Evander's Office
In Evander's office, the young business magnate leaned back casually in his large executive chair, his gaze fixed on Zara.
"Zara, you did a great job," he said, a hint of approval in his voice. "But next, as my 'girlfriend,' you'll be attending a family dinner at the Ann Arbor estate. I hope your performance won't disappoint me!"
Zara's eyebrows subtly arched, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. While she knew her "contract girlfriend" role included social events, a high-end family dinner like this hinted at a hidden agenda.
"Evander, are you... are you going to announce our relationship?" Her voice was tinged with nervousness.
A faint smile played on Evander's lips, and he was secretly amused. "I'll play it by ear. Trust me, I'll protect you."
Zara quickly shook her head. "Oh, you know I didn't mean it that way. I'm just concerned about whether I can flawlessly play the role of your 'girlfriend.' I don't want to let you down!" Her mother had always drilled that 'golden rule' into her head: when you take someone's money, you solve their problems.
A wave of warmth passed through Evander's heart. He looked at Zara with a hint of admiration. Smiling, he pulled a thick proposal book from his drawer and handed it to her. "I hope this helps you."
As Zara took the book, her fingertips brushed against his hand, feeling the warmth of his palm. She opened the pages, which detailed the guest list for the upcoming Ann Arbor dinner, the theme, and the rules of etiquette...
"Thank you!" she said, her eyes burning with determination. "Failing someone who trusts me makes me uneasy. I hope to sleep well afterward."
"Good," Evander said, watching her with interest. "You're very special."
Zara's lips curved into a smile. She tilted her head, giving Evander a soft, gentle look.
The Ann Arbor Dinner Party
As night fell, the Ann Arbor estate came to life for the family dinner.
Inside the lavish ballroom, crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant light on the elegantly dressed, graceful faces.
Though Zara had prepared meticulously, facing this luxurious dinner for the top echelons of society made her intensely nervous.
The air was thick with the scent of Chanel perfume, and the light, elegant strains of Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" filled the air. Guests conversed in low tones, each radiating an aura of confidence that made Zara feel out of place.
Suddenly, a slight stir rippled through the crowd, and everyone's eyes followed the sound.
At the entrance, Lise made a grand entrance.
She wore a white off-the-shoulder gown with an intricate cutout design across her chest that beautifully exposed her slender collarbones. Her presence instantly screamed "affluent background."
Compared to Lise's gown, Zara's white one-shoulder dress, while elegant, was noticeably inferior in quality. Yet, her striking beauty drew everyone's attention the moment she appeared.
Lise, who had been standing beside Evander with a wine glass, saw Zara and her face went ashen. "Damn it, why is she here?" she muttered to herself. Then, remembering Evander's earlier promise to "help her with work," she shot him an angry look. "Evander, did you invite her?"
Evander ignored her. He took a sip of his wine, his eyes flicking to Zara. He was momentarily taken aback by her beauty; her tall, sensual figure and pure, delicate face seemed like an angel in the soft lighting. He set his glass down and walked toward her with a welcoming smile.
Zara's heart skipped a beat. The man before her was tall and handsome, his infectious smile like a captivating light that illuminated her and filled her with warmth. She couldn't help but stare at him in a daze.
"Zara, you look beautiful," he said softly, reaching out to offer her his arm.
Startled, she snapped out of it, took his arm, and smiled as she followed him to the center of the room.
Lise watched Zara's retreating back, a pang of jealousy in her heart.
Suddenly, a subtle, strange smile appeared on her lips.
She quickly followed them, snatching Zara's hand from Evander's, and said sweetly, "Zara, I'll give you a tour of the grounds."
Lise didn't wait for a response, pulling Zara to a deserted spot on the lawn.
"A poor person is a poor person, even if they change their skin," Lise sneered. Her face hardened, and she warned Zara, "I'm telling you now, don't you dare try to use Evander for your own selfish purposes!"
Zara simply smiled, her tone firm. "Whether or not I'm using Evander is a question you should ask him! Why are you constantly targeting me? I'll bet it's because something about me has touched a sore spot for you. Perhaps my beauty, my poise, or my intellect?" She then looked at Lise, whose face had turned green with rage. "I'm sorry, I have no intention of hurting anyone. All I want is to live, work, and earn money in peace."
Zara turned and saw Evander watching her, a smile on his face as he walked toward her. She smiled and hurried to meet him.
He looked at her with a gentle, smiling gaze. "What were you two talking about?"
Zara smiled without answering.
"It's time for dinner. I think my grandmother will really like you!" he said. He offered his arm, and she smiled as she took it, following him to the dining area.
Lise stomped her foot in anger and stormed off to the dining area.
A long dining table was laden with a magnificent feast: filet mignon, caviar, cream of mushroom soup, and a variety of desserts, fruit platters, and Opus One red wine...
Zara took a nervous breath. She had never in her life dreamed of eating such exquisite food. What made her even more uneasy was that besides the successful people from all walks of life, Evander's stern-faced stepmother, Ferlock, was also seated at the table. Evander's grandmother, Margaret, on the other hand, had a kind and approachable expression.
Ferlock stood up, her face serious. "Tonight, I have an important announcement to make!"
Evander had a bad feeling. He quickly stood up, interrupting her. "Thank you all for coming! Let's all raise