Chapter 27
Chapter 27
It’s the mysterious woman!
Noah did not agree to walk the red carpet with Angie despite her begging multiple times. How did that despicable woman end up by his side?
“Mr. Quincy’s partner looks beautiful!”
“Yes, they make a wonderful pair!”
“I heard the lady came in on a helicopter!”
“I wonder which family she belongs to. I’m so jealous!”
“She must be from a wealthy family, or she wouldn’t be mingling with Noah Quincy. He didn’t even oblige Ms. Grant on the red carpet!”
Angie was about to be driven crazy from all the unending chatter about Noah and the other woman. The bitch stole her money and was trying to steal her man now. How dare she?! She was raging with fury, yet unable to do anything except clench her fists angrily.
Damn Madeline! Why are all women named Madeline so hateful! Angie thought to herself. She wished she could go up to the woman and give her a tight slap on the cheek, making sure to scratch that beautiful skin of hers as well. However, she was well aware of the venue and circumstance she was in. She had to remain calm in front of all the media and cameras.
She quickly tamped down her anger, replacing it with a warm smile before she walked toward Noah Quincy. “Noah, you’re here! I thought you would take a while more,” she gently teased Noah as she moved to his side and put her arm through his, nudging Madeline out of the way.
Noah did not seem to mind her advance, so she felt emboldened. Like a young girl in love, her cheeks were flushed with a pink tint as she held onto Noah’s arm just a little tighter. She made sure to turn around to catch the woman left behind.
Madeline was wearing an oriental royal blue dress decorated with delicate golden embroidery. It featured an open collar design that showcased her prominent collarbones, exuding a simple elegance. Madeline threw Angie a bright smile as she caught her eye, undeterred by Angie’s provocation.
Being the chairwoman of the Charity Association, Madeline’s seat was rightfully at the VIP table as well. She was seated on Noah’s right, so Noah was in between Angie and Madeline.
Not many people knew about Madeline Grant’s position as the chairwoman of the association as she had kept a low profile. However, everyone in attendance knew that any woman who came as Noah Quincy’s partner was someone worth paying attention to.
As the three of them took their seats, heads and cameras panned in their direction. Madeline was a new face in high society circles, so the media was naturally curious about her. Many attendees were also busy discussing how compatible Noah and Madeline looked together.
Angie Grant was infuriated. Madeline could spot the irritation on Angie’s sullen face from the corner of her eye, and it pleased her to no end. Just you wait, Angie. There’s more to come.
Looking at Madeline’s smug face, Angie could not hold back her frustration any longer.
“Noah, how did you end up coming to the ball with her? Didn’t you say you always walked the red carpet alone? You never even walked in with me…” Angie questioned her fiancé.
“It’s nothing, I just bumped into her outside and walked in at the same time as her,” Noah explained.
“Oh, so it was just a coincidence? I thought…” Angie’s voice was meek and pitiful, her eyes red rimmed.
Noah’s expression darkened upon seeing Angie’s pitiful act. He was used to Angie’s bids for sympathy, but it also exasperated him. Angie had been a loyal partner all these years, but she always had comments about Colton’s temperament. She never failed to make Noah feel like she suffered deeply having to take care of his difficult son.
He was grateful to her for everything she has done, and he trusted her unconditionally too. However, as Colton began to be able to speak, it was clear to everyone he was a normal, cheerful child, except when Angie was around. Colton despised her and was afraid of her to some extent.
He had only recently given thought to the idea that underneath her gentle exterior, Angie may have been mistreating Colton all this time. Perhaps Colton’s disappearance at the cemetery or his fall off the mountain had something to do with Angie as well. As a father, he did not dare to imagine that reality.
Noah’s thoughts consumed him, and his frustration was evident as he rubbed his brow. He was not in the mood to deal with Angie.
The dinner officially began as the emcee took his place on the stage. Angie pushed her thoughts about Madeline away and focused on the events of the night. According to the schedule, the award ceremony would take place right after the opening ceremony. Angie sat in her seat excitedly as she imagined having the coveted award in her hands. Her heart raced as the emcee announced it was time for the awards.
It’s time! He’ll announce my name and invite me up on stage to receive my award!
Madeline was well aware of the schedule too. She knew this was the moment Angie Grant had been waiting for. She looked at Angie trying her best to stifle any trace of excitement on her face.
As she chuckled to herself, she felt a chill in the air, as if someone was observing her. Goosebumps covered her skin as she lifted her head to meet Noah’s cold eyes looking straight at her. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Madeline willed her racing heart to calm down as she tried to act as normally as she could. She took her phone out and snapped a candid photo of Noah and Angie from the side.
“Madeline, what do you think you’re doing?” Noah’s gaze never left her, his voice deep and cold.
“You have a very handsome side profile, Noah. I couldn’t help myself!” Madeline pouted innocently, hoping to erase Noah’s suspicions. Noah only remained silent.
“Noah, would you want the photo? You could add me on Instagram,” Madeline offered.
“There’s no need,” Noah replied curtly.
Noah was absolutely unobliging, which made Angie very pleased on the inside. That wench was blatantly trying to seduce Noah in front of her, only for her plan to fail spectacularly.
“Next up, the recipient for the Global Ambassador of Philanthropy award is none other than our Princess of Charity, Ms. Angie Grant!” the emcee announced jubilantly.
As applause rang out from every corner of the ballroom, Angie stood up and thanked the well-wishers around her. A picture of confidence and grace, she gathered her skirt as she made her way to the stage.
The emcee announced the award presenter as none other than Noah Quincy. He stood up and escorted Angie up the stage. With the spotlight on them, he presented the award to a delighted Angie. This may truly be the happiest moment of her life, save for one thing. She had to grab the opportunity right now.
Armed with courage after receiving her award, she grabbed hold of Noah’s arm as well as the emcee’s microphone simultaneously. Noah was not particularly pleased with Angie’s brazenness, but he let it go knowing the crowd was paying attention to their every move.
“Thank you everyone for coming out tonight for this wonderful occasion. This award is truly a huge honor for me. On this joyous day, I’d like to take the opportunity to also announce…. aaaahhhh!!” Angie’s scream pierced through the air.
Midway through her announcement, a vat of red liquid was thrown in her direction. Before she knew it, she was drenched from top to toe in red paint. She was too stunned to react.