SWNOVELS Chapter 13
Chapter 13 The Iron Lady
Soon, the reporters surrounded Melinda and came closer as their cameras kept flashing. Meanwhile, Melinda, who saw that coming, didn’t seem to be surprised at all. Instead of panicking, she played it cool with a smile, thinking she should present her best self to the public since her face would be all over the headlines the next day. At the same time, Stanley was giving off a glacial aura until his eyes fell upon the lady, and his gaze was replaced with gentleness.
On the other hand, Monica, who was dressed like a mature woman, was saddened by what she saw, wondering if Stanley’s strange behavior was due to the fact that he was forced to marry her. Is he pulling a prank on me because he is forced to marry me?
While the reporters continued snapping photos, camera flashlights kept glittering from all angles, but surprisingly, Stanley was not annoyed by that, unlike his usual self. In the meantime, the guests were drawn by the commotion as they whispered to each other about their envy. However, the murmurs were suddenly interrupted by Jessica when she said, “Alright, that’s enough! I should be the one in the spotlight for today’s event. Now, aim your cameras at me.”
It was then that the reporters turned their attention to Jessica and did as they were paid for. “Jessica, the necklace around your neck is beautiful! Was it custom-made?” one of the socialites asked with a smile on her face.
Another lady said, “I think I saw this necklace in Milania Jewelry Exhibition… Is it Emma’s latest creation? Oh, dear. I heard it’s not for sale.”
Jessica gazed at Melinda with a cocky smile on her face, but Melissa intentionally avoided eye contact and looked at Stanley instead. “Let’s go. I don’t want to steal her limelight here.”
In fact, Stanley was bothered by confusion, wondering how a woman, who had been helping the poor in the village, got to know the mayor’s daughter. They seem close to each other, but how did they know each other?
“Yes, Emma designed it. This luxury look is the most popular style lately, which is why it has an elegant exterior, but I can’t believe you guys love it too.” Jessica answered the guests who were curious about her necklace.
Melinda suddenly caught a glimpse of a decent-looking middle-aged man not far away as she continued to walk. The moment she saw that familiar face, she couldn’t help but feel a little stunned. It’s been 21 years since we last met, yet his face still remains deeply etched in my mind, except for the new wrinkles that are covering it now. Standing there in a trance, Melinda watched him toast and chat with his friends happily as they went on to guzzle the liquor in their glasses. It seems that he is still pretty fit. For some reason, the man’s presence managed to touch Melinda’s soul so much that she was entranced by the touching moment.
On the other hand, Stanley followed Melinda’s line of sight and finally saw whom she was looking at—Shawn Grayson. Due to the corporation between Fox Group and Grayson Group, Stanley seemed to know a thing or two about Shawn, which made him wonder whether Melinda and that man knew each other.
In the meantime, Melinda saw Shirlene Grayson, the famous celebrity, handing a glass of wine over to Shawn, seizing his arm while toasting the guests. She looks like the most obedient child in the Grayson Family, doesn’t she? At the thought of that, Melinda felt a stab of pain in her heart with a look of disappointment and bitterness that flashed across her face.
“Mr. Stanley, who might this lady be?” A reporter popped out of nowhere. “Would you mind telling us a bit more about your relationship status?”
“I’ve actually been married for 7 years, but I hadn’t mentioned anything about it to the public until now. My child is six years old, and this is my wife.” Stanley honestly answered the reporter’s question.
Melinda snapped out of her trance and fixed her gaze on Stanley in a serious manner as he seemed like a responsible family man to her in that instant. Soon, Stanley planted a kiss on her forehead, making her heartbeat race while shattering the hearts of many other socialites who saw what he did. After all, neither of them could believe and accept the fact that Stanley had been hiding his marriage all along, not to mention his six-year-old child.
Nevertheless, Monica was the saddest among those who couldn’t accept the grim reality. At the sight of Stanley’s reaction, she was reminded of his attitude over the phone when they talked earlier. Disappointed and heartbroken, she sought some solitude and drowned her sorrows with alcohol instead of making a fool out of herself in front of everyone else.
Soon, Jessica came closer happily and asked, “You turned me down yesterday, Melinda, but today, you came here with your husband. Have you spared a thought about me?” Apparently, she overheard the interview earlier.
“Why don’t you do me a favor and shut up?” Melinda was uninterested in entertaining Jessica. “You’ve been pestering me like an annoying mosquito for almost half a year. So, was it too much for me to ask for a little solitude and privacy from you?”
“Okay! Okay! You have what you want, alright? Just don’t push me away.”
Upon hearing that, Stanley became confused with the relationship between Melinda and Jessica, especially when he saw the necklace around Jessica’s neck. Due to Fox Group’s recent venture into the jewelry industry, Stanley was able to tell that the necklace Jessica was wearing was a custom-made masterpiece from Emma. Despite Fox Group’s plan to work with Emma, he had second thoughts about the idea because Emma seemed suspicious to him.
“Do you know Emma?” The man puckered his lips.
“No, I don’t,” Melinda answered eagerly.
“I didn’t ask you.” Stanley glimpsed the lady and looked at the mayor’s daughter while waiting for an answer.