Addicted After Marriage: Marrying My Abstinent Boss-Chapter 216: Masquerade Ball

The Abbott Group’s cocktail party.

Sophia Lowell wore a white evening gown, opting for diamond-studded low heels for comfort, with silver ribbons wrapped around her ankles and tied into a beautiful bow at the back.

The skirt of the gown was adorned with feathers, embodying an elegant white swan. With each step, the skirt gently swayed, exuding a tender aura like an enchanting painting, akin to a fairy of the human world, mesmerizing all who saw her.

Hugh Irving was beside her, holding her wrist as they walked into the venue together.

Every corner of the banquet hall was filled with laughter and chatter. This was a grand feast for the eyes and taste buds, a sparkling night where wealth and power intertwined, reaching the pinnacle of grandeur.

Although aware of the Abbott Group’s powerful standing, I hadn’t expected that even a single banquet could be orchestrated to such a grand scale.

When Sophia and Hugh entered, Faye Ellison noticed them immediately.

His gaze followed them, just as he was about to approach them, a bigwig appeared out of nowhere and held him back.

By coincidence, Annie welcomed them in at that moment.

Annie’s belly was now quite evident, the slight bulge at six months, looking rather well-developed.

The glass in her hand held milk; at the Abbott Group, no one dared offer her alcohol.

"Long time no see, I missed you all!" Annie’s face was rosy, showing no signs of someone who had just divorced.

Not long ago, when Annie planned to file for divorce, Warren Jennings finally agreed, giving her most of the assets. However, he often appeared beside her, accompanying her like before.

Annie hardly glanced at him.

Sophia smiled faintly as if repeating Annie’s past mistakes.

She gently touched her flat belly.

Few knew about her pregnancy yet, and she didn’t plan to reveal it, especially since rumors about Zane Sterling seemed to have surfaced already.

"What would you like to drink?" Annie waved for a waiter.

Sophia picked a cup of warm milk like Annie’s, and Hugh grabbed one as well.

"Why, have you two gone plain?" Annie teased.

"It’s that time of the month soon; don’t want to mistreat myself." Hugh pursed his lips, "Let’s grab a bite together!"

Hugh’s gaze fell on Sophia, knowing she hadn’t eaten much earlier, her stomach likely growling now.

Recently, her appetite was robust, showing no signs of pregnancy discomfort, seemingly doing quite well, not in any distress.

Annie held Sophia’s hand as the three moved towards a nearby food area.

"Darling, why so silent? Where’s your husband? He should be here tonight, why aren’t you with him?" Annie seemed to notice her subtle emotions.

"Did you two have a fight?" she asked.

Sophia was about to speak when she saw the man entering through the door.

He exuded an air of elegance and nobility, akin to a noble stepping out from a European castle.

His prominent nose and sensual lips formed a flawless, handsome face, with the custom-tailored suit that Sophia had cut for him showcasing his mature charm, exhibiting noble grace with every move.

Before retracting her gaze, Sophia’s eyes met his profound stare.

The man’s expression subtly paused, lips slightly parting, seemingly at a loss for words.

His eyes avidly watched the woman, his appealing throat subtly bobbing.

She really came today.

Just as captivating as always.

"Mr. Sterling."

His thoughts were interrupted by Ethan Sinclair at the side, his lingering gaze reluctantly withdrawn.

Sophia also averted her gaze, internally unruffled.

Hugh noticed Ethan too, not bothering with any courtesy, glancing briefly before looking away.

Their relationship had been one-sidedly ended by Hugh.

Ethan had returned yesterday, originally intending to apologize, but Tim Sawyer dashed to the restroom before he could manage, and he fled.

They had brought him back covertly, unable to brazenly abduct people, so resorted to secret searches.

He had worked all night, slept less than five hours, hearing from Zane Sterling that Hugh was coming, he tagged along.

Annie, perceiving the situation, refrained from further questioning, then led them to a private room for dining.

"Out there isn’t as good as here. My dad specially prepared this for me, knowing you’d come, so he made extra."

Her dad was a complete daughter-slave, spoiling her endlessly, especially after Warren Jennings’ betrayal, paying even more attention to Annie.

The three enjoyed fine delicacies in the private room.

"Tonight lots of young men are out, and there’s a masked ball later—don’t miss it!" Annie teased mischievously.

"A masked ball?" Hugh showed interest.

Upon receiving the invitation, she knew there’d be a ball, so she spent much time choosing her dress today and practiced some dance techniques lightly.

Hugh wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity.

"Too bad I’m heavily pregnant now; they can spot me at a glance, surely no one’s dancing with me." Annie sipped her milk.

"Otherwise, I’d definitely play around with a few dance partners." She murmured.

Sophia chuckled.

Previously, Annie was a conservative lady, but since meeting Warren Jennings, he wore down all her good temper—now she’s bold when needed, strong when required, ruthless when necessary.

Once satiated, they returned to the bustling banquet hall, now ablaze with lights, clinking glasses, the scent of wine wafting among mingling guests.

The ball had begun, with smiles all around, faces masked.

Annie cheerfully handed each of them a mask, eagerly putting them on.

Music played, the dance floor already had people stepping in; men exuding stature, women charmingly alluring, weaving through the crowd, dazzled by exchanged glances.

Sophia felt particularly uneasy; as she hesitated whether to leave, Hugh was whisked away by a masked man.

Hugh offered no resistance.

"..." Scoundrel.

Sophia made her way to the bar and sat down.

"Nice body, rather firm." Hugh slightly lifted her head, studying the man thoroughly masked.

Her touch was naughty, caressing the man’s arm.

The man curved his lips in a silent smile, tightened his grasp on her waist slightly, leading her into the dance floor, dancing with her.

"Why so silent?" Hugh teased her nails along his shoulder blade.

The man’s breath noticeably quickened, the temperature in his palm abruptly rising.

"Haven’t taken a shine to me?" Her curiosity piqued.

Hugh wasn’t exactly eye-catching, but was very pleasant to look at, body striking, invested greatly in maintaining it, whenever she tidied up a bit, male admirers were abundant.

"Alright then..."

Hugh felt disappointed; this man’s physique surely felt great to touch!

Seemed rather like Ethan Sinclair.

As she planned to change partners, they reached the dance floor edge, the man loosened his grip and swiftly pulled her into a corner.

