Rebirth of the Wife in Despair

Chapter 4 Attending Banquet

a valet swiftly offered to help them park the car while a hotel staff led them to the banquet hall. The opulent hall was already filled with many distinguished guests. The banquet that night was to celebrate Henry Gaunt and his wife’s golden wedding anniversary and was attended by prestigious figures of Hulbury. Eric, accompanied by Eileen, approached and greeted Henry. The older gentleman’s wife, Valerie Shurmer, standing at one side and grinning at Eileen, asked, “Are you the young lady from the Swan family? You’ve grown so much. Is this your boyfriend?” Before Eileen could reply, Eric forestalled her, saying, “Old Mrs. Gaunt, I’m Eileen’s stepbrother.” Clarity washed over Valerie at once. “You must be Eric, right? I’ve heard about you. You’re a rare talent in the business world!” Eric nodded slightly and chirped, “You’re flattering me, Old Mrs. Gaunt.” The corner of Eileen’s mouth twitched. He’s genuinely in a hurry to dissociate himself from me. At that point, she could already roughly guess Will’s intention in asking her and Eric to attend that event together. Will wanted more people to recognize the sibling relationship between her and Eric, so she would abandon her foolish feelings for Eric sooner. For Will, nothing was more important than his reputation. He viewed her love for Eric as a potential source of humiliation that could tarnish his image if words were to get out. Such painstaking efforts… However, Eileen had already died once. Her affection for Eric had also worn away after the countless days of despair she experienced. At that moment, she no longer harbored any hope to have a future with him. She spent the evening being paraded around by Eric, forced to smile and exchange pleasantries with every