Chapter 241: Chapter 241: Engagement Date

Jenna Shaw was incredibly moved. She hugged Ian and planted several lipstick-stained kisses on his face. “Auntie is so, so happy! You danced so well, Ian. Thank you. Having your blessing makes Auntie truly happy!”

A moment later, a makeup artist came in to touch up Jenna Shaw’s makeup. Meanwhile, Ian Shaw needed to use the restroom, so Naomi Kenway took him out.

When they came out, the vast banquet hall was already filling up with people. Naomi Kenway spotted the dazzling Jenna Shaw in the crowd, looking beautiful and delicate in a slim, pure-white gown.

Jenna Shaw beckoned Naomi Kenway over and enthusiastically introduced her to her friends. Most of them had grown up together, and many had even studied abroad with her before returning.

“Whoa, Jenna, your sister-in-law is gorgeous. I wonder if I could get her number?”

“Get lost,” Jenna Shaw said, fiercely protective. “If I actually gave it to you, my brother would beat up either you or me.” She wrapped her arm around Naomi Kenway’s waist. “This is my sister-in-law. You all can look, but don’t even think about it.”

The conversation among the young people was always passionate, and Naomi Kenway was thankful she was still young enough to join in.

Jenna Shaw had been abroad for years, yet she seemed to know everyone at the party, greeting each person by name without fail. She led Naomi Kenway on a tour of the room. “I know you don’t usually like this kind of socializing, sis, but building these connections can be a good thing. Let me walk you around and introduce you to a few people.”

In the middle of their rounds, a guest recognized Naomi Kenway. “You’re that very popular celebrity, aren’t you? Mrs. Shaw, is that you? I’ve heard a lot about you. My daughter is a huge fan! We should get together sometime. And perhaps you could give me an autograph?”

After a full lap of the room, Jenna Shaw noticed that Naomi Kenway was increasingly in her element. She leaned in and whispered in Naomi’s ear, “You’re amazing, sis. These kinds of social etiquette classes used to drive me crazy.”

Jenna Shaw spotted Jane Chandler and, after calling out “Mom,” led Naomi Kenway over. Compared to the opulent attire of the other ladies, Jane Chandler was dressed more simply. She wore no colorful jewels like jadeite or agate, just a qipao and a necklace of round, lustrous pearls that further accentuated her noble and elegant air.

Jane Chandler was chatting with several other society wives, among them Mrs. Clementine Coleman and her daughter, Clementine Coleman.

When Mrs. Clementine Coleman saw Naomi Kenway, a flash of astonishment crossed her eyes before she lowered her gaze, as if lost in thought. Meanwhile, her daughter Clementine, standing beside her, was completely frozen from the moment she laid eyes on Naomi.

“What… what is Naomi Kenway doing here?” she asked.

Mrs. Clementine Coleman’s reply was evasive. “She must have an invitation if she’s here.”

Clementine Coleman continued to stare at Naomi Kenway, completely starstruck.

“Clementine?” Jane Chandler called out warmly. When she received no answer, she was a little surprised. Turning her head, she saw the girl staring blankly into the distance.

“My, why is Clementine in such a daze?” Jane Chandler asked with an awkward laugh.

Mrs. Clementine Coleman explained, “Clementine has been prone to daydreaming since she was a child. I’m so sorry for her behavior.”

“It’s a sign of her candid and cute nature,” Jane Chandler replied.

’Jenna and Jane are a close mother and daughter, but my relationship with my mother-in-law is nothing like that. I just told her off two days ago.’

Naomi Kenway couldn’t bear to stay there any longer, so she found an excuse and slipped away.

Her network was almost entirely concentrated in the entertainment industry; nearly every guest’s face was unfamiliar to her.

Suddenly, someone called her name. Naomi Kenway turned. “Kara.”

The object of her fascination had vanished. Clementine Coleman instinctively started to look for her but was pulled back by her mother. “This is an important occasion, Clementine,” Mrs. Clementine Coleman whispered in her ear. “Don’t you dare cause a scene.”

“How much longer do I have to stay here? When can I finally go home?”

“Don’t forget our main reason for coming here.”

Chloe Murray was limping; her leg hadn’t had enough time to heal properly over the past few days. Naomi Kenway helped her find a place to sit. “What are you doing here? Why aren’t you resting for a few more days?”

“I had no choice,” Chloe said. “If I hadn’t come, Evan Murray would have accompanied my dad. With so many business tycoons here, how could I possibly relax?”

After they had chatted for a while, Ian suddenly brought up his father. Naomi Kenway hadn’t been able to find Ethan Shaw at the party, and recalling the news she’d seen that morning, she said to her son, “Daddy’s busy. Let’s just wait here for a bit, okay?”

Ian nodded.

Chloe Murray teased, “So your little rascal doesn’t just cling to his mom. Turns out he misses his dad, too.”

Naomi Kenway smiled. “He’s just a kid. They’re all like that.”

As the other guest of honor, Walter Ford arrived a little late. It was as if he had timed it perfectly, showing up just ten minutes before the banquet was set to begin.

He first found his way to Jenna Shaw, a smile on his face, acting as if the conflict between them never existed.

He took out his gift, a brilliant sapphire necklace that seemed to shimmer with light. “I paid a great price for this necklace,” he said gently. “Only a priceless jewel is worthy of you, Jenna.”

Jenna Shaw looked somewhat moved, but the events of the past few days had hurt her deeply, and for a moment she didn’t reach out to accept it. “I’m afraid I’m not worthy of a necklace like this. You should give it to Crystal Bishop.”

Walter Ford glanced around nervously, noticing that many people were watching them. His words became more cautious. “Haven’t I already explained this to you? She’s just a secretary. She’s with me because she’s efficient and has high emotional intelligence. Jenna, why are you being so sensitive and suspicious? It’s really frustrating.”

He softened his voice as much as possible. “Come, let me put this necklace on for you, alright?”

Nearly all of Jenna Shaw’s accessories were white, so the blue sapphire necklace looked somewhat out of place against her collarbone.

With so many people watching, Walter Ford still said, “It’s beautiful.”

Jane Chandler came over. Hearing that Walter Ford had given Jenna a gift, she examined it closely and smiled in satisfaction. “I heard the opening bid for this piece of jewelry was thirty million. Walter Vance, you are most thoughtful.”

Walter Ford smiled humbly. “As long as Jenna likes it, the money is nothing.”

The banquet began shortly thereafter, starting with a speech from Jonathan Shaw. “It is my great honor to welcome all of you to my dear daughter’s birthday celebration. In addition, I have another important announcement to make: my daughter, Jenna Shaw, is to be engaged to Mr. Walter Ford of the Ford Family. The date has been set for November, and we hope to see all of you there.”

Jenna Shaw and Walter Ford went up on stage to accept the blessings of the guests below. The Shaws and the Fords stood on stage as well, all of them smiling.

“Your sister-in-law looks so excited,” Chloe Murray remarked. “She seems to really like her fiancé.”

“Yes, they’re childhood sweethearts who grew up together. Their bond is naturally quite deep.”

“It’s just… I don’t know…” Chloe Murray blinked, staring more closely at the stage. “Why does Walter Ford’s smile look so fake?”

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