When Love Is a Lie

she rushed back to her bedroom, hoping to find another suitable gown in her closet. But all she had were

work attire and casual wear.

All her formal evening gowns were either at Damian’s villa or the Spencer residence, and it was far too late

to retrieve them now. Feeling frustrated, her eyes drifted to the comer where she had left the rectangular

gift box.

TT

Chapter 30 Does It Matter Mind

Damian stood by the car, occasionally placing at his watch he had been waiting for quite a while.

Just as he was about to call Whitey again, hestwher step out of the elevator

The white dress the perfectly, accentuating her graceful curves, slender waist, and long neck. Her delicate

features with dark brows and limpid eyes stood out softly against her

She had swept her hair back into a simple

was secured with awhite halpin. A few loose strands framed her face.

that man sex,

For ameni, Damien was stunned by her beauty. He had seen her in her professional work attire, admired

her poise in evening gowns, and was familiar with her casual look at hthis was the first the’d seen

her in a gom like this. She loolood incredibly beautiful.

namian quickly regained his composure, smiling as he complimented her, “You look stunning in this gown.

But why didn’t you wear the gown I sent over?

Whimney explained, “accidentally spilled juice on it just before it, so thad to change.”

There was no other suitable attire in her closet

Whitney figured she’d need to clean it thoroughly before rerning to Nov.

“Damn nodded, his or lingering on her own so well when did you get custom-made? Why didn’t you ask me

to go with you?”

Perhaps feeling a twinge of guilt, Whitney lied, “It wasn’t custom-made just bought it while shopping at

the mall with Yvette.”

Dandan’s gaze moved over the delicate lies embroidered on the gown. “Well, let's get going. We're running late”

He opened the car door for her. As she leaned in, she passed upon seeing someone already inside.

“Whimney,” Rachel, dressed in a pink pown, greeted her with a sweet smile. “I'm hitching a ride with you guys to

the banquet. | hope you don’t mind.”

| was only then that whimey realized it was an MPV if they weren't ruining late, she definitely wouldn't have

shared a ride with Rachel

“Does it matter if 1 mind? You're already here, aren't you?” she replied coldly, climbing lot the back seat.

“Oh, whitney, you're abran joking.”

Seeing Damian also entering the car, Rachel quickly said cautiously,But why really minds, can get off and take a

cab.”

Nto take arah We're running late, whitney was jest joking with you just sit tight.”

With that, nemin took the seat next whimey in the back

Rachel's expression turned sour, she had left an empty seatbeside her, but Damian still chose to sit beside

Whitmey

Soon, they ved at the hood hosting the birthday bangert Thebanquet hall died with huxurious drea. Guests were

socializing while a live band played soft music in the background

When everyone szar Bamban are, they cforward to greet him. None had expected that the York family could

invite the heir of Howard Group. The York family’s influence seemed quite substantial

“Mr. Howard, welcome!” Adrian York and dena Gibert appenached them warmly.

After pechanging pleasantries, Elena’s gaze shifted to Whimey. “This must be your flade, Mr. Howard, and the

eldest daughter of the Spencer family. I've heard so much about you. You're even more beaul than had heard.”

Whitney responded politely, “Mrs. Yock, it’s a pleasum. Please, callWhitney. Happy birthday, and may you

stay young forever”

“Thank you, Ms. Spencer.” Elena’s face beamed with joy at receiving such a gracious compliment from Dandan’s

fiancée Then, her gaze shifted to Bachel, who stood off to the wide. “And this ”

Rachel had surped with die Howardly for 20 years, but outsiders rarely remembered her, let alone treat her as

part of the Howard family.

“This is my grandfather's adopted great-granddaughter, ariel Yanes,” Damian introduced.

Elena suddenly remembered the girl from the Tanes family adopted by the Howard family. “So, this is Ms.

Yames,”

Rachel was about to speak, but Filena quickly turned her attention back to Whitney. “If there’s anything as

tonight, Ms. Spencer, please letknow.”

Rachel's face turned red, her flogersekuteling ber dress dighily,

Whitney smiled and replied graciously, “You're too kind, Mrs. York, good ends with Wette, so please treatlike

one of her friends.”

Witte was the future daughter-in-law of the York falls she was engaged to Thous

Elena and Yelle’s mother were close ends. They had arranged the age been their children when they were still

young. Elena treated vene like her own daughter.

“ch, you're friends with write? How wonderful! Ele said, glancing over in Wette's direction. She's right meet

there.”

Following Elma’s gate, Whitneys Yvette chatting with someone

Semingly noticing swatching her, were turned and Whenry. She waved her over with a friendly smile.

Leming in, Dunbar whispered in rear, “do ahead go look for you later.”

“Go on, enjoy yourseli. Don’t mind me,” Whitney replied nonchalantly

As Damien’s Hanche, whitney had to attend the Tock fanlly’s banquet fut that didn’t mean he could be

affectioute with her.

Seeing her and lerent attitude, amantekt displeased but all maintained a gentle smile. “You’re my fiancée |

don’t keep an eye on you, who wil

Just then, the better hurried over to Adrian, whispering something in his ear

Adrian immediately said to Elena, “Mrs. Madelyn Clarke and her son have arrived. Let’s go greet the right

away.”

Open 31 is He Asking That on Pinte

Chapter 3 He Asking That on Purpose

Adilan and Elena quickly made their way to the entrance of the banquet hall, their hurried steps dearing

the attention of all present

at that moment, the doors opened to reveal an elegantly dressed woman in a lavender sut, radiating

sophistication and grace. Beside her stood a young man in a well-tailored suit

Whime’s garlanded on the min, recognizing him as Nor

Wearing silver-dimmed glasses, his cool demeanor and deep ryes accentuated his striking features,

drauding staren from the crowd.

“That’s Mrs. Howard and her son, samoone who repaired them whispered “didn’t expect not only the heir

of Howard but also Mrs. Howard herself to attend the York

Lady’s banquet ”

“the deputy ‘there

“Don’t be silly The deputy mayor wouldn’t show up to an event like this. But having his wife and son here

is already a great honor for the Yorks.”

Steamshule, Adrian and Elena mere personally escorting Madelyn and Borl to the banquet.

“Aur Madelyn,” Damian respectfully greeted her.

“Damian, good to see you,” Madelyn implied warmly, her lips carrying a pale smile. Though age had left its

mark in faint lines, her beauty and elegance were undiminished