Chapter 168 Flattering Mrs. Smith
Lester could not believe that most big-wigs of P city had turned up for his party.
He obstinately believed that they were there for him, and puffed up with each VIP entering the banquet hall.
However, his mood turned sour when he saw a few people. Mariana had come on behalf of the Jacobsen group. Lester had not wanted to invite them, but it was common courtesy since they were both businessmen and he was hoping to cooperate with them in near future.
Andrew Jacobsen was easy-going, but his daughter Mariana had a sharp tongue. Lester could only hope that the girl minds her own business but even he knew it was an extravagant hope.
He all the more resented Liliana for making friends with bigwigs to retaliate against him.
Nonetheless, he schooled his expression and wore a flattering smile.
As more and more guests came up, Lester regained his jubilant mood.
Finally, Jonathan and Liliana showed up, holding each other’s arms.
It was their first appearance after their marriage was exposed.
Lester was no longer happy since all the attention had shifted on the newly arrived couple.
However, the guests could not care about Lester, at least those he wanted to flatter.
Some of the people who had been aware of the Petrova lineage had attended the party in hopes of building a connection with Liliana and Jonathan.
Some of the people had come to suck up to Jonathan.Content is © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
Some of them were just interested in watching the show.
While some of them who were of lower status than the Aprice family had come to show their respect and hopefully reap some benefits in being with an affluent crowd. Though, these people were in the minority.
Vain, as Lester and Rose were, neither, would even look at people who they considered beneath them.
Amongst them was also a young woman who was there in the hope of getting into L&L Designs by showing off her work to Liliana. It was Alice Geller.
Alice had spent a lot of effort sucking up Lydia for the chance to attend the party.
Now, all her hopes rested on Liliana that she notice her talent and offer her a place in L&L Designs. Her life would be sorted if that happened.
As such, she made her way to Liliana and proposed a toast.
“Mrs. Smith, please accept this toast. You are an inspiration to women like us who aspire to be famous designers someday and hopefully establish a brand as you did. If this is not too much to ask, could you please take a look at this gown? I designed and stitched it myself. Maybe I will get the honor to work for you one day.”
Knowing that she only had one chance, she said everything she wanted to say quickly and flattered Liliana as much as she could without being too over the top.
“You flatter me. Miss?”
Liliana had seen all kinds of people in her life, and she could tell Alice’s hidden agenda right away.
“Alice. Alice Geller. It is a great honor to see you up close, Mrs. Smith. And your gown is exquisite.” Alice did not miss a single chance to flatter her.
“Why? Thank you, Alice! I hope you will be able to fulfill your dreams. Keep up the good work!” Liliana said with a gentle smile.
Alice’s eyes flashed, but she reverted to a polite smile.
“What do you think of this dress, Mrs. Smith?” This time Alice asked directly.
“As one designer to another, I think a banquet is not the right place to discuss dresses and designs. Besides, I am just a guest here. We should not be rude to the host, right?” Liliana replied diplomatically.
Alice was not reconciled with Liliana’s indifferent response. All the things she had done to gain Lydia’s favor to get this chance would be in vain if she did not get her leg inside L&L Designs.
“Of course, Mrs. Smith. I admire you so much, that I couldn’t help but take this opportunity to ask for your opinion. Your opinion could change my life. Please, pretty please.” Alice tried to play ardent fan and use her age and naivety to her advantage.
“Please, excuse us, Miss Alice,” Liliana was stern.
Alice could no longer take it anymore and blurted out, “Mrs. Smith, I had always admired you, I never knew you would look down on new talent just because we are poor.”
Their little banter had already generated quite a bit of audience and suddenly people began to whisper.
“What’s so bad about giving an honest opinion, especially when the girl was already so humble.”
“I know right. She is showing her true colors now that everyone knows she is Mrs. Smith.”
“I can’t believe she would spurn her so rudely.”
“Well, technically she is not entitled to give her opinions for free or judge any designs. The girl was rude to bother her at a banquet.”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s someone else’s birthday banquet. The girl should not have bothered her when she had already said it’s rude to the host.”
“She really could not get a hint.”
“Whatever, Mrs. Smith could have taken the higher road and shown mercy.”
“The girl looked so naive. Most likely she did not get the hint. She could have shown her some mercy. Her rudeness was uncalled for.”
Alice was secretly happy to be in the limelight, especially since most people were talking negatively of Liliana.
But outwardly, she even managed to squeeze out some tears. She apologized to Liliana while stubbornly saving herself some dignity by not shedding her tears.
This worked in her favor as the comments targeting Liliana became harsher.
Lydia had not been happy with Alice’s behavior, but now she was gloating inside. She even liked Alice a little bit.