Chapter 16

"Okay." Since Stella had already agreed, Jason didn't push further and simply responded, "Then thank you for the invitation, Miss Smith." Isabelle was secretly smug but remained polite on the surface. "No trouble at all. It's truly our pleasure to have you both here. The banquet's about to start—please, right this way." She turned slightly and gestured elegantly. Under the dazzling lights, guests were dressed to the nines, champagne glasses clinking gently as conversations buzzed. More than a few eyes landed on Stella—her stunning looks were impossible to ignore. A middle-aged man in a crisp suit glanced over at Charles with a teasing smile. "Mr. Hart, this lovely new face—care to introduce us?" Before Charles could say a word, Stella cut in smoothly, "Hello, I'm here as Mr. Bennett's client. It's only thanks to him that I was lucky enough to attend tonight's event." She made sure to emphasize "Mr. Bennett's client," clearly drawing a line between herself and Charles. Charles's face fr