Chapter 6 Elin Crashes the Party

The room was so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Elin, realizing the awkwardness, covered her mouth, trying to appear dignified. "But I believe you didn't do it on purpose." "I should also apologize. I didn’t see you, and that's why I bumped into you." No matter how she tried to salvage the situation, the first impression she left was unchangeable, only reinforcing her image as fake and pretentious. Evelyn frowned as she watched. The flustered, panicked figure was unmistakably Elin, but why was she here? Damon, despite being a scoundrel, wasn't one to go back on his word. Seeing Evelyn staring at Elin, the noblewomen around her couldn't help but ask, "Sweetheart, do you know that embarrassing girl?" "Oh my, she's so rude and ill-mannered! Even my aunt’s Bichon Frise is better behaved." "I think I’ve seen her before. Wasn't she always following your husband around?" Evelyn sighed and nodded, "Yes, that’s my husband’s intern secretary. She's also a poor student he sponsors. They say she has excellent grades and is a key talent at Hilton Company." Her helpless expression quickly garnered sympathy and pity from the women, who looked at Elin with even more disdain. When Damon returned, he saw Elin standing helplessly in the hall, her dress wet and clinging awkwardly to her body, surrounded by broken glass. She looked tearful and apologetic, as if someone had wronged her! Not knowing what had happened, but assuming Elin was the victim, Damon instinctively saw her as such due to her usual obedience and gentleness. He immediately took off his coat and draped it over Elin. "You don’t need to apologize." He then scolded the old man still picking up the glass. "And you! How could you be so careless? Is this how the venue manager trains their staff?" His sleeve was tugged gently as Elin, tearfully, interjected, "It’s not his fault. It’s all because I was careless. I just saw Miss Evelyn and wanted to say hello, and then…" The venue manager quickly arrived and, seeing the old man, whispered angrily, "You again! Who let you in here? If you can't work properly, go home. Why stay here getting in the way?" Saying this, he pushed the old man, who nearly fell onto the broken glass but was caught by Evelyn. Supporting the old man, she said, "Don’t go overboard. This gentleman has already apologized sincerely, and it wasn’t even his fault." "We all saw it was Miss Elin who wasn’t watching where she was going, causing this mess and wasting so much fine wine!" Facing Damon’s deep blue eyes, she showed no fear. "Shouldn’t she be the one to apologize?" "You’re openly defying me? For a stranger?" Damon smirked coldly. Evelyn stood her ground. "I’m standing up for justice. Besides, the venue has surveillance. Checking the footage will clarify everything." "But then your Elin will only be more humiliated." She glanced at Elin, whose face had turned pale, clinging tightly to Damon. "Let’s just leave it, the lady is right. It’s all my fault. The banquet is about to start; let’s not let a trivial matter upset Mr. Smith." Damon, seeing reason in her words, calmed down, and the venue returned to peace. Elin felt as if everyone around was watching and discussing her, though they quieted when she looked. The feeling of isolation was unbearable, while Evelyn, surrounded like a proud princess, shone brightly. Even though they wore the same dress, Evelyn's looked like a high-end original, and Elin’s seemed like a cheap imitation. She pouted, "Wow, the lady is so popular, she gets along with everyone. Unlike me, clumsy and awkward, with only Mr. Damon not minding. I really shouldn’t have come." Damon, feeling uncomfortable seeing Evelyn socializing warmly with others but cold toward him, replied, "No, it’s fine that you came. Networking can help you integrate better into Hilton’s upper management." Relieved by his lack of reproach, Elin smiled sweetly again. "But I don’t want to leave your side. I don’t know anyone here, and I’m afraid I’ll cause trouble." "Just now, the lady saw I was in trouble but ignored it. Mr. Damon, I can only rely on you." This reminded him of Evelyn’s old behavior, making him feel better. "Alright." Jack, the assistant, looked worriedly at Evelyn. "But sir, what about the lady…" "Does she look like she needs me? Just keep an eye on her and make sure she behaves." Damon remembered how Evelyn had previously stolen the spotlight. Jack conveyed the message to Evelyn, mimicking Damon’s tone perfectly. She nodded calmly, "Understood." With Damon leading, Elin quickly mingled with the influential figures, appearing to converse freely but actually only benefiting from Damon’s presence. Despite her good grades, they meant little at this level. Professional experience, highest education, and family background were crucial, making Elin seem like a child eager to join adult conversations, flaunting her achievements, only to be patronized. Evelyn watched, finding it ironic. In the past, their roles were reversed; she was the one who insisted on attending the banquet despite Damon’s rejection, losing her composure and dignity in front of Elin. Trying too hard to please Damon and blend in with the elites, she had made many blunders. Seeing Elin now, Evelyn realized how pathetic she had once been. Elin hit a wall with a couple who had witnessed everything and disliked her. They intentionally spoke in Spanish, which she didn’t understand. They were important clients Damon was about to partner with, and he was trying to smooth things over when Evelyn gracefully approached. Speaking fluent Spanish, she quickly made them laugh, shook hands with her, and patted Damon’s shoulder. "Your wife is amazing! Looking forward to our cooperation!" Elin clenched her fists, speaking respectfully but cautiously, "The lady is truly impressive, even speaking such a difficult language, helping Mr. Damon." Evelyn didn’t respond. She was just thirsty and conveniently grabbed a glass of champagne nearby. A champagne glass was handed to her by Damon, who was surprised, "You know Spanish. I underestimated you. What did you say to make them so happy?" "I told them their batch of raw stones would sell well." She sipped the champagne, seeing a strange fire in Damon’s eyes through the glass. He stared at her intensely, making her uncomfortable. "What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?" "Who told you they had raw stones? And that they would sell well?" Damon leaned closer, his breath almost touching her face.