Ch. 481..485

Chapter 481

However, inside the Westchester Hotel, the atmosphere was the opposite of the weather outside.

The lights were bright, and festive and romantic decorations were hanging everywhere.

Expensive drinks had also been placed on the table.

All the people in the hotel started to set up the venue early in the morning. Even the hotel manager himsell was personally at the scene. Although it was just an engagement party, the main focus of the engagement was the master of the Carter family. Not a single mistake could be made.

Soon, it was morning.

The sky was still foggy and hazy.

Al that moment, various luxury cars drove to the hotel gates.

Tara, being one of the main focus of the event, also arrived by car, accompanied by Melanie.

They rode in a limited edition platinum MPV.

Before the car had even stopped, the hotel manager was waiting to greet them at the door with several waiters.

They opened the car door respectfully. Melanie and Tara got out of the car.

Melanie wore a red gown, having gotten her makeup done by a famous makeup artist. Paired with the emerald necklace around her neck, she looked like a noblewoman.

Tara’s long hair had been curled and draped over her shoulder, and her makeup was very delicate. She wore a slim white dress with many fine diamonds lining the hem of the dress.

The moment they came out of the car, the hotel manager and the several waiters with him were shocked by their attire. Then, they quickly nodded and escorted them into the hotel.

At the same time, Sylvia was sitting with Sherry inside an inconspicuous car on the roadside directly opposite the hotel lobby. She wordlessly watched as Melanie and Tara’s figures walked in. Sherry laughed and said, “You were right, Syl. Melanie really did come.” Sylvia smiled. Sherry asked, “I’ve made the arrangements with the hotel. When are we going in?” Sylvia looked at the time and said, “There’s no rush. Let’s wait.” At that moment, a black car passed by their car, turned the corner, and pulled up to the hotel

lobby

The hotel manager rushed out to greet them. The door of the car was opened, and a man stepped out. He wore an crisp black suit, and his figure was as tall and straight as ever. However, because of the distance, Sylvia could only see his figure and not his face.

Just as she was staring, the man who was about to walk through the door suddenly stopped and turned around.

His sharp eyes looked straight at the car that she was in.

Sylvia subconsciously looked away and put on her sunglasses and hat: In front of the hotel lobby. Cliff noticed that Odell had suddenly stopped and followed his gaze to an ordinary car that was parked on the other side of the road.

The windows of the car were tinted, so he could not see inside it.

He could not help but ask, “What’s wrong, Master Carter?” Odell snapped back to his senses. “Nothing.” Perhaps he was too sensitive but he had thought that someone was staring at him.

After saying that, he stepped into the hotel. The manager led the way for him. Cliff followed closely behind. Soon, they arrived at the venue of the engagement party. The guests who had already arrived got up to greet him.. Tara also walked over with Melanie. “Odell, you’re here.” She looked at him with a gentle smile on her face. “Mm.” He glanced at her before turning to look at Melanie, who was standing beside her.

Chapter 482

The middle aged woman was dressed very luxuriously, but she had a lace that looked and petty Shervon tesembled Tara in some places,

can

However, she was Tara’s aunt, so it WAN normal to have low similarities

He greeted her politely, “Hello, Aunty.”

Melanie’s eyes flickered as she answered, “Hello, hello.”

Oxell did not say anything else and walked straight toward the stage

Tara quickly took his armi,

The crowd also followed the and sunseloste le venue

Melanie instantly let out as

of relier.

Only God uw how ICTVOUS she had been wien Odell had start at her. She had thout that Hier was about to jump out!

Suddenly, someone Cappellier on the shoulder,

Sheshricked in alarm and turned around to see an infamiliar woman

The woman was decently dressed and it was clear that she was a statem e nt party. She Nintendo Wiyul all. “You’re Ms Avery’nunt, it? I’m from the Fowler Camily. My family is soms ‘n dealings with the C C ”

Melanie’s game changes, and stomacul berchant to look at

woman arrogantly. “Yorili, wimit

Sherry maintained her lattering, look and asked, “I wonder if I could have the lionor of Now with you?”

