Mr Straight N’ Sour Face

Failing to get the reaction she expected, Jessica continued. 

"Tonight, we celebrate the legacy and influence of those who have shaped Rovencia's industries, arts, and politics. It is a night of unity, of shared ambitions, and of course, a night where we reaffirm the connections that keep this city thriving."

A round of applause followed though it was mostly out of obligation.

Shantel remained by the bar, still sipping her drink as if she hadn't a care in the world. George, beside her, let out a low chuckle. "She's enjoying this," he mused, eyes locked on Jessica.

Shantel didn't bother to glance up. "She enjoys every moment she gets to be in the limelight."

"She doesn't seem to be the only one in the limelight today, though."

"What do you mean?" Shantel asked.

"The way you're going, she might find it hard to catch up with you."

"Really? But I've always been low-key…at least for the past one year."

"I think that key has just been upgraded to a higher level judging from how the picture of you and Mr Straight and Sour Face is trending."

"Mr Straight N' Sour Face…how did you ever come up with that?" Shantel couldn't help but dissolve into another peel of laughter again."

On stage, Jessica continued, smoothly transitioning into pleasantries and recognizing notable figures in the room.

Then, just as the room began to relax into the rhythm of her speech, she paused and her gaze flicked to another corner of the room where her youngest daughter, Shantel was standing dangerously close to George Summers. 

She seemed to be having a great time with George whom she had made her believe she had nothing in common with. She looked so happy and carefree as if she wasn't aware of Richard's burning stare.

Or perhaps, she was aware—and that was the point.

Jessica's smirk deepened. Tonight will be interesting. Was Richard now interested in her youngest daughter? A cunning idea suddenly formed in her mind.

"Before we move forward with tonight's celebrations, I would like to extend a special welcome to President Richard Domango," she said, throwing the entire room into a stunned silence.

Richard's jaw tightened, and this time he slightly adjusted his weight from the right to the left.

Jessica's smile was unshaken. "It is not often that we are graced with the presence of Rovencia's most formidable businessman. It is quite the surprise." She tilted her head slightly and although her tone remained light, there was still an unmistakable undercurrent of challenge beneath it. "One might even say it's a rather unexpected delight."

A few hushed chuckles rippled through the room—some were amused while some nervously anticipating some sort of drama to follow. 

Shantel finally lifted her gaze from her glass, her lips pressing together in faint amusement.

What was her mother up to tonight? Was she trying to avenge her after so many months? But she didn't need it. She has her card all spread out and ready to play. Besides, she didn't want to feel obligated to her or be indebted to her in any way.

From where he was still standing with the Courtneys, Richard merely lifted his glass in a mock toast toward Jessica, his expression cool. "Madam Hale," he said in an even voice which was in contrast with the disdain he was presently feeling.

Jessica's smirk widened slightly, as she returned the gesture and moved on effortlessly.

"Distinguished guests," Jessica continued. "I have a very important announcement to make. As we all know, the Hale Foundation has always been dedicated to fostering opportunities, and tonight, we take another step toward shaping the future."

Another round of applause rippled through the room just as 

She raised a glass to regain their attention. "It is an opportunity that will go a long way to foster more opportunities for the less privileged children and women in Rovencia."

The murmurs grew louder as they waited in anticipation. This was what they had come here for—to see what secrets Jessica Hale would be unveiling in this year's gala.

She let the anticipation build, then turned her gaze directly toward Richard. "I am pleased to announce that the Hale Foundation, in collaboration with one of the most formidable corporate leaders in Rovencia, will be launching a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at securing the future of our industries."

Seeing the direction Jessica's gaze was focused, they started speculating who she was talking about, and audible gasps escaped their mouths. 

Are they now so close that they are going into partnership, or did Richard only agree in order to salvage his sinking company? That must be the case, right?

But then again, there had been a piece of news just this morning that showed Richard together with the youngest daughter of Jessica. Could they have finally buried the hatchet?

No wonder Richard had shown up tonight. So the feud between the two families had been resolved. But so far, there hasn't been any interaction between them. Were they keeping things low for now?

Monica heard the remarks going on around them and darted a glance at Richard. Was it true? Her eyes seemed to be asking. 

Richard's expression didn't change, but Monica caught the slight twitch in his jaw—and knew she'd guessed correctly. No wonder he kept staring at that despicable Shantel. What did he see in her that she, Monica, doesn't have? 

She was so engulfed by her jealousy that she didn't notice the uneasy look on her father's face as he tried to avoid Richard's eyes. 

"It is my privilege to introduce the man who has recognized the strength of this partnership. I'm sure most of you have been surprised to see him tonight in this year's Gale. He is none other than…" Jessica's annoyingly sonorous voice filtered into her ears, forcing her to swallow her rising fury and return her attention to the stage. 

Just when she had succeeded in making everyone's imaginations run wild, Jessica Hale dropped the bombshell, "Mr. Howard Courtney," she announced smoothly.

An eerie silence settled over the room for a brief moment before erupting into a wave of loud gasps and whispers. Howard Courtney? Not Richard Domango? 

Shantel took a slow sip of her champagne, making no effort to hide her amusement as she watched Richard's grip on his whiskey glass visibly tighten. 

Across the room, Howard Courtney himself stood frozen, unwilling—or perhaps unable—to meet Richard's gaze. He didn't need to guess what was running through Richard's mind.