Chapter 98: Who Is She?
The charity event was hosted at one of the most exclusive resorts in the country. From what everyone knew, not everyone could relax in this place—not just because it was expensive, but because it was membership-based, and membership itself was difficult to acquire.
And yet, for this event, it opened its doors even to non-members.
Cars—ranging from smaller models to longer, more luxurious ones—rolled into the large premises one after another. Each was more expensive than the last, making it a truly exclusive gathering meant only for the richest of the rich.
Inside the function hall were people from different walks of life, specializing in various fields—a mix of old money and new money. Celebrities were also present, most of them attending as plus-ones, little more than accessories for the invitees to show off.
Well-known politicians were also in attendance, especially since the event aligned with their interests.
After all, the center of this charity event was none other than Madam Shyaan.
It was said that if one wanted to enter this business, gaining Madam Shyaan’s favor—or even just her interest—would make it significantly easier. Although the latter was difficult, given that someone of her standing had seen everything this industry had to offer.
Not to mention, the guest list itself contained important figures from the field. Therefore, just being present tonight already guaranteed benefits as long as one did not make a mistake.
"I heard Madam Shyaan found a supplier for some of the plants she couldn’t distribute," one of the guests whispered among her group. "Gosh... she’s going to hold an auction just for a waitlist slot. I’m so excited."
"Do you even need to wait for that auction if you manage to get on her good side tonight?" another quipped.
"Or," a third added with a knowing tone, "if we find the supplier who provides for Madam Shyaan and Mr. Ramirez."
The ladies chuckled before one of them warned, "You shouldn’t be saying that out loud. Someone might use that against you and make you look bad in front of Madam Shyaan."
"Oh, clearly, you don’t know the madam!" the woman argued, laughing. "She’s not someone who dislikes that kind of interest. If anything, she values boldness more than anything."
The group laughed again, clearly more familiar with Shyaan than most.
"Then shall we find out who this mysterious supplier is?" one of them tilted her head. "The one even the genius botanist behind some of the rarest plants in the world regards so highly?"
Another snorted. "If that’s the case, it won’t be easy, but it won’t be impossible either." She smirked as she scanned the room. "Half of the people here came because Madam Shyaan hinted she had invited very important individuals."
She blinked and added, "And why do you think this event is being held here? Because it’s closest to that person."
Meaning, even this supplier would be attending.
And since many shared the same interest, several guests were already familiar with one another. If they truly wanted to identify this supplier—the one who made this event possible—then the answer likely lay among the unfamiliar faces.
The only problem was...
They didn’t know whether they were looking for a man or a woman, or whether they were young or old.
As the group continued their discussion, and the rest of the hall buzzed with endless conversations—about the event, the upcoming auction, business, and even trivial matters—a collective gasp near the entrance suddenly drew everyone’s attention.
"Who is she?"
"I’ve never seen her before, but... she’s so beautiful!"
Curiosity spread through the hall as some guests even stepped closer to the entrance to see what was happening.
And when they saw what caused the commotion...
They understood.
There, making her entrance, was a beautiful woman in a champagne dress. Her fair skin glowed under the lights, her hair cascading elegantly over her shoulders and down her back, framing her delicate, angelic features.
Beneath the shimmering chandelier, she looked nothing short of heavenly.
"Did she come alone?" one of the bachelors nearby whispered, clearly stunned. He absentmindedly removed his date’s hand from his arm before walking away without a second glance.
Others didn’t even bother leaving their companions. They simply stared at Isabella, eyes roaming over her openly. Interest was evident in every gaze as she practically radiated brilliance.
Meanwhile, Isabella smiled, pretending not to notice the attention. She glanced around as if she were a lost angel in a world of mortals.
Goodness... is it their first time seeing someone this beautiful?
She chuckled inwardly, recalling her mother’s advice about arriving separately. Carmella had insisted Isabella take all the attention—and that wouldn’t be possible if they arrived together. So when they neared the venue, her parents had switched to another car that arrived ahead of her.
I don’t care about everyone else here, she thought. I just want to see Lucian.
But before she could find him—or even a good place to wait—she was suddenly surrounded.
"Miss, I don’t believe I’ve seen you before," one man at her side said with a gentle smile. "And I don’t see you with anyone. Did you perhaps come alone?"
"How rude, Len," another bachelor chuckled, having just abandoned his date behind him. "Asking so many questions before even introducing yourself."
The second man smiled at Isabella, placing a hand over his chest. "Good evening, Miss. I am Bernard Largo, director of the Argo Group. May I know your name?"
Isabella pursed her lips slightly as she looked at him, only to flinch faintly when another man from a major international company introduced himself.
All of them came from wealthy families. Some were heirs. Others were involved in politics.
So many options.
And that made her smile.
This was nothing new to Isabella. Growing up, admirers had always lined up for her. Each from different backgrounds. Those she deemed worthy, she entertained briefly.
But she never entered a relationship.
Why?
Because relationships eliminated options.
After all, men tended to lose interest in someone who was already taken.
"Haha..." she let out a soft, modest laugh, but even that was enough to make the men around her hold their breath. "Thank you. I am Isa—"
Before she could finish, another wave of gasps erupted—louder than before—drowning out her voice.
She frowned, brows furrowing slightly, as the men around her turned in unison toward the entrance... only to freeze.
Noticing their sudden shift, Isabella turned as well... and nearly choked.
"What..." she trailed off, her complexion paling as her eyes dilated in shock. "...is she doing here?"
Because there, walking in with effortless elegance, was a couple that brought the entire room to a standstill.
Lucian.
And beside him — whom he escorted with unmistakable care — was his wife.
Ashley.
The infamous Madam of Dominion.