Chapter 352: Shut up, I don’t know you
"Hello."
Adrian Lancaster merely gave a faint nod, his gaze not even lingering on Claire Bennett’s face. That unapproachable, standoffish air of his resurfaced.
He neither extended his hand nor offered any pleasantries, as if she were just another one of the countless strangers who had come to schmooze at the banquet.
Adrian Lancaster had even less interest in the collectible this newly-minted philanthropist was donating tonight.
His eyes remained fixed on Wren Sutton beside him the entire time, his palm resting firmly on the side of her waist in a clear display of possessiveness.
Seeing that Adrian Lancaster had no intention of shaking her hand, Claire Bennett’s own hand froze in mid-air, a dull ache spreading through her heart.
’Is he this wary of physical contact with other women because he’s afraid of making Wren angry? He cares about her that much!’
Wren Sutton looked at the woman with the gentle smile, not wanting the situation to become awkward. She reached out and gave her hand a light shake.
"Miss Bennett, a pleasure to meet you." Her tone was composed and dignified, neither servile nor overbearing.
Both women were wearing champagne-colored gowns, though the styles were different.
Wren Sutton’s satin gown was simple and elegant, with no complex embellishments, complementing her gentle grace.
Claire Bennett’s dress was more elaborate and formal, adorned with tiny, sparkling diamonds, deliberately crafted to be dazzling.
Onlookers simply thought it was a coincidence that their colors matched and didn’t give it a second thought.
Claire Bennett seemed to size up Wren Sutton casually, her face constantly wearing a friendly and approachable smile, revealing no hint of her true intentions.
"I’ve long heard that Mrs. Lancaster has an exceptional air about her. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
"It’s quite a coincidence. Mrs. Lancaster and I must be on the same wavelength, choosing gowns of the same color."
Wren Sutton smiled politely. "It certainly seems so."
The moment her gaze met Claire Bennett’s, a strange, subtle feeling flickered through her heart.
There was an indescribable familiarity in the curve of her eyes, in her subtle expression, as if she had seen them somewhere before.
But looking at the woman’s completely unfamiliar face, Wren Sutton couldn’t recall any past encounters whatsoever.
’I must be overthinking it. There are plenty of people in the world who look alike, let alone just a pair of similar eyes.’
Wren Sutton pulled her thoughts back, assuming that after exchanging greetings, Claire Bennett would move on to mingle with others.
But the other woman showed no intention of leaving, simply standing there and beaming at her.
Wren Sutton: "..."
"Mrs. Lancaster, you’ve truly won at life. With a husband as outstanding as Mr. Lancaster and two lovely children, you must be so happy. So many women envy you."
"Pardon me for being so forward, but may I ask how you and Mr. Lancaster met?"
A deliberate curiosity gleamed in Claire Bennett’s eyes as her gaze shifted between the two of them, making it clear she intended to dig for details.
Before Wren Sutton could speak, the chill emanating from Adrian Lancaster intensified. A flicker of impatience crossed his previously indifferent eyes as his lips parted, his tone hard and devoid of any warmth. "No comment."
The two words completely shut down Claire Bennett’s line of questioning, making no attempt to hide his aversion to her.
Adrian Lancaster had no desire to see this woman any longer and steered Wren Sutton away.
"Let’s go."
He led her past the weaving guests and waiters, heading straight for the VIP seating area at the front of the venue.
That area contained the best seats in the house—the VIP section. It was right next to the main stage, offering a perfect view. The tables and chairs were top-of-the-line, and exquisite tableware and drinks had already been laid out.
The two of them sat down gracefully.
Adrian Lancaster leaned over, carefully arranging the hem of Wren Sutton’s gown, then pushed the glass of warm water at his side to within her easy reach.
Before long, Claire Bennett approached, holding up her skirt. Her seat happened to be next to Adrian Lancaster’s, with one empty seat between them.
She sat down and pointedly leaned her body toward Adrian Lancaster.
"Mr. Lancaster, Mrs. Lancaster, I am so sorry about earlier. I shouldn’t have asked such a personal question. I apologize, that was presumptuous of me."
