Third Person's POV
Veronica watched her leave with a sneer.
Girls from minor families were easy to control.
Since Vanya didn't take her role as Luna seriously, it was time to remind her——she wasn't the only option.
Meanwhile, Vanya arrived at the Royal Restaurant.
Cliff had booked the best spot in the hall for the dinner. Everyone present was his business partner.
As Vanya entered, all eyes turned to her.
She wore a rose-red gown with long, wavy hair draped over one shoulder.
When Cliff caught sight of her, his mind wandered—he hadn't seen Vanya dress up like this for long.
The last time she looked this stunning was at the land auction, where he realized how beautiful she was in a simple white dress.
"This must be Mrs. Todd. She and Mr. Todd make a perfect pair," someone remarked.
"A match made in heaven!" another chimed in.
Compliments filled the air. Vanya approached Cliff, who pulled out her chair with a smile.
"Good evening, I'm Vanya. Currently in charge of the Dalton Group," she announced.
Everyone knew Vanya had taken over the Dalton Group, but many still saw her as a figurehead, owed to Cliff's influence.
Vanya scanned the room—most regarded her as merely Cliff's appendage.
"Mrs. Todd, you're remarkably accomplished," a middle-aged man said with a smile.
The meeting today had no other women except for Vanya.
"Allow me to toast Mrs. Todd," another man stood up.
Cliff squeezed Vanya's hand. "Help yourselves. She doesn't drink."
His overt protectiveness silenced any further nudging to drink.
Vanya, hearing the constant "Mrs. Todd," felt irked. No one recognized her as the Dalton Group's CEO. Clearly, the industry doubted her capabilities.
She glanced at Cliff and said, "Since we're here to make connections and I don't drink, wouldn't that be rude?"
"Mrs. Todd, you needn't drink. With Mr. Todd doting on you, which business can't he secure?" someone said.
"Mr. Todd went out of his way for you, Mrs. Todd. We'll definitely cooperate! Any profitable venture for the Dalton Group is fair game!"
The crowd chimed in, but Vanya remained expressionless. All the flattery was meant for Cliff's ears.
Outside the Royal Restaurant, Barbara and Melinda entered.
"Here, sit down," Barbara said, choosing a table not far from Cliff.
Vanya, hearing Barbara's voice, told Cliff, "I'm going to the restroom. Be right back."
"Sure," Cliff replied.
Vanya headed toward the restroom.
"Today's drinks startled you, didn't they? As an intern, it's unfair to ask you to be here," Barbara said, her eyes on Melinda.
Melinda had been scanning the hall for Cliff since entering.
Soon, she spotted him at the center of the hall, surrounded by business tycoons.
Her eyes lit up—she'd tried everything to reach Cliff these days, but even Elliot ignored her calls.
Had Barbara not mentioned that this place often drew big shots like Cliff, she wouldn't have come to take her chances.
Barbara said, "I'll go to the restroom first. See what you'd like to eat."
"Go ahead," Melinda said, eager for Barbara to leave.
As soon as Barbara was gone, a tycoon noticed Melinda at the neighboring table and asked, "Isn't that Miss Coleman?"
All eyes turned to Melinda.
Dressed in the gown Cliff had gifted her, Melinda looked mature.
The tycoons, familiar with her from past events with Cliff, quickly recognized her.
One teased, "Mr. Todd, you sure have a fortunate fate."
Everyone assumed Melinda was there at Cliff's behest.
Cliff frowned, his demeanor cooling.
Melinda, called out, approached Cliff and said, "Didn't expect to run into everyone here. Let me toast you all."
She reached for a glass, but Cliff coldly said, "Put the glass down."
Melinda froze, embarrassed.
The room fell silent.
Melinda forced a smile. "Cliff, just one drink..."
"If you want to drink, Miss Coleman, you can pay for your own round," Cliff said, not sparing her a glance.
Melinda bit her lip. "Cliff, are you still angry with me?"
She tugged at Cliff's sleeve, but his brow furrowed further.
Unaware of the situation, no one dared speak. From the looks of it, Melinda, Cliff's mistress, might have been cast off.
"Miss Coleman," a tycoon interjected, "with Mrs. Todd present, you're quite out of place. How about we catch up another day?"