anniversary behind him.

He began his speech, "Good evening, everyone! Thanks for joining us to celebrate Silverstone Group's 30th anniversary. On behalf of Silverstone Group, I want to welcome you all here tonight!"

"We're joined tonight by partners who've supported Silverstone Group throughout the years, as well as colleagues who have grown with us. Silverstone Group wouldn't be where it is today without all of you, and I truly appreciate all the support we've received."

As Aiden spoke, the room went silent, and everyone stopped talking to listen.

At that moment, Grace Li entered through the main entrance, directly facing the stage. As soon as she stepped in, she saw Aiden, who was the center of attention on stage.

His deep, magnetic voice filled the room, and this was the first time Grace Li had seen him speak publicly. At only 26, he carried himself with impressive maturity and poise.

Grace Li smiled, taking slow steps toward the stage.

Suddenly, as if by instinct, Aiden's gaze shifted toward her. They locked eyes from across the room, their gazes meeting in the air.

Aiden paused for a brief moment, then smiled slightly before continuing, "Over the past 30 years, we've worked hand in hand. We hope that in the next 30 years, our partners and colleagues will continue to support Silverstone Group. Let's keep working together to create even more success. Thank you all!"

As soon as he finished, the room erupted into applause.

Aiden stepped off the stage, handed the microphone to the host, and quickly made his way through the crowd toward Grace Li.

Grace Li watched him approach, her smile growing wider.

She wore a champagne-colored chiffon gown, her hair styled in an elegant updo with a matching hairpin. She wore dangling earrings, and her makeup was flawless—she looked stunning in every sense.

Aiden made his way through the crowd and stopped in front of her, his eyes never leaving her. "Why didn't you tell me you'd be here?"

Grace Li tilted her head slightly. "I wanted to surprise you, see how you'd react."

"So, did you?"

"Yeah, I saw it."

Mabel, seeing Grace Li finally appear, felt a weight lift off her shoulders and smiled. A few people in the banquet hall noticed them and started quietly whispering about the woman who had just walked in.

Keith Pierce, curious, turned to Rex and asked, "Rex, who is that lady?"

Rex smiled. "This is Aiden's girlfriend."

Keith Pierce grinned. "I see."