FULL NOVELXO Chapter 801
Connor's brow furrowed slightly when he spotted Diana. He thought she had already left. But it turned out the Gilbert family had just tucked her away. Claire faced Desmond and his daughter with a frosty demeanor, "Where's security? Get them out of here." Desmond started making a scene at the entrance again, causing enough ruckus to disturb Marian inside the house. Surrounded by a crowd, Marian made her way over. She spoke calmly, "It's better to make peace than hold a grudge, Diana. Today is Pax's engagement day, and the Gilberts and Sartoris have been friends for ages. There's no need for both families to lose face over this." With a huff, Claire turned and went back inside. Naturally, Desmond and Diana walked in without any trouble.
Chloe, after enjoying the spectacle, decided to head back in herself. Just as she was about to step inside, she spotted Eve and Pax coming out together. Suddenly, a bunch of people swarmed them with congratulations. They were the stars of the show. Pax was looking exceptionally dapper that day, his hair perfectly styled, dressed in a crisp white suit and trousers. He looked calm, dignified, and strikingly handsome, like a prince charming straight out of a fairy tale. Eve wore a stunning red gown, exuding elegance and beauty. Many guests were from the Eldridge Elites, folks who had been good pals with them.
Pax noticed Connor and Chloe and headed straight over, while Eve was engulfed by her close-knit group of girlfriends. "Arin, your makeup is absolutely gorgeous today. I'm getting engaged next month; could you introduce me to your makeup artist?" "That dress must have cost a fortune; it's breathtaking." "Arin, you don't seem too thrilled." Eve seemed distracted, her gaze occasionally drifting towards Connor. Her friends knew what was up. "Arin has always had a thing for Mr. Connor, but now she's getting engaged to Pax. No wonder she's not thrilled." "It's a shame, seeing your love interest become your uncle." "But honestly, I think Pax looks quite handsome, especially in today's getup. Doesn't he resemble Mr. Connor?" "Yeah, Arin, look on the bright side. Pax has a face similar to Mr. Connor's and he's younger. It's not a bad deal. Give it time, and feelings will fall into place."
"Arin, long time no see." A familiar female voice chimed in from behind. Everyone turned around, and upon seeing Diana, their expressions stiffened, especially Eve's. "Why are you here?" Diana wasn't on the guest list, yet here she was. Diana approached, looking like anyone else, but her walk was noticeably stiff. Eve felt a pang of guilt. Ever since she learned that Diana's accident was linked to a message she sent, she felt awful. Both she and Diana had liked Connor. They'd been good friends when they were younger but drifted apart because of him. Eve never liked Diana's frail and delicate act, but she never intended to harm her, certainly not to the point of disability. The photo she sent was meant to rile her up, not cause real harm. Now, Eve was at a loss for how to face her.
Diana came closer, "Arin, congrats on your engagement." Eve's face turned pale, "... Thank you..." Eve's friends, thinking Diana was there to cause trouble, jumped to her defense. "Diana, what are you doing here uninvited? If your leg's hurt because you got upset over a photo, that's on you, not our Arin." "Are you here to mess up Arin's engagement party?" "Stop it," Eve interjected, silencing her friends.