Noelle smiled at the man, Dominic Russo. "How could I forget, Mr. Russo? I was just worried you might be too busy. After all, there are so many people vying to have dinner with you-1 was afraid I wouldn't make it on the list.

Her smile was dazzling, and even if Dominic had been annoyed moments before, her charm smoothed over any displeasure.

Dominic slid a hand toward her waist. "Well, I have time now. So, Ms. Swanson, when are you planning to fulfill your promise and have dinner with me?"

Noelle deftly sidestepped his touch, grabbing a glass of wine from a nearby server and placing it in his hand instead. "I'm always ready, of course. How about this? I'll contact your assistant tomorrow to set up a time."

"Why go through so much trouble? Don't you already have iny personal number?" Dominic said as he accepted the wine glass, his hand brushing lightly against the back of Noelle's.

Though Dominic wasn't overweight, and his features could even be considered refined, the gesture still made Noelle feel a wave of revulsion. But no matter how uncomfortable she felt, her smile remained impeccable.

"Alright. I'll make sure to pick a good restaurant tonight and call you tomorrow."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Dominic, she deftly dove into the next wave of obligatory socializing. Just when she thought she was going to get a muscle cramp from all the smiling, someone else walked through the door.

"Isn't that Lana Ray?"

Noelle heard someone ask. She froze for a moment, and just as she was trying to place the name,

another person chimed in, "Yeah, she's the one who just graduated from film school this year. I don't know how she got so lucky. I mean, she's not even that pretty."

Holding her wine glass, Noelle immediately remembered who the person was after hearing those words- Hendrix's new lover!

The entertainment industry had always been somewhat connected to their circle, so there were actually quite a few actors and singers at tonight's party. But what really surprised Noelle was that Lana wasn't with Hendrix. Instead, she had arrived with her manager, Isla Stone.

Noelle merely glanced at Lana before redirecting her attention elsewhere. To her surprise, however, Lana walked toward her after noticing her.

"You're... Ms. Swanson, right?" Lana's voice was crisp and carried a hint of youthful innocence. general manager

The situation between them was inevitably awkward. Noell was now the vice of a subsidiary under Elm Group, and the shadow of Hendrix had long faded from her life.

However, the moment Lana approached her, others couldn't help but recall the label that had orice

defined her Hendrix's ex-wife. Noelle paid no attention to the curious cares around her. She simply nodded at Lana.

"Do you live here in Vinton City now?" Lana continued trying to make small talk with her.

Noelle couldn't help but find her amusing. It wasn't mockery, but rather, she found her naivety endearing. After all, the curiosity and probing in her eyes were far too obvious.

Noelle didn't call her out on it, just nodded and said, "Yes."

"Then, could we maybe grab lunch together one of these days?" Lana asked.

Noelle smiled. "Sure."

Her response was quick and easy-just like with anyone else she had encountered that evening.

Soon, Isla came over. She first glanced at Noelle before leaning in to whisper something in Lana's ear. Lana hesitated for a moment, then looked back at Noelle. "I have to go now. Let's keep in touch, okay?" Noelle simply smiled in response.noveldrama

Lana said nothing further. However, Isla cast a few wary glances at Noelle before finally leading Lana away.

Noelle shrugged indifferently, then turned around and smiled at someone else. "Ah, Mr. Bankster, it's been at while.