Chapter 32


    Chapter 0032


    As the paparazzi swarmed in, the bodyguards stepped up to block their path, while William was also


    on the lookout for any cameras.


    that might catch Madison’s face.


    “Sorry, we’ve already stated, no photographs,” William’s voice took.


    on a grave tone.


    Hearing William’s directive, the press reluctantly withdrew their


    cameras.


    Throughout this, Ethan was shielding Madison behind him.


    Madison, unustomed to wearing such long dresses, feared


    tripping over her hem and bing the subject of ridicule at Ethan’s


    expense.


    Ethan’s public appearances were so rare that even without the possibility of snapping photos, the


    media were keen to catch a glimpse of this luminary of the business world.


    Indeed, when they got a close look at Ethan, even the male journalists had to admit that the man


    was strikingly…


    Dazzling.


    His


    ence didn’t strike one as effeminate, nor was he


    achably aloof, but from the first nce, he gave off an aura


    ng out of one’s league.


    Naturally, this made the woman by Ethan’s side all the more enigmatic to them.


    Amidst the growing crowd, Ethan instinctively wrapped an arm around Madison’s waist, “Just stick


    with me, don’t be afraid. Stand tall, puff out your chest. If you feel like smiling, smile; if not, keep


    your


    *25 BONUS


    face cool. Nobody dares say a word against you.”


    With that, Ethan shifted his grip, taking her hand firmly in his.


    Under countless shing lights, Ethan led the mystery woman by the hand, entering the venue amid


    the stares of celebrities and guests


    alike.


    Lucas had not intended to pay attention.


    But when he overheard the surrounding female stars whispering,” Who’s that woman?”


    “What a pretty profile.”


    “She has a nice figure too.”


    “I bet she’s gorgeous head-on. The leading actress in the first row said she’s prettier than some ice


    queen in the circle, just a bit less smiley.”


    Thesements made Lucas look up.


    And that nce almost had him standing up on the spot.


    It was Madison!


    Even from a seemingly insignificant profile, he could recognize her!


    uld it be???


    ould it be Madison???


    w had shee to be mixed up with the chairman of Mukino International?


    For a moment, Lucas couldn’t help but specte.


    Had Madison been secretly liaising with other men all this time?


    Is that why she had agreed so readily when he suggested divorce?


    +25 BONUS


    Blinded by the dazzling lights of the inner venue, Sophia failed to notice the change in Lucas’


    expression.


    “She’s beautiful. Worthy of being the woman that the chairman of Mukino International personally


    escorts. I heard the chairman rarely attends such events. Could this be his first official appearance?


    Maybe she’s his girlfriend or fiancée?”


    “Nobody knows for sure.”


    In the front row.


    Ethan personally adjusted Madison’s gown before letting her sit down, only then taking a seat


    beside her.


    The chairmen on either side, who knew Ethan well, wasted no time in striking up conversations.


    “President Grant’spanion has quite the presence, a perfect match for you.”


    “Remember to let us know if you have any good news, President


    Grant.”


    No matter what the others said, Ethan responded with a polite thank


    you.


    ed towards Madison, exining who had said what just


    efore.


    on nodded, slightly dazed.


    t this moment, therge screen in the venue shifted focus to the undreds of seats below.


    As Ethan whispered in Madison’s ear, this intimate scene was captured for all to see.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    +25 BONUS


    “Wow!”


    Whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd.


    First, they were amazed at the youthful and handsome image of Mukino International’s chairman,


    and second, they were captivated by the woman in the ck velvet dress, so gentle and elegant in


    her profile.


    It was that very glimpse that finally allowed Sophia to recognize her.


    It was… it was Madison?!


    Sophia’s eyes were wide open in shock as she instinctively turned to


    look at Lucas next to her.


    There he was, fists clenched so tightly they creaked, with a ze of fury in his eyes.


    Sophia gritted her teeth; she couldn’t confront Lucas about this here


    and now.


    Was he still preupied with that Madison?


    Clearly, Madison must have hooked up with some wealthy man behind the scenes!


    And at the same time, Lucas was consumed with thoughts of Madison’s betrayal!


    Ho


    e!


    she betray him?!


    nat no one knew was that on the screen, Ethan was actually ng Madison, “At this moment, your ex,


    that reservist, will definitely ee you, along with that woman called Sophia. If you appear happy, it’ll


    drive them mad.”


    Madison took this to heart, maintaining the most dignified poise she


    +25 BONUS


    could muster.


    She had never attended such an event before and felt as if eyes were upon her from all directions..


    Indeed, the celebrities were looking at her, curious about the woman


    beside Mukino International’s chairman.


    Then came a series of award presentations, the stars delivering their magnanimous eptance


    speeches, followed by the conclusion of the ceremony.


    Thest segment was the interview.


    The host was a professional, ncing at the script in hand before. delivering an opening speech


    and saying, “Let’s ask a random audience member a question.”


    Therge screen moved swiftly, breezing over each celebrity’s face.


    Sophia’s heart leaped when her own face appeared on the big screen, fearing she might be asked


    something awkward.


    The host smiled, “Miss Sophia Xu.”


    Sophia greeted the camera with a smile, her voice tinged with nerves, “Hello, everyone.”


    “May I ask…” said the host, “is the gentleman apanying you tonight your boyfriend?”


    Sophia shook her head quickly, denying, “No. He’s a good friend and a college ssmate.”


    The host chuckled, “Is that so? Maybe I misunderstood, because just before entering the venue, I


    saw you hugging each other. After all, the gentleman beside you is quite well-known. Isn’t that Mr.


    Zhuo, the chairman of Huanmei?”


    At his words, the crowd buzzed.


    +25 BONUS


    Madison watched silently as Lucas’s face appeared on the big screen, and heard Sophia’s denial, a


    cold smirk forming within her.


    Knowing Lucas’s character, he would not tolerate being kept in the shadows for long, and


    eventually, their rtionship would sour.


    Sophia was flustered by the host’s probing, “Ah, yes. I came to attend the red carpet event, and as


    a long-time friend, he came specially to support me.”


    “Wonder if Mrs. Zhuo would mind that?” the host queried with a


    smile.


    At this, the female stars around Sophia cast her strange looks.


    Sophia gripped the microphone tightly, managing to say, “No, it won’t be a problem, we all know


    each other.”


    At this point, Ethan signaled William across the way.


    Soon after, the host’s earpiece seemed to receive a whisper, and he followed up, “I heard that Mr.


    Zhuo is in the process of getting a divorce? May I ask Miss Sophia, what role do you y in this?”


    Normally, interviews wouldn’t delve into such personal matters, but…


    Sophia had a sense of being targeted, yet in this moment, she was powerless to react!


    Today’s Bonus Offer