Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-One

"How's your work been lately?" Bella asked. Currently, they had nothing else to talk about besides work.

Max nodded slightly, sensing the recent distance in their relationship. However, Bella's reaction remained unchanged, so he wasn't sure where the distance was coming from.

"I'll be attending Levi's party at the SOS hotel soon. At the same time, there will be an auction, you know? I want to buy that piece of land on the outskirts," Max said without any reservation. He believed that this matter was work-related, and there was no need to be secretive.

Bella smiled gently and asked, "Can I come with you?" She thought her husband would agree immediately, but Max's reaction disappointed her.

"No need, consider me busy with work at the company as usual. I remember you don't like places like that anyway," Max reassured her with a soft and comforting tone, as if he genuinely cared and understood that Bella didn't want to make an effort for things she didn't like.

In the past, Bella would have truly believed that her husband cared for her, which was why he didn't want her to come along. Even though she genuinely disliked events for the upper class or parties organized by some prestigious family, she knew that those attending would rarely come alone.

But Bella still appeared cheerful as she spoke to her husband, "You do care; I didn't think you noticed that. I don't like such places, but you sure you probably don't need me to come along?" she inquired, probing her husband.

Max paid no attention to the changed expression on Bella's face and simply said calmly, "It's okay, I can go there alone. I'm just concerned about your emotions and mood."

In the end, Max remained adamant that Bella didn't need to go with him. He emphasized that he was going only for the piece of land on the outskirts and had no interest in such parties.

Before the party at the SOS hotel, Pearl was in a frenzy at the shopping center, buying things even though she had already bought a lot and wasn't satisfied.

"Max, how does this dress look?" Pearl asked, walking out of the fitting room towards the man sitting across from her.

Max had long been accustomed to waiting for Pearl to choose clothes every time they went shopping. Whatever she chose, he would casually agree, as he, being a man, didn't know much about women's clothing.

Pearl pouted and walked out to look in the mirror, feeling that this outfit highlighted her slim and charming figure. The constant compliments from the sales assistant made her like it even more. However, this wasn't the dress she had chosen for tonight's party. It was beautiful but didn't exude the elegance and sophistication she wanted.

"How do I look in this dress?" Pearl turned to ask a consultant. The consultant continued to praise Pearl, making her very pleased. She said, "I'll take this one, and the ones I chose before."

After finishing shopping, Pearl held Max's hand and walked out of the shopping center, with three assistants following to carry all the items she had bought.

"Why did you buy so much? It's just a party," Max raised an eyebrow, looking at the pile of things in the car. His wife had never been so extravagant.

Although Max asked, he didn't intend to blame Pearl; he just felt that so many things were unnecessary. However, Pearl smiled and replied, "How can it be unnecessary? Of course, I won't just buy for tonight's party. You're not a woman, so you don't understand women." Pearl said while looking in the mirror, feeling beautiful and dazzling.

Upon hearing this, Max sighed softly, indeed, he had said she could spend as she pleased, but that didn't mean wasting money like this.

Max knew that the SOS hotel was an exclusive venue for the upper class and those with political power. People with a lot of money couldn't step foot here without a position in the upper class or personal influence.

"May I see your invitations, please? Thank you," the staff politely bowed and asked.

Max handed the two invitations to the staff. After checking them, the staff led them to the venue where the party would be held.

"This place is huge; I've never been to such a grand place before," Pearl whispered softly. Tonight, she looked stunning and radiant. Pearl wore a long, tightly fitted white dress that accentuated her curves. The bodice was designed with white rose flowers, and the back plunged into a deep V.

With the addition of the jewelry, Pearl stood out as she entered the party. At this moment, she resembled a graceful and elegant young woman, like a character stepping out of some sweet novel.

Even as she just stepped in, many men couldn't help but turn their heads to look at Pearl, making Max proud. Max and Pearl politely greeted a few people, quickly adapting to the atmosphere of the party.

Levi noticed Max and approached, "Max, you finally arrived. I'm sure you've been looking forward to tonight, just like I have."

Max also enthusiastically smiled and talked to Levi and he also noticed a few eyes directed towards him. Max was secretly pleased that Levi, the owner of this party, proactively started a conversation with him. An anonymous person was welcomed by the party owner and proactively started a conversation, showing that his status was also very high. And people in the upper class began to pay attention to Max.

Levi looked towards the woman next to Max and raised an eyebrow, "You didn't bring your wife tonight? I remember giving you two invitations."

Max nodded slightly. Levi had indeed given him two invitations, but Max didn't feel the need to inform Levi about his companion. Max calmly explained, "As I mentioned before, my wife doesn't like places like this, so no matter how I persuade her, she won't come. But thanks for your concern."

Levi casually continued the conversation, glancing at Pearl, "No problem, just didn't expect you to bring your secretary instead of your wife. You are Pearl, right? Tonight, you look beautiful... very similar to Max's wife's style. I wonder if people here will mistake you for Max's wife."

After saying this, Levi chuckled lightly and continued chatting with other guests. After hearing those words, Pearl's smiling face froze, her lips tightened slightly. She gripped Max's arm tightly, realizing that Levi might be insinuating that she was just a substitute for Max's wife, Bella.

She looked at Levi with irritation, feeling insulted and belittled. Despite her anger, she had to restrain herself to avoid attracting attention from others. Being compared to Bella, whom Pearl regarded with disdain, made her feel frustrated.

"I don't know what he's thinking, saying I have a style similar to Bella. Is he blind?" Pearl muttered softly, clutching Max's arm.

Max smiled lightly, paying no attention, "Don't be angry, he's just joking."

But just like Levi said, since Max entered with Pearl, most people assumed that Pearl was either Max's wife or girlfriend. No man would bring their secretary to a high-society party like this one.

This event wasn't about business or partnerships; it focused on socializing and networking among the upper class. Max was well aware of this, so he refrained from discussing work or collaborations with the guests, trying to appear indifferent.

The party atmosphere was elegant and refined, with classical music enhancing the harmony. The ambiance here was completely different from the parties Max had attended before, making him feel a bit unnatural despite his efforts to appear composed. The atmosphere made him feel like he was stepping into an entirely new world, and he wanted to be part of it forever.

Everything, from the people to the scenery, exuded sophistication, nobility, and class, without anyone flaunting their wealth.

In a less noticed corner, a woman stood quietly, observing everything with an expressionless face. Levi appeared from behind, standing beside the woman and chuckled softly.

"How is it? Do you feel sad seeing your husband attending the party with another woman?" Levi lightly shook the wine glass in his hand and said jokingly, his eyes quietly observing the expression of the woman next to him.