Araceli POV
The next day.
Before the night came, I finished my work, changed into my exquisite dress, put on my high heels and got into Eliezer's car.
My dress glowed like a starburst of light. The sparkling diamonds were set in the dress, each one glowing like a tiny star. The sparkling effect was even more dazzling when the dress gently swayed.
The business dinner was held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Before nightfall, dozens of luxury cars were parked in front of the hotel.
The place was a picture of luxury and bustle. There was a constant stream of luxury cars, with their metal inlaid bodies shining brightly.
From Rolls-Royce to Ferrari, brand-name cars showed the aristocratic style. Celebrities dressed in elaborate fashion dresses elegantly entered the hotel lobby, attracting the attention of passers-by.
Photographic flashes flashed frequently. Reporters chased each celebrity's figure, adding a touch of liveliness to the bustling scene.
I took Eliezer's arm and walked towards the banquet hall.
Suddenly, there was a noise ahead. Reporters swarmed up and kept snapping pictures.
I squinted and saw Raphael, who was tall and "conspicuous".
Next, I saw the woman beside Raphael.
It was Melany.
Melany was holding Raphael's arm, smiling elegantly and charmingly.
This was the first time I met Raphael and Melany at a dinner party.
I sneered inwardly, walked over and took a closer look at Melany.
Melany was wearing a Haute Couture dress. It was made of exquisite fabric, showing impeccable craftsmanship, just like flowing silk. The dress swayed gently, giving off a slight glow.
Reporters swarmed around her, asking questions. Melany responded to each question with her gracious smile. She lifted her chin and received adoring glances from everyone.
Raphael rarely attended business dinners, and he never brought a female companion.
This was the first time Raphael had brought a female companion to such an important event.
Many people recognized the woman beside Raphael as "Melany Chancey" of Eclipse Group.
"What is Melany's relationship with Mr. Lancaster?"
"Royal Group helped Eclipse last time. I guess they have a good relationship."
"I heard that Royal Group and Eclipse are planning a marriage."
"Really? How can Mr. Lancaster marry Melany? He must be crazy!"
"OMG, Melany is Raphael's female companion! Is she really going to marry Raphael?"
"Her life is so perfect!"
People chattered.
I glanced at Melany, shook my head, and prepared to go inside.
All of a sudden, a woman walked furiously towards Raphael and Melany, wearing a black Chanel dress that looked expensive.
However, I thought she looked familiar...
As I was thinking about who she was, the next second, I froze.
The woman reached out her hand and was about to grab Melany's hair.
She shouted, "You bitch! How dare you seduce my man?"
Her English had a very strong French accent.
Was she French?
Wait, I thought I knew who she was...
I saw this woman in France before!
Her name was Anne Brayne, and I remembered that she had been avidly pursuing Gavin when she was in Navi Group, but Gavin was not interested in her and never agreed to be with her.
After that, I left France and had little contact with Gavin until he came to New York.
I understood instantly.
Then, I stared at Melany and smiled coldly.
Since Melany dared to find a way to ruin my partnership with Navi Group, she would have to bear the consequences of doing so.
Raphael saw Anne, frowned, and stepped in front of Melany.
"Nice to meet you."
His cold voice rang out, instantly making Anne freeze.
Melany was posing for the camera. After she heard Raphael's voice, she saw Anne. Melany was startled and hurriedly hid behind Raphael.
"Raphael, who is she?"
The reporters looked at each other and immediately grabbed their cameras and kept taking pictures.
This kind of conflict on the red carpet would definitely become a trending topic.
Raphael glanced at Melany, saw the reporters behind her, and frowned slightly. He thought for a second and immediately smiled, patting Anne on the shoulder.
"What a coincidence! We haven't seen each other in a long time..."
With a confused look on her face, Melany watched Raphael hold Anne's shoulders and head to the hall, so she hurriedly followed them.
The reporters looked disappointed and sighed.
I smiled.
Raphael was smart.
He knew that the best way to avoid reporters was to go into the hall and deal with the matter.
I raised my eyebrows slightly, held Eliezer's arm, and picked up my pace to follow them.
Anne was taken away by Raphael's bodyguards before they even entered the hall.
Before I could react, Anne was gone.
Raphael was so decisive.
I looked up and saw Raphael glance at Melany impatiently, pick up a glass of champagne and drink it down in one gulp. He coldly said to a bodyguard, "Ms. Chancey has just been discharged from the hospital and is not feeling well. Take care of her."
The bodyguard nodded in a hurry. "Mr. Lancaster, don't worry. I will take good care of Ms. Chancey."
Melany hurriedly reached out and tried to grab Raphael's suit. "Raphael..."
"I have to go to the bathroom."
Raphael shrugged off her hand, turned around, and walked away.
Melany bit her lip, tears in her eyes.
At that moment, a middle-aged man approached Melany. He had obviously witnessed what had just happened, just as I had.
"Ms. Chancey, can we talk?" He smiled attentively, "I heard that Eclipse has been developing an artificial intelligence product for some time recently. I'd like to have a chat with you about the collaboration."
Melany hastily wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and smiled politely for an instant, "Of course. It's good to see you. I'm the managing director of Eclipse Group, Melany Chancey."
She had a noble and confident smile on her face, without a single flaw.