The look on Melanie’s face instantly became contemplijous,

She was to become oxell’s mother in law. How could someone who only had some business dealing with the Carter family care to come and brown non er “Go back to whatever hole you crawled out from,” she said in disclaim. Then, she adintelor shawl and walked to the first row of Neats below the stape. Sherry’n lips (wliched Thon, she quietly followed her to the second row. Alter Melanie bad sat down, sheryl down in wind hier

Meanwhille Ololland Tan walladio stand in front of the superder overyone’s fazen

“The engagement ceremony was hopit very simple Milliam Cortor could not con due to waith reasons. Also, Odell’s Istolovical parents had panned away, and Manoliad only invloed her want There was a host walting for them. When they calle over, (w lone lvled all the pants to NII down, before b egan to read out the program,

Aller lile upeilig Speeuil, le Sdlu exileury, LeL S Invite lile new SUUII-10-be-married couple to the stage!”

Applause rang out, along with the sounds of a soothing love song. Odell held Tara’s hand as they walked onto the stage. The spotlight shone on their bodies.

The man’s handsome face and elegant figure were illuminated.

The diamonds on Tara’s dress also sparkled. It caused many women in the seats below to break out into whispers.

“Master Carter is so handsome.”

“Not only is he handsome, but he’s also rich. Do you see what Tara is wearing? It looks like one of the latest designs from Chanel.”

“Master Carter is the most powerful man in Westchester City, and Carter Corporation is under his control now. Who could be richer than him?” “I’m so jealous of Tara.” “Sigh, the pitiful Mrs. Carter has only been dead for a few months.” “There’s no need to feel sorry for her. The previous Mrs. Carter just didn’t have the fortune to enjoy this life.”

Their chatter intermittently reached the stage. Tara listened as she raised her chin while maintaining an elegant and decent smile. She liked being envied by them, and she especially enjoyed when they looked at her with such jealousy in their eyes. From this moment on, she was Odell’s fiancee. She was basically Mrs. Carter now. Soon, the host came up and announced the ring exchange ceremony.

Chapter 483

A staff member brought over a pair of engagement rings. The box containing the rings was opened, allowing the camera to pan over to the six-carat diamond-ring and display it on the large screen at the back. It immediately caused a huge stir.

Not only was the diamond huge, the exquisite design made it clear at a glance that it had been designed by world-class masters. The women who were in attendance could not help but sigh in envy.

Tara maintained her elegant posture as she listened to their envious voices.

The host also smiled and said, “Master Carter, Ms. Avery, would you like to say anything to each other before exchanging rings?”

Odell frowned.

He had a meeting to attend this afternoon and just wanted to get the engagement process out of the way quickly.

Tara saw the look in his eyes and immediately took the microphone, saying in a gentle voice,” Odell, I know you don’t like sweet talk, but I would still like to say a few words to you.”

The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became quiet, and everyone silently looked at Odell and Tara who were on the stage.

Giving him a look of great affection, Tara continued. “Thank you for your care and love for me. Thank you for not leaving me all these years. I’m willing to chase after you forever and

accompany you for the rest of my life I’ll be a good fiance to you.”

At the end, her eyes reddened as her voice choked up. Odell’s eyes deepened. The scene from the night of his first encounter with her slashed through his mind. This woman was the light that illuminated his dark life. She was the person he had promised to take care of for the rest of his life. He reached out and took her into his arms, pressing a kiss on her forehead. He said softly, “I also want to thank you for staying by my side.”

The corners of Tara’s mouth instantly listed in happiness.

A burst of applause erupted from the guests sitting below the stage, along with the envious voices of the women. Everyone, except for Sylvia, who was sitting in the corner.

Through her sunglasses, her eyes looked at the intimate figures of the man and woman on the stage. She looked at the diamond ring displayed on the large screen behind them and could not help the corners of her lips from curling up in a cold smile. It was just an engagement ceremony, yet the venue had been decorated as if it were a wedding.

