Chapter 312: Chapter 312

However, whether it’s Henry Hale or Skylar Hughes, who they’re with, or when they’re together doesn’t seem to concern her, so Paige Sterling doesn’t have much of a reaction, just a vague feeling that there’s something odd about those two being together.

The party this time seems to be quite lively, with someone even setting up a gambling game.

Paige Sterling is also quite interested, pulling Julian Hawthorne over to play.

But as soon as the crowd sees her wanting to play, they scatter in an instant.

Paige Sterling, "What do you guys mean by that?"

Miles Morgan, "Paige, everyone knows you’re a black hole when it comes to games. No one dares to play with you anymore."

People who once played card games with Paige Sterling ended up losing everything, even their underwear, and her legendary feats have long been spread around.

So no one’s willing to play these games with Paige anymore.

Feeling quite crestfallen, Paige Sterling huffs twice, "I don’t even really know how to play. I win purely by luck."

Yeah, right, only a fool would believe that about Paige.

Unexpectedly, just then Henry Hale brings Skylar Hughes over, "Miss Sterling, how about I play with you?"

Paige Sterling raises an eyebrow, "Sure."

Paige sits down, and Julian Hawthorne stands behind her to watch her play.

On the other side, Skylar Hughes is the one sitting in the chair, with Henry Hale standing behind her.

Skylar Hughes seems a bit nervous, appearing like she’s never played these games before. Henry Hale softly says, "Don’t worry, I’m here. If you lose, I’ll take care of it."

Skylar Hughes nods and turns to smile at Henry Hale, "Okay, I’ll listen to you."

Then she smiles at both Paige Sterling and Julian Hawthorne, as if silently boasting.

See, an exceptional man always knows what kind of woman is worthy of him.

Julian Hawthorne may be blind, but there are always others who appreciate her, Skylar Hughes.

The dealer deals the cards, and Julian Hawthorne bends down to whisper into Paige Sterling’s ear.

Paige Sterling lets out a slight laugh and gives Julian an eye-roll.

Henry Hale, seemingly casual, glances over quickly but then withdraws his gaze and tells Skylar Hughes, "Take a look at your cards."

Skylar Hughes cautiously glances at her cards and then asks Henry Hale, "I can’t understand, how are these cards?"

Henry Hale says, "You grew up with Miss Sterling. I see she seems quite adept at these games, yet it seems you’ve never been exposed to them?"

Skylar Hughes apologetically responds, "I’ve loved reading and studying since I was young, and I know nothing about these games. Paige Sterling entered the entertainment industry at fifteen and frequently attended such gatherings, so she naturally knows far more than I do..."

Implying that Paige Sterling was quite adventurous back then.

After all, what girl who plays these games from such a young age can be considered well-behaved?

Henry Hale chuckles, "I see, this game is quite good. I’ll teach you until you won’t lose."

However, ultimately, Paige Sterling continues to reign supreme, winning enough to make Henry Hale call it quits.

"Miss Sterling, you’re skillful. Let’s play again sometime."

If they kept playing, he’d end up losing shamefully.

Paige Sterling looks at the pile of chips she won, beaming, "Then Mr. Hale, make sure to invite me when you have the time."

Julian Hawthorne smiles wryly; Paige Sterling has little interest in gambling itself, but she’s very keen when it comes to winning money.

He pats Paige Sterling on the head, "Miss Hale is very busy and may not have the time."

Skylar Hughes’s expression grows slightly sour.

What does Paige Sterling mean by wanting to arrange another game with Henry Hale?

Seeing her and Henry Hale together makes Paige Sterling uncomfortable again. Is she trying to stir things up?

She would never give Paige Sterling such an opportunity!

Henry Hale is hers, and she’ll make sure Paige Sterling knows that the men in this world aren’t hers for the taking!

The card games conclude, the party continues, and music softly plays as many head to the dance floor.

Summer Xavier also attends today’s party and is currently chatting with Paige Sterling on the second floor.

While they talk, she suddenly gestures to the other side, "Look, at your husband, worried that I’ll eat you up, keeping an eye even when we just chat."

Paige Sterling looks over and sees Julian Hawthorne standing with another woman. While the woman seems to be talking to him, his attention is clearly here.

Paige Sterling gives Julian Hawthorne a smile, and he presses his lips together, coolly and quietly returning the smile.

This exchange, across the distance, leaves Summer Xavier feeling quite envious, "You guys are too much! I’m still single!"

What Paige Sterling doesn’t know is that the woman in front of Julian Hawthorne isn’t just anybody.

This woman has been arranged by Helen Hale. Even if she’s now marred and disabled, so what?

She can’t have Julian Hawthorne, but she won’t let anyone else have him either. Does Paige really think that without her, they can be together?

That’s just wishful thinking. There are plenty of beautiful women in the world. If not her, there will be others.

And no man is entirely faithful. Pretending to be deeply in love with Paige Sterling, but can one truly not be tempted by a pretty woman?

Especially one willing to stay discrete, asking for nothing, allowing Julian Hawthorne to enjoy a life of luxury. How could he refuse?

While she rambles in front of Julian Hawthorne, outwardly it looks like they’re conversing, but it’s merely an illusion she’s created.

Julian Hawthorne completely ignores her, with his attention firmly on Paige Sterling.

In Julian’s eyes, she’s like a ghost.

But it doesn’t matter; she’s shameless. It doesn’t matter if she has nothing with Julian, as long as everyone thinks she does.

Especially to make Paige Sterling misunderstand...

Several misunderstandings later, and the male-female relationship often breaks apart.

Once her goal is achieved, she stops seeking attention beside Julian, shifting to Paige Sterling to create more topics and drama.

She watches Paige Sterling for ages, not far away.

Paige Sterling notices the woman’s gaze early on, admitting to herself that the woman is beautiful and bold, blatantly showing her intention to attract Julian, afraid that Paige might not know.

Paige Sterling smiles, "Miss, don’t keep looking at me like that, or I’ll think you’ve fallen for me."

The woman smiles back, "You’re thinking too much, Miss Sterling. I just recalled when Mr. Hawthorne once told me his criteria for a partner, which doesn’t seem like you. Yet, in the end, he chose you, which piques my curiosity." Google seaʀᴄh 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝙣𝙚𝙩

Julian Hawthorne even shared his partner criteria with her—could the hint be more evident?

It clearly sends a message to Paige: the intimacy between her and Julian Hawthorne is substantial.

Paige doesn’t rise to the provocation, yet the woman doesn’t falter, approaching Paige with an overfamiliar stance.

"Both you and Mr. Hawthorne have your respective careers and must be busy. Do you even have time to develop your relationship?"

She rambles on, "Love is something that fades over time, especially when it’s not nurtured. A career-driven person like Miss Sterling—you haven’t thought about giving up your career for Mr. Hawthorne, right? Or, in Miss Sterling’s eyes, is Mr. Hawthorne not as important as your career?"

"Miss, do you live by the beach?"

Fatty Sterling, "You sure are nosy."