Adrian Lancaster acted as if he hadn’t heard a thing, completely ignoring her. He couldn’t even be bothered to spare her a glance.
Claire Bennett shamelessly continued, "President Lancaster, I’ve always admired your business acumen. If I have the chance in the future, I hope I can learn a lot from you."
She received no response.
Unwilling to give up, Claire Bennett continued to ramble on.
"I’ve heard so much about you, President Lancaster, and I’ve always been looking for a chance to meet you. I never expected to run into you at this charity banquet. It must be fate."
"I also pay close attention to philanthropy. Perhaps in the future, I can participate in events with you and Mrs. Lancaster."
"For tonight’s charity banquet, I’m donating a piece of antique jewelry. I hope I can count on your support during the auction later, President Lancaster."
Adrian Lancaster’s gaze was lowered to Wren Sutton, as if he hadn’t heard a word. His fingertips gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her temple, completely ignoring the person beside him.
Claire Bennett prattled on, deliberately trying to make conversation. Her eyes couldn’t help but dart toward Adrian Lancaster’s face, her every word an attempt to catch his attention. She was completely oblivious to the increasingly frigid atmosphere around her.
It was a public event, and a high-end charity banquet at that. Adrian Lancaster maintained his gentlemanly decorum, trying to be patient and avoid making the scene too ugly.
But now, his patience had been utterly worn away by Claire Bennett’s incessant chatter. A terrifying chill instantly enveloped him, and his once-gentle eyes froze over.
He whipped his head to the side, his gaze sharp as it locked onto Claire Bennett.
"Shut up. I don’t know you." His tone carried an undisguised annoyance and a cold warning.
His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an immense pressure, chilling her to the bone. The smile on Claire Bennett’s face instantly froze, and all her words died in her throat.
Her face paled, then flushed red. Her half-raised hand clenched into a tight fist, her eyes filled with humiliation and grievance.
She was completely intimidated by Adrian Lancaster’s powerful aura and didn’t dare utter another word. She could only sit there awkwardly, mortified to the extreme.
The more Claire Bennett thought about it, the more upset she became. Her chest tightened, her nose stung, and her eyes reddened in an instant. Tears welled up as she put on the face of someone who had been terribly wronged.
She lowered her head, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, deliberately striking a pitiful pose in a vain attempt to arouse Adrian Lancaster’s sympathy and pity.
A few guests nearby noticed the commotion and cast subtle glances in their direction, beginning to whisper among themselves.
"What’s wrong with that Miss Bennett?"
"President Lancaster snapped at her and told her to shut up."
"?"
"She has no sense. She kept pestering President Lancaster right in front of Mrs. Lancaster. He clearly didn’t want to talk to her, and when he finally lost his patience and told her off, she started acting all wronged."
"Then she brought it on herself. She doesn’t deserve any sympathy."
Wren Sutton turned her head and glanced at Claire Bennett.
She had always been gentle with people, but she could distinguish between genuine kindness and calculated intent.
From the very beginning, Claire Bennett’s excessive enthusiasm, deliberate probing, and incessant chatter had long since crossed the boundaries of a stranger. She had no sense of propriety, and her behavior was truly irritating. It was no wonder Adrian Lancaster had snapped at her.
’Her current act is just a ploy to win a man’s sympathy.’
’This woman...’
"Honey, try this little cake. It’s the matcha flavor you like." Adrian Lancaster picked up a delicate pastry and placed it on the plate in front of Wren Sutton, interrupting her thoughts.
His tone was gentle and considerate, making him seem like a completely different person from the man who had issued a warning just moments before.
Claire Bennett heard him loud and clear. She froze in her seat, feeling as if she were sitting on pins and needles, and her tears couldn’t help but fall.
Adrian Lancaster’s disregard had turned her into a joke. He only had eyes for Wren Sutton.
Claire Bennett bit her lower lip hard, her fingertips gripping the sparkling diamonds on her gown so tightly they felt hot. The resentment in her heart was about to boil over.
But all she could do was force it down. She couldn’t let any cracks in her composure show.