Chapter 27
Donovan hurriedly got dressed. He had thought about using force, but her irrational and frantic behavior made him decide against wasting any effort on her.
After grabbing his phone and car keys, he coldly remarked, “Remember what I just said.”
Then, he stormed out of the bedroom and through the living room, slamming the door behind him with a chill in the air.
The room fell silent once more, leaving her feeling empty inside. Leaning against the headboard alone, Giselle stared into space for a long time, her thoughts in disarray.
To soothe the chaos in her mind, she took a cigarette from the nightstand. Then she placed it between her lips and lit it with a lighter. A deep inhale sent a rush through her throat, instantly alleviating her fatigue and irritation.
She wasn’t typically a smoker–just a few times a month, particularly when her mood was overwhelmingly bad. She’d use a cigarette or two to unwind. As the smoke enveloped her, she slowly relaxed, and her mind became clearer.
It was no surprise to her that Donovan would outright refuse the “conditions” she had suggested. Considering his abilities and standing, it was unrealistic to think he could be intimidated by her minor schemes into abandoning his marriage alliance with Anne.
Still, despite knowing this, she chose to go ahead with her initial plan.
Five days later, Donovan and Anne’s engagement ceremony took place as planned.
The ceremony was held in a five–star hotel, with the venue elegantly adorned in blue and white, creating a dreamy and luxurious ambiance. Abundant flowers, flown in from Holanie, filled the air with their sweet fragrance, while the massive LED screen on the stage provided a striking visual impact.
The entire setting exuded a sacred and beautiful atmosphere, with every detail reflecting the opulence of this prestigious family alliance.
As it was an engagement ceremony, the venue showcased an array of lavish betrothal gifts from both families, valued at over ten million. The setup beautifully merged engagement traditions with the romantic elements.
Nearly the entire Kane family was in attendance, including Dorothea, Donovan’s older brother and sister–in–law, along with other relatives, friends, and key business associates.
From the Holt family, Tony, Renee, Sebastian, and several relatives and friends also attended, dressed in formal attire and radiating excitement.
Giselle, who was considered part of the Holt family, naturally made her way to her “sister’s” engagement ceremony. However, she wasn’t formally invited and instead slipped in through the back door while the Holt family was momentarily distracted.
Now, wearing sunglasses, she stood quietly in a shadowy comer, watching the “perfect couple” on stage.
Anne stood at the center of the stage, adorned in a million–dollar engagement gown that highlighted her figure flawlessly, like a masterpiece of art.
Next to her, Donovan, who was a head taller, wore a dark suit, exuding a charming and elegant air befitting an elite heir. He allowed Anne to link her arm through his, remaining expressionless as if he were merely attending a product launch or award ceremony.
In his view, a “clean and pure” socialite like Anne, with her impeccable reputation, was the only suitable choice for his wife and the face of the Kane family. He was prepared to bestow upon her the title of Mrs. Kane for the world to see,
As for the woman with whom he had a physical arrangement, she was nothing more than a lowly harlot. Though he might seek her out for physical pleasure, he would never acknowledge such a relationship publicly.
Giselle understood this better than anyone. But y what did it matter? She was interested in discovering who was manipulating whom in the end.
initially, the engagement ceremony proceeded without a hitch. However, when the emcee declared that a video of Donovan and Anne’s “romantic confessions” would be shown, the footage on the screen immediately hushed the entire crowd.