The luxuriousness of the engagement ring was also not of the ordinary kind. Sylvia thought of the two marriages she had with him. They had not even had a wedding ceremony, let alone wedding rings. The contrast was really too much of a mockery.

At that moment, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Sherry. “Syl, everything is ready. Can we start?” Sylvia tapped on the phone screen and replied, “Yeah, let’s start.”

On the stage, Odell and Tara quickly separated.

The host smiled and said, “The feelings that Master Carter and Ms. Avery have for each other are truly touching. Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for, let us ask the couple to exchange their rings with each other!” A romantic piano piece began to play. Tara gazed softly at Odell. The man’s strong

figure and handsome face was right in front of her eyes. Although his expression was a little cold, his body was shrouded with a noble and elegant aura that many men were unable to reach, he was still the best in both status and appearance. He was the perfect man that countless women dreamed of.

At that moment, he was in front of her eyes, about to become her fiance.

She was about to become the most noble woman in Westchester City. Other women could do nothing but envy her!

Soon, Odell raised his hand and picked the diamond ring up from the box. Tara lifted her left hand. He held her palm with one hand and the ring with the other, intending on sliding the ring onto her middle finger. However, just as the ring was about to touch her fingertip, a ‘click’ suddenly sounded. All the lights went out, and the entire venue was instantly plunged into darkness.

Chapter 484

Before anyone could react, the sound of the piano changed into something else. It was the sound of the wind, and the gushing of a river.

Whistling and splashing sounds intermingled with one another, sounding very bizarre.

Not only that, a cold wind suddenly blew in from somewhere as well. The gusts howled, so strong that it could blow the lats off people’s heads.

Some women immediately screamed in fear.

Aman shouted, “What is this? Are we encountering a ghost?”

The crowd in the guest seats became agitated.

On the stage, Tara was so frightened that she hid behind Odell, clutching his clothes in a death grip.

That was because the sound of the wind and water sounded especially like the night she had pushed Sylvia into Cloudy Heart Lake!

Was Sylvia’s ghost coming for her? No, there was no such thing as ghosts in this world. Someone had to be playing a trick!

However, who would dare to go against Odell here in Westchester City?

Was it really a glost?’

The more that Tara thought about it, the more uncertain she became and started to tremble in

panic.

Odell soon sensed her fear.

Although he thought that she was behaving a little exaggeratedly, he did not think much of it and merely thought that she was timid and scared.

He said to Cliff, who was standing next to the stage, “Get the hotel manager, and call a few security guards to catch the culprit!”.

He wanted to see who had such a death wish that they dared to play such tricks under his nose!

Cliff answered and ran out of the venue in the darkness.

There were security guards outside the hall who had most likely already sensed something wrong. However, before Cliff could run out, the wind stopped, and the sound of the wind and water also disappeared,

All the lights also lit up at that moment,

The large venue was illuminated. In the middle of the room, on the large carpet in front of the stage, a ligure in black had

appeared in front of everyone’s eyes.

The woman was wearing a hat with a black veil, sunglasses, a long black dress, and a white flower pinned to her chest.

She had a slender and straight figure, and emanated a cold aura from her. Judging by the way she was dressed, anyone who did not know any better would think that she was here for a funeral.

The people who were sitting around her and saw her, shrieked. On the stage, Tara, who had only just relaxed slightly now froze again. Odell also frowned. His cold gaze looked at her as he asked coldly, “Who are you?”

Huh.

Sylvia sneered and raised her hand to take off her hat and sunglasses.

Meanwhile, she looked at him and Tara. “Odell, Tara, isn’t it inappropriate for you to get engaged without inviting me, Mrs. Carter?”

