Chapter 240

Vanessa Knight had barely stepped into the grand ballroom on Simon Chase's arm when her gaze was drawn to the couple in the corner.

Lucy White lounged gracefully against a sofa in her champagne-colored gown, while Ethan Smith stood beside her in a black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. Though merely standing casually, they commanded attention like a spotlight, drawing frequent glances from nearby guests.

"Lucy!" Vanessa tugged Simon forward, the slit of her cheongsam revealing glimpses of porcelain skin that made Simon's Adam's apple bob.

Lucy turned with a start, her eyes lighting up. "Vanessa, you're breaking beauty regulations tonight." She reached out to tuck a stray lock behind Vanessa's ear. "This cheongsam was made for you."

Vanessa's eyes crinkled with delight. "Coming from the legendary Lucy White, I'll be smiling in my sleep tonight." She winked mischievously. "I should've pursued you back in the day."

"It's never too late," Lucy quipped with a raised brow.

The women dissolved into laughter, oblivious to the darkening expressions of their male companions.

Simon cleared his throat subtly, pulling Vanessa closer. "Darling, aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Oh right!" Vanessa brightened. "Lucy, meet my puppy boy Simon Chase." Turning to Simon, she added, "This is my best friend Lucy White I'm always telling you about."

Simon's gaze flickered between Lucy and Ethan before breaking into a grin. "Uncle Ethan."

Ethan arched an eyebrow. "When did you return?"

"Last week." Simon squeezed Vanessa's hand. "Heard someone was single again and booked the first flight."

Vanessa's ears turned pink as she shot him a glare. Ethan observed their joined hands with amusement. "Your sister-in-law was just asking if you'd gone extreme sports diving again."

Simon immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Don't rat me out, Uncle. I've been coming home like clockwork."

Lucy muffled a laugh, whispering to Vanessa, "Keeping him on a short leash?"

Vanessa lifted her chin proudly. "Of course. My puppy boy's very well-trained."

Their banter was interrupted as Oliver Knight approached with Lily Green in tow. His jaw tightened visibly at the sight of Simon's arm around Vanessa's waist.

"Vanessa, who's this?" Oliver forced a smile.

"My boyfriend, Simon Chase," Vanessa replied, her smile cooling.

Simon extended a hand with polite mockery. "Mr. Knight, I've heard so much."

Oliver eyed Simon's casual blazer disdainfully. "What do you do, Mr. Chase?"

"Just returned to start an entertainment company for fun." Simon's tone remained easy. "My brother Sebastian Chase—you might know him?"

Oliver stiffened. The Chase Group heir had recently made the billionaire list. Only then did he notice the limited edition Patek Philippe on Simon's wrist, the realization sticking in his throat like a fishbone.

Lily interjected sweetly, "Vanessa, you look stunning tonight." Her gaze lingered on Simon. "Your new boyfriend seems... quite young."

Vanessa's red lips curved. "Young stamina is the best stamina—and so affectionate." She deliberately swayed Simon's arm. "Beats some tired old men, don't you think?"

Simon obliged by murmuring something that made Vanessa laugh brightly. Oliver turned ashen, hastily dragging Lily away.

Watching their retreat, Lucy swirled her champagne. "Puppy boys definitely outclass scumbags."

Ethan suddenly leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "I'm five years older than him. Are you calling me old, Lucy?"

Before Lucy could respond, Hunter Wilde's group approached with drinks. David Wilson plopped onto the sofa. "What's the fun about?"

Evan York spotted Oliver's glare from across the room and whistled. "Someone's jealousy is showing."

In response, Simon pulled Vanessa into a quick kiss. "Let him stew."

Vanessa flushed, swatting his chest. "You're impossible!"

Amid the laughter, no one noticed the icy stare watching them from the ballroom's second floor balcony...