Chapter 420
The two of them created a look. Ariel was wearing the black vintage puff dress she loved, which perfectly outlined her body curves bit by bit. The skirt was embroidered with luxurious dahlias, faintly visible as she walked. The added silver and gold threads in the embroidery sparkled under the lighting, making it exceptionally beautiful.
A black veil adorned her black hat, obscuring the upper half of Ariel’s face, leaving only her delicate chin and full red lips exposed to everyone.
Sitting in the living room waiting for someone, Arthur was pretending to nap until the sound of high heels tapping on the floor woke him. When he saw Ariel’s outfit, a hint of satisfaction finally flickered in his cold eyes.
“Today’s outfit is not bad,” Arthur said with satisfaction.
His gaze at Ariel held no affection, unlike a father looking at his daughter; instead, it was as if he was evaluating a commodity. Now this commodity seemed poised to fetch a good price, leading to a trace of a satisfied smile on his face.
“Remember to perform well at tonight’s party; the future of the Arthur family depends on you. I am getting old,” Arthur patted Ariel’s shoulder as if making a promise, yet he gave her nothing; if you take it seriously, you’ve lost.
So Ariel merely smiled and said, “Father, you are still going strong, even younger men may not match your prowess.”
Arthur’s gray eyes glanced at Ariel sideways, a sardonic expression on his face without speaking. Ariel stood still, allowing Arthur to scrutinize her, but his gaze shifted from Ariel to Xu Ke. Xu Ke, dressed in a black suit, stood beside Ariel, looking as though he was going to follow. Arthur frowned displeasedly.
“Are you taking this man with you?” Arthur asked disapprovingly.
“Yes, Father,” Ariel replied obediently.
“You are smart enough to know why I am sending you. Now you want him to come with you, what does this mean? I am still in charge in the East District; what? While I’m still alive, you’re defying my control?” Arthur spoke with a sullen face.
Facing Arthur’s razor-sharp words, Ariel’s smile remained unchanged, “Father, why would you think that? You know I am the one who respects you the most in this world. How could I have such inappropriate thoughts? After all, I grew up under your watchful eyes. I only want him here to feel a bit of security. You know at times I can’t control myself, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want anything to happen at tonight’s event.”
“Indeed, you’ve grown up, you even dare to threaten me now.” Arthur tightened his grip on Ariel’s hand, wrapped in black lace gloves, changing its shape, yet Ariel’s expression didn’t alter a bit.
“Boss, it’s almost time.” Just as the atmosphere was tense, Arthur’s subordinate came in and whispered in his ear.
“I’ll let you off today. Perform well tonight, or there are plenty who would want the position of the Arthur family’s eldest daughter.” Arthur’s face returned to calm.
“But the position of the eldest daughter of the Arthur family can only be mine, can’t it? That’s irreplaceable by anyone else,” Ariel replied lightly.
The party location stood in a no-man’s land on the east-west border, a neutral area not claimed by either bigwig, simultaneously safe yet dangerous.
The party was held in a manor atop a hill, with people stationed at the foot to block passing vehicles for inspection. Both sides checked, preventing anyone with ulterior motives from bringing extraneous items, jeopardizing the people above.
“Where do you think you’re touching?” Ariel used a small fan to intercept the large man’s hand reaching over, her tone cold.
“I’m just conducting a routine check, miss, ensuring you’re not carrying unauthorized items,” the man replied seriously and stiffly.
“But I’ve never heard of checks involving lifting a lady’s skirt. Nor have I seen you lift other women’s skirts. Are you targeting me, knowing my identity, to humiliate me and embarrass my father, all to show off to your boss?” Although Ariel’s voice was light, the underlying meaning made the man’s face turn pale instantly.
“That’s not true. We’re just afraid someone might carry dangerous items. Today’s guests are important figures, and any issues are unbearable for us,” the man explained.
“I’m such a weak woman; what could I bring in? Why don’t you use devices for checks instead of hands?” Ariel spat back, arching her eyebrows without holding back.
Ariel’s words rendered him speechless. A responsible officer emerged and, without a word, gave the man two slaps. “Aren’t you going to open your eyes and see who this is? That’s the eldest daughter from the East District. Do you think she’d use such underhanded means?”
After dealing with the man, the officer turned to Ariel, “I sincerely apologize. This person is new, unaware of the rules, and rigid in conduct. Please don’t mind him.” While speaking, the officer gestured for the man to leave.
Ariel, watching the officer’s actions under her nose, couldn’t be bothered to respond, lazily saying, “Do I still need to be checked?”
“What are you saying? Of course not, please go in.” The officer replied with a smile.
Through the main entrance, the view was instantly filled with a lawn lit like daylight, tables full of desserts placed on it. Checked individuals passed by Ariel, heading towards familiar faces to greet them.
“Stay with me, don’t wander off. Keep an eye on the person you brought. In this place, if you offend someone you shouldn’t, even death would be in vain.” Arthur came to Ariel’s side, watching people move across the lawn. He adjusted his attire and spoke coldly.
Arthur didn’t need to blend into others’ conversations. Standing there, he was the biggest attraction, his every move drawing all eyes. The crowd naturally gravitated toward him, albeit maintaining a respectable distance due to his authority.
Arriving slightly ahead of Arthur, K raised a toast from afar, glass in hand. Next, he began walking towards Arthur, smiling as he moved through the pathway the crowd parted for him.