As she spoke, her cold and delicate face also appeared under the light. The large venue was plunged into silence. Everyone drew in a cold breath. On the stage, the man’s tall figure stiffened, and his eyes dilated for a moment. Tara, who was standing beside him, instantly turned pale and trembled. “S-Sylvia?” Sylvia smiled at her. “I’m sorry for disappointing you, Tara. I’m still alive.”

Thud!

Tara fell to the ground in a heap. The man beside her jumped off the stage and went straight toward Sylvia. She stood in place and stared at him coldly. Odell stared back at her intently. He walked faster and faster, as if afraid that this was an illusion and she would suddenly disappear. However, just as he was about to reach her, several strong figures rushed over and blocked his way.

Chapter 485

Odell’s expression changed as he yelled, “Get out of the way!”

The bodyguards did not move.

He clenched his lists.

“You guys can move away now,” Sylvia said.

The bodyguards parted to stand on both sides,

Odell immediately went up to her and stared Intently at her with his dark eyes.

Sylvia smiled coldly. “Are you very disappointed to see me alive, Odell?”

Ignoring her words, die immediately pulled her into his arms and hugged her tighuy.

He used so much strength that it was as if he was trying to absorb her into his body.

Sylvia frowned and listed her foot lo stomp hard on huis tocs.

However, he did not let go of her, as if he did not feel the pain,

Slie said, “Let me go.”

“Tell me that!his isn’t a dream,” he said hoarsely,

Sylvia raised her fool and stomped on him again.

He did not let go even though she continued to kick lim.

After some time had passed, le linally let her go, just as she tired of kicking him. However, he continued to clutch her hand tightly.

Sylvia resisted the urge to punch him and said coldly. “You don’t have to worry about me running, Odell. I came back because I have things I want to clear up.”

He smiled and asked, “What is that?”

Sylvia thought to hersell. This man is a psycho.’

He had been extremely cold and disgusted with lier when he had put her under house arrest. Why was he so happy now?

However, now was not the Ume to think about that. She said bluntly, “I found the real person wlio harmed Grandmother.”

The smile on Odell’s face instantly cooled down.

Sylvia continued, “Also, I didn’t Juinpinto the lake. I was pushed by Tara.”

He immediately frowned. “What did you say?”

Sylviu looked at Tara, wlio was slumped on the stage, and raised her voice. “I sald, I didn’t jump into the lake. I was puslied by Tara!”

In an instant, the venue wenil silent again,

All the guests were dumbfounded. Their eyes were wide open, and their ears perked up. On the stage, Tara also panicked and shouted, “No. I didn’t push her, Odell! She’s slandering me!”

Sylvia could not be bothered to argue with her.

“We’ll see soon enough whether I slandered her or not.” After a pause, she said, “However, before that, I have to settle the matter of how you told your aunt to push Grandmother down the hill and frame it on me.”

Her words were clear, and her voice was very crisp.

Every word and every sentence was clearly transmitted throughout the venue.

Everyone looked toward Tara in shock.

Odell also frowned and instantly looked at Tara sharply. Tara’s body trembled.

She had never expected Sylvia to still be alive, let alone find out about Melanie!

She was so panicked that her mind went blank.

Then, she looked at Odell and said with red eyes, “Odell, I don’t know what she’s talking about. How could my aunt have harmed Grandmother? She’s framing me!”

Odell frowned and looked at Sylvia. “How did you know that her aunt did it?”

Sylvia said, “I found out.” Odell asked, “…What did you find out?” Sylvia knew that he would not trust her easily and said patiently. “Grandmother and I took Aunt Tonya and the kids to Northpeak Holiday Resort, and Melanie followed us there. By the way, she also registered to become a member on that same day. If you don’t believe me, you can check the surveillance footage of the road outside the resort that morning.”

Odell looked at her silently.

Sylvia saw that he seemed slightly convinced and asked, “Why do you think she followed us to the resort? Don’t you think it’s strange that Grandmother would try to climb the hill despite knowing that her legs are weak? Don’t you think it’s too much of a coincidence that you just so happened to see Edmund and me together when Grandmother had her accident?”