Chapter 769

"Ms. Harper, congratulations on completing your studies and returning home! This is a gift from Winnie and me, wishing you happiness and joy." Rock handed the gift to Angelina with gentlemanly grace.

Winnie didn't expect him to have prepared a gift so meticulously; it must be something valuable.

Rock put a lot of effort into social interactions. Why hadn't she noticed this before?

"Thank you!" Angelina accepted the gift coquettishly, glancing at Winnie with a sarcastic tone, "But Mr. Harrington, why did you bring Mrs. Harrington along? My party doesn't really need so many people."

Winnie froze; Angelina's tone clearly showed her unwelcome attitude.

Faith walked over, annoyed, "Angelina, you can't be so rude. Mrs. Harrington is also a lady of the Blanchet Group, a young board member at that, not much older than you, and a good friend of Bentley. Her presence at your party is an honor."

"Mrs. Harrington, I apologize for Angelina's rudeness," Faith said, turning to Winnie with a seemingly polite tone.

"It's nothing. After all, it's Ms. Harper's party, and she naturally wants her friends and acquaintances to be there. Sometimes, too many people can make her feel uneasy," Winnie defused the situation with a calm smile.

She knew in her heart that Rock brought her mostly because of Samuel and Bentley's family connection, and Bentley was familiar with her.

Just as she was thinking this, Bentley approached with someone.

Upon closer look, Winnie realized it was Melanie.

She was a bit surprised and immediately looked at Bentley's face. When did he start interacting with Melanie behind her back?

Bentley threw her a glance and smiled formally, "Winnie, you're here? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh, Rock told me at the last minute," Winnie noticed that Samuel had also come along.

She glanced at Rock, who immediately bowed slightly and extended his hand enthusiastically, "Mr. Harper, today's party is truly well-organized for Ms. Harper. The venue is excellent; I see there's even a pool over there, perfect for a casual yet grand gathering of young people."

"It was Faith who chose it for Angelina. Rock, you really know how to talk." Rock's flattery made Samuel very pleased.

Winnie stood quietly on the side, watching Rock. She had witnessed how Rock had ingratiated himself with Samuel at Adam's party before. At that time, Lawrence had warned her, and she thought it was normal for Rock to want to connect with influential people. But today, she suddenly realized that Rock was very skilled at pleasing people.

And he could be very obsequious.

This was something Lawrence could never do.

She felt a chill in her heart, realizing that Rock's gentlemanly exterior might hide a completely different nature.

Bentley, holding a wine glass, raised an eyebrow at Winnie, "Mr. Harrington is quite the smooth talker. Winnie, he must have sweet-talked you a lot, right?"

It seemed like a joke.

Samuel and Faith smiled.

But Winnie could tell that Bentley was mocking Rock's ability to flatter people.

He must have noticed it too.

A trace of embarrassment flashed in her eyes.

"By the way, Angelina, here's your graduation gift. Take it." Bentley casually tossed it into Angelina's arms.

"Bentley, can you be a bit more polite to me?" Angelina grumbled, looking curiously at Melanie beside Bentley, "Who is this? Bentley, did you find a girlfriend?"

Melanie immediately felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, "Ms. Harper, I'm not..."

"I wasn't asking you," Angelina said arrogantly, looking down on Melanie.

Bentley frowned slightly and joked, "This is my temporary date. Whether she's my girlfriend or not, Angelina, be polite. Otherwise, I'll introduce you to a boyfriend."

Faith's eyes lit up, "Bentley, if you know any suitable noble young men, don't hesitate to introduce them to Angelina. She just returned home and still has a playful heart. We want her to settle down soon."

"Oh, Mom! I don't want Bentley to introduce anyone," Angelina quickly sweetly took Faith's hand, her eyes bold yet shy, "I already have someone I like."

"Oh? Who is it?" Samuel asked indulgently.

Angelina's eyes sparkled as she was about to speak when the entrance to the party hall suddenly quieted. A tall, distinguished figure walked in, and everyone's attention was naturally drawn to his cold and handsome features.

Angelina saw Lawrence. He was dressed in a low-key, everyday suit, but her eyes lit up, and she was instantly smitten. She bit her lip sweetly, "Daddy, look, the person I like is here."

Samuel and his wife immediately looked over.

Winnie also turned her head with the crowd's gaze. Lawrence, in a formal suit, appeared at the party. His long legs and perfect side profile made him stand out, exuding an aura of nobility with every move.

As he walked through the door, the black night sky seemed to be his backdrop. Even his hair exuded a sharp coldness, making the wealthy young men at the party look insignificant in comparison.

Even though Lawrence had fallen from grace, his aura and beauty still easily captivated countless women.

Rock stared at Lawrence, hearing Angelina's words, a dark look flashed in his eyes.

Damn it, not only did he fail to kill him at Adam's house last time, but Angelina also fell for him. Rock clenched his fist in frustration.

"Mr. Rodriguez, you finally made it!" Angelina ran over joyfully, about to take his arm.

Lawrence subtly stepped back, his expression cold, and walked over to greet Samuel and his wife, as well as Bentley.

Samuel had a good impression of him because he had saved Angelina.

People around them started whispering, "Why is Lawrence here at Ms. Harper's welcome party?"

"You don't know? Lawrence saved Ms. Harper's life at Mr. King's house last time and took the opportunity to connect with the Harper family."

"Wow, the once noble Mr. Rodriguez has now resorted to such despicable means to make a comeback."

"Exactly, there's going to be a lot of drama tonight. Lawrence's ex-wife is here too, the current Mrs. Harrington," Someone in the know said with a smile.

Instantly, the guests started gossiping.

Lawrence listened, his eyes growing colder. He pressed his thin lips together, indifferent and restrained, not bothering to respond.

Rock's face changed slightly.

Samuel also took a closer look at Winnie, surprised to find out about her connection with Lawrence.

After a moment of surprise, Samuel said, "Lawrence, welcome. I haven't had a chance to thank you for saving Angelina last time."

Bentley raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile, "Mr. Rodriguez, so Angelina has a crush on you. You're in for some trouble."

"Bentley, what are you talking about?" Angelina glared at him, then warmly took Lawrence's arm, "Mr. Rodriguez, it's boring here with all the elders. Let me introduce you to my friends. Come on!"

Lawrence was about to look at Winnie, who hadn't spoken, but he didn't have time as Angelina dragged him away.

This scene made Winnie feel a pang of frustration and anger.