Chapter 280 I’m Not a Pawn I’m the Whole Game
After all, everyone had come to Claire University with the goal of laying the groundwork for future connections,
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Halbert had sent over a pale pink gown. Eliza wasn’t a fan of the color–thankfully, the strapless design was elegant enough. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have worn something so saccharine if her life depended on it.
“Ms. Rivers, your look is complete. Do you like the dress?”
Someone was still adjusting her hair while Eliza stared into the mirror. Her refined makeup paired with loosely curled French waves did look stunning.
Eliza nodded. “Thank you. I like it.”
If it weren’t for the opportunity to meet more industry insiders at this party, she never would have agreed to attend, no matter what Halbert said.
A knock came at the door. Eliza turned to see Henry standing outside.
He was dressed formally. Ever since becoming the head of the Foster family, his demeanor had grown increasingly composed and professional.
“I came to check how things are coming along.”
Henry looked her up and down, then smiled. “You look… not bad.”
“Thanks.”
Eliza stood up and walked toward him. “I’m curious, what deal did you strike with my brother? Why does he always take your side?”
“Because he knows marrying me is your best option.”
Eliza couldn’t find a trace of affection in Henry’s eyes.
This looked far more like a business merger than a romance.
By now, the school auditorium was filling up fast, Eliza and Henry were among the later arrivals.
Henry said, “Everyone here tonight is part of the elite. Westbrook may seem small, but it’s a trade hub. Most entrepreneurs have a foothold here. When dealing with people in this crowd, there are a few social nuances. to pay attention to.”
“Such as?”
“For example, you need to understand the relationships between them. See that girl in the red dress over there? Her family is a well–known trading powerhouse in Westbrook. They specialize in import and export. Now look at the one in the blue dress across from her–her family’s in the same business. The two families don’t get along. If you choose to get close to the girl in red, you’d better keep your distance from the girl in bluc. Otherwise, you’ll offend both.”
Eliza nodded.
Even though she now had her brand, in Westbrook, the brand alone wasn’t enough. She had to build the right network if she wanted to take things to the next level.
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Chapter 280 I’m Not a Pawn I’m the Whole Game
Henry went on, “And that guy up ahead–he’s one of the standout freshmen.”
“Yeah. I can tell. Everyone seems to gravitate toward him.”
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“If you and Halbert hadn’t enrolled at Claire University, then besides Colton and Gu Liuchuan, he’d be the most well–known freshman.”
Eliza studied the boy. His posture and speech were polished; it was obvious he had been raised with care.
“He’s from the Leon family,” Henry said. “They’re in the jewelry business. You know how lucrative that industry is.
“Right–if you married in, you’d never run out of jewelry for the rest of your life.”
Jewelry was high–margin, and the Leon family was the biggest player around.
A brand partnership between jewelry and cosmetics could really blow up. Eliza thought
As she was considering the possibilities, Henry suddenly reached out his hand. “Do you know how to dance?”
“A little”
“That’s enough.”
He took her hand and led her toward the center of the dance floor.
Everyone turned to look.
As one of the university’s shareholders and the head of the Foster family, Henry’s youth and influence drew considerable attention.
Eyes followed him, curious about the identity of the girl dancing with him.
Eliza wasn’t much of a dancer, but Henry’s guidance–and his status–made the moment feel special
Not far away, Nolan had arrived at the venue.
He saw Eliza dancing with Henry in the middle of the floor. The two looked shockingly well–matched.
Nolan headed straight for the dance floor. People noticed him and quickly stepped aside.
No one in their right mind wanted to get involved with Nolan, his reputation for being difficult was well known.
Nolan didn’t care about the others.
He only cared about Eliza.
Henry leaned in and murmured, “Look. He’s coming.
“He
Eliza hadn’t seen Nolan walking toward them from behind–but then Henry pressed his hand lightly against the back of her neck.
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Chapter 280 I’m Not a Pawn I’m the Whole Game
“Don’t turn around,” Henry said.
“What’s going on?”
Eliza felt inexplicably uneasy. One look at Henry’s face, and even she started to get nervous.
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