Chapter 393
Yvonne looked toward the stage, where Theodore was giving his opening remarks. The spotlight cast a halo around his straight-backed figure. He was like the brightest star in a galaxy, composed, powerful, and radiant.
How could she not be drawn to a man like that? How could she not want him?
And whatever Yvonne wanted, she got.
Taking a deep breath, she put on an elegant smile and started walking toward him. The first dance was after the speech, and as Theodore’s partner, she would be the center of attention.
Her mother was right, but there was more to it. From this night forward, her own brilliance would completely eclipse Penelope. No one would remember the woman who held the title of Mrs. Stapleton in name only. They would only remember the one who danced with Theodore. Under her light, Penelope would fade, flicker, and then disappear for good.
She was already savoring her victory, each step feeling as if she were walking on air. But just then, someone bumped into her.
The person was holding a glass of red wine, and the entire contents splashed onto her dress. She gasped and looked down to see a large, garish red stain blooming across her pristine white gown.
“Watch where you’re going, can’t you see p>
Before Yvonne could finish, the person cut her off, blaming her instead. She looked up and saw a young man in his twenties, his eyes cold, as if he held a personal grudge against her. She felt he’d done it on purpose, and his face looked vaguely familiar. But before she could place him, Theodore finished his speech to a round of applause. As he stepped down, the emcee took the stage.
“And now, please welcome to the stage for a few words, Mrs. Stapleton p>
There was another speech? Yvonne was confused. She had seen the event schedule. After Theodore’s remarks, the gala was supposed to officially begin with the first dance. Had they added this last minute?
“Uh, let’s have another round of applause for Mrs. Stapleton p>
The emcee tried again, but of course, Penelope didn’t appear. A mishap at such a high-profile event would be a huge embarrassment for the Stapletons, and the blame would fall squarely on Penelope Theodore, would surely be disappointed in her. At that thought, a triumphant smile spread across Yvonne’s face.
“Let’s give a big, warm welcome to Mrs. Stapleton!” the emcee boomed one last
time, starting a round of applause that the guests joined.
Still, Penelope was a no-show. Many people, however, turned their gazes toward Yyanne. Most of these guests hadn’t attended Theodore’s wedding and didn’t know what the new Mrs. Stapleton looked like. Seeing Yvonne circulate the room like the hostess, they assumed shë was the one and wondered why she wasn’t going on stage.
Yvonne felt a thrill as their eyes fell on her. If she went up and gave a speech, it would look like she was
graciousing the event. At the
same time, the title of Mrs.
Stapleton would effectively become hers. She would be Mrs. Stapleton, Theodore’s wife p>
The thought made her heart pound even faster. The spot next to the emcee seemed
to be waiting just for her. All she had to do was walk up there.
Unable to resist any longer, Yvonne started toward the stage, her pace quickening with each step.
Mrs. Bishop had been gloating, thinking that Penelope had disgraced the Stapleton family and would never be allowed at an important event again. Then she saw her daughter striding toward the stage. She gasped and rushed forward to stop her, but it was too late.
Yvonne was on stage. She took the microphone from the emcee and began her speech.