Chapter 8: As Long As There’s Money, Even an Old Man Will Do
A while before the banquet-
“Oh ho! Little Pearl actually designed clothes for Uncle Henry?” Henry twirled in front of the mirror, running his hands over the fabric with admiration. “Wearing something designed by little Pearl makes me feel decades younger!”
Pearl giggled and leaned against Henry’s arm. “Looking at us like this, Uncle Henry, we almost look like a couple.”
“Hahaha.” Even though Henry knew Pearl was just flattering him, he was still delighted. “Yes! Little Pearl is Uncle Henry’s sweetheart!”
Their outfits were indeed in matching tones–casily passing as either couple’s attire or a parent–child set. Pearl had designed them this way simply to amuse Henry.
Ever since Aunt Isabella passed away, he had aged significantly, his spirit dampened by grief.
Just as Pearl stepped outside with Uncle Henry, her phone rang–Sophia’s name flashing on the screen.
“Pearl, I had someone bring over the Koenigsegg. Tonight’s event might put us in the company of some familiar faces, So we need to be dressed to kill.”
Pearl didn’t really care, but knowing Sophia had her best interests at heart, she didn’t refuse. Taking Henry’s hand, she led him into the Koenigsegg.
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Tonight’s event was the golden wedding anniversary of Radoca’s elite, Oliver Grant, and his wife, Mia Moore. By the time Pearl and Henry arrived, the venue was already filled with guests.
Oliver Grant, dressed in an exquisite tailcoat, remained refined and elegant despite his years. Mia Moore, in a stunning gown, radiated grace.
Decades of marriage, and they still held hands. The sight stirred a deep longing in Pearl’s heart.
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
That had once been her greatest dream.
Pearl had yet to officially take over the company, so Henry only introduced her by name.
Among the guests, many had attended the old Mr. Rhodes‘ birthday banquet and recognized her instantly. Their gazes turned contemplative, but with Henry present, they held their tongues.
Caleb was here tonight as well–accompanied by Olivia.
Scanning the crowd for eligible bachelors, Olivia’s eyes suddenly landed on Pearl.
“Bro, look!” She nudged Caleb excitedly. “Pearl showed up with some old man, and they’re wearing matching outfits!”
Her gaze flickered to the Koenigsegg parked at the entrance, and she gasped in realization.
“So AE is actually an old man?”
AE had made a name for himself early on. Most people
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speculated he was at least in his thirties. While Henry did look older, his wealth and status aligned suspiciously well with Olivia’s imagined version of AE.
A wave of satisfaction washed over her.
She had always thought someone like Pearl was far too much of a liability for any sane man. Only a lonely, widowed old man would be interested in her.
Caleb followed Olivia’s gaze and spotted Pearl clinging affectionately to Henry’s arm, chatting and laughing as if they shared some deep connection. At first glance, they looked like father and daughter.
But Caleb knew Pearl wasn’t from a wealthy family. Meanwhile, Henry–though only the Vice President of Storm Corp–was still one of the wealthiest men in Radoca.
So… Pearl had truly fallen so low that she was selling herself to an old man?
A surge of irritation flared in Caleb’s chest. Without a word, he shook off Olivia and strode toward a quieter
corner.
Olivia, however, was too caught up in her own thoughts to notice Caleb’s reaction.
She still hadn’t gotten over how Pearl had humiliated her last time. Revenge had been on her mind ever since.
Though she had yet to come up with a concrete plan, she discreetly snapped a few photos of Pearl and Henry together.
“Being with an old man like me must be boring,” Henry chuckled after making his rounds. He gestured toward a group of young people in the distance. “Go, have some fun with people your age.”
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B
Pearl smiled and stepped away.
She wasn’t looking to mingle–she had promised Logan she’d send him some pictures.
She carefully chose the most picturesque spot in the Grant family’s backyard, posed playfully against the glowing fairy lights, snapped a photo, and sent it off.
Just as she finished, a cold voice cut through the night.
“As long as there’s money, even an old man will do?”
Caleb had appeared beside her, his gaze dark and heavy.
