Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 79

Ines has always been an easy-going person. Amelia's words lifted her spirits a bit, as she appreciates genuine people over two-faced phonies.

Amelia was just that kind of person: a bit aloof maybe, but her character was top-notch.

That's why she kept grinding, even when she was getting the cold shoulder at the firm. She truly believed that one day, Amelia would see her in a different light.

These kind of parties were a mixed bag, with plenty of shady deals going down behind the scenes. A woman getting sloshed would surely end up on the short end of the stick.

In the afternoon, Amelia took Ines for a makeover. During a break, Ines rang Ethan to check in, something that had become a sort of unspoken agreement between them: they'd always let each other know if they weren't coming home. Ethan's end of the line was a bit noisy, so she quickly hung up after a brief chat.

The Diamond Hotel, a five-star joint built by the river, was an absolute stunner, always packed to the rafters.

Every room had a killer view: you could take in the beautiful river scenery, the neon lights on the opposite bank and the ferries gliding by. Close the windows and you wouldn't hear a peep from the traffic on the river.

If you wanted to throw an event there, you'd have to book at least a month in advance. The A City government often hosted their big-shot foreign guests there. And of course, big spenders like Evergreen Ventures held their annual galas and banquets there.

At the entrance, staff were strict about checking invitations. No invite, no entry. Ines wore a subtle purple strapless evening dress, with a shawl draped over her shoulders and light makeup, looking

classy and elegant. Amelia went for a fiery red bodycon dress, flaiting her killer curves. She was all smiles from the moment they stepped in, a stark contrast to her usual icy demeanor. They ran into Jaime who just exchanged pleasantries and went on his way. Ines, not used to such events, sipped on her red wine and stuck close to Amelia. Amelia bumped into a lot of acquaintances and engaged in easy banter, often raising her glass for a toast. She was clearly a pro at navigating these kind of events. The men were mostly in suits, with a woman beside them - some were their wives, some secretaries, and some even mistresses. Their frivolous behavior was a bit much. It was all a blur to Ines, her polite smile almost frozen on her face as she struggled to tell if they were government officials or business tycoons.

Suddenly, an old geezer blocked their path. With a double chin and a belly that looked like he was a few months pregnant, he was talking to Amelia but his lecherous gaze was fixated on Ines, especially her chest. His yellow teeth, in stark contrast to the young beauty on his arm, were on full display every time he opened his mouth.

"Ms. Young, since when did the firm get such a looker? Why didn't I know that? Mind introducing us?"

Ines' skin was delicate, and the purple dress made her look even younger, like a fresh college grad.

Ines couldn't stand his creepy gaze, it made her skin crawl. She felt like puking, but didn't want to make a scene. She just furrowed her brows and turned her head slightly. The man misinterpreted it as shyness, and it only fueled his twisted fascination.

Amelia saw the old man's reaction and thought, 'As if I would introduce you to pretty girls, you dirty old man.' She didn't let it show, though. Instead, she just laughed it off and waved her hand dismissively.

"Oh, Mr. Farrar, you're as humor as always. I feel like you're giving me the cold shoulder. Is it because Ms. Galeana makes me look old standing next to her? She's actually married and is almost

30, just a few years younger than me."

Hearing Amelia's explanation, Ines breathed a sigh of relief. From Amelia's words, she gathered that the old man was a long-time client of Foresight Financial Services, named Stoner Farrar, who was in real estate. He started off as a small contractor and later started his own real estate company.

The guy was lucky as hell. He hit it big when the city government started heavily supporting private enterprises. With the government pulling strings for him, his business took off. And with his knack for brown-nosing and exploiting loopholes, he became a nouveau riche.

But the guy was a notorious womanizer, especially fond of young-looking women. His wife couldn't control him, and didn't dare to. So he shamelessly showed up at various events with different women.

Amelia had warned her before to avoid him as much as possible. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

But today, her luck was out. The moment she walked in, she was in his sights.

Upon hearing that Ines was married, Mr. Farrar looked disappointed, "Are you married, huh? But you just look like a young girl." The reason this old guy could get by was because he knew the score: he usually steered clear of married women.

"It's my fault, I should have told you in advance. I owe you an apology, and a drink. You can drink as much or as little as you want."

Amelia raised her glass and downed it in one, while Stoner Farrar took just a small sip.

After the toast, Stoner turned his gaze to Ines again, his face tense. "Ms. Galeana, your boss is drinking, but you're not. Are you disrespecting me?"

Hearing this, Ines hesitated and instinctively looked at Amelia, who gave her a nod, indicating she should take a sip.

Ines knew Stoner was just stirring up trouble for the previous incident, and she had no choice but to drink up. She forced a smile and said, "Mr. Farrar, you must be joking. I'll drink to that."

"Drinking alone is no fun, Mr. Farrar. Let me toast you one more." Amelia said with a smile, and chugged down the drink in her glass.

Ines was not sure about her alcohol tolerance, but she didn't feel uncomfortable after one drink. She just glanced at Amelia with some worry, as it seemed like she had been drinking a lot since she came in.

After the drinks, the young girl next to the old man couldn't stand him constantly ogling other women, so she coquettishly shook his arm and said, "Mr. Farrar, let's go. I came specifically to dance with you tonight."

The old man glanced at the woman on his arm, a smug smile spread across his face, "Oh yeah, let's go dance." With that, his big hand moved to the girl's backside. Watching them leave, Amelia's smile gradually faded, revealing a look of disgust, and she muttered under her breath, "Disgusting old bastard, he's bound to get his comeuppance from some woman sooner or later."