Chapter 233

Victoria had no clue how the champagne ended up all over Marcella, but now wasn't the time to figure it out.

She quickly stepped forward, taking off her jacket as she walked, and draped it over Marcella's shoulders to cover the mess.

She didn't want Marcella to become the laughingstock of the party, with people snapping photos for their amusement.

"Marcella, let me help you get cleaned up," Victoria said.

Marcella snapped out of her daze, finally noticing the mocking glances around her. She felt utterly humiliated, a mix of shame and anger boiling inside her.

But she couldn't lash out in public, so she directed all her fury at Victoria.

"Where were you?" she demanded angrily, yanking the jacket off her shoulders and throwing it to the ground. "Didn't I tell you not to wander off?"

Victoria's eyebrows twitched slightly, a barely noticeable frown forming.

She understood that Marcella was trying to save face. After a moment, she lowered her gaze and softly said, "It was my mistake."

"I don't even know why I brought you here!" Marcella continued to berate Victoria as she stormed towards the exit. "It's all your fault!"

Clearly, Marcella was used to being pampered, and Victoria felt a wave of helplessness.

Despite her frustration, Victoria had to bite her tongue and just endure it. If she and Marcella had a public argument, it would tarnish the reputation of Starry Studio Gallery, and she didn't want her beloved gallery to become a joke.

Once they were outside the banquet hall, Marcella still wouldn't let up, her righteous indignation making it seem like everything was Victoria's fault.

"Where did you go?" Marcella asked again, her tone harsh.

"I was hungry, so I got something to eat," Victoria answered honestly.

"You're such a glutton!" Marcella snapped, her words cutting. "At a time like this, you have the nerve to eat? Don't you know why you're here?"

Victoria lowered her eyes and calmly corrected her, "I'm an employee of the gallery, not anyone's servant."

Though their tasks often overlapped, there was a fundamental difference between the two roles.

Marcella let out a cold laugh. "You won't be for much longer."

For the first time, Victoria looked up at her, her gaze icy and resolute, sending a chill through the air.

Victoria's lips curled into a slight smile. "So, what are you planning to do?"

"What am I planning?" Marcella's lips twisted into a mocking smile as she headed towards the dressing room. "You'll find out soon enough."

It was both a warning and a threat.

Victoria stood still, her beautiful face calm and emotionless.

She wasn't afraid of whatever scheme Marcella might come up with. At worst, she would leave Starry Studio Gallery.

"What are you standing there for? Come upstairs and help me change!" Marcella urged.

The dressing room was conveniently located upstairs.

Victoria hesitated for a couple of seconds before following Marcella up the stairs.

Once the hallway was quiet, the two men behind the door began to speak.

"William, do you know her?" the younger man asked in a hushed voice.

From the moment the commotion started outside, he had noticed William's unusual reaction. William's expression was cold, his eyes filled with a chilling intensity that made him seem unapproachable.

Leaning against the wall with his hands deep in his pockets, William's eyes were narrowed, making it hard to read his emotions.

But those who knew him well understood that he was exuding a "stay away" vibe.

William's lips curled into a cold smile. "How could I possibly know someone like that?"

Someone like that? What did he mean by that?

Cassius was puzzled, completely in the dark.

He knew William was usually aloof, but this was unusually harsh, especially considering the girl outside seemed to be the one wronged.

"Let's go."

Clearly irritated and impatient, William turned and headed back to the banquet hall.

Cassius, who had sneaked out behind his parents' backs, quickly followed. "William, do you really not know her?"

William shot him a frosty glare, and Cassius promptly shut his mouth.

"Fine, won't ask then. What's the big deal?" he grumbled.

Still, given William's reaction, it was hard to believe he didn't know her.

As soon as William entered the banquet hall, a small stir went through the crowd. Delmar Puckett, the host and the big boss behind the event, personally greeted him with a broad smile, introducing him to various business partners and friends.

William merely nodded in acknowledgment, his face showing little interest.

Only Cassius noticed that William's gaze kept drifting towards the door.

Cassius's eyes lit up as if he had discovered something significant. Could it be that a woman had caught William's attention? He was eager to find out who she was.

Soon, Victoria returned with Marcella, who had changed into another eye-catching dress, this time a striking red gown with a floor-length skirt adorned with sparkling sequins that shimmered under the lights.

Marcella had a tenacious spirit; she was determined to regain her dignity right where she had lost it.

Victoria was slightly taken aback by Marcella's bold choice, but Marcella, head held high, confidently re-entered the banquet hall.

Victoria couldn't help but admire her. If it were her, she might not have had such a positive attitude.

As expected, Marcella quickly became the center of attention again.

Victoria, not wanting to draw too much attention, kept a distance and headed to the lounge area to sit down.

Marcella immediately spotted Delmar, her smile perfectly poised as she approached him. "Mr. Puckett, do you remember me? I'm Marcella from Starry Studio Gallery."

At the mention of "Starry Studio Gallery," the man standing next to Delmar slowly turned his head.

Marcella instantly recognized him as the striking man from the elevator earlier.

Her smile grew even brighter. "Mr. Puckett, who is this?"

Delmar introduced him with a smile. "This is Mr. Scott from the Scott Group."

William gave a slight nod, his gaze quickly shifting away.

"Mr. Scott, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Marcella, the manager of Starry Studio Gallery." Marcella was thrilled, feeling like this was a golden opportunity.

"Mm-hmm." William took a sip of his drink.

Marcella, overjoyed, eagerly raised her glass of champagne. "Mr. Scott, a toast to you."

William barely lifted his glass, not even sparing her a glance.

He seemed to be casually scanning the room, but when his eyes landed on a figure in the corner, he frowned slightly.

Marcella tried to continue the conversation. "Mr. Scott..."

"Excuse me." William set down his glass and headed straight for the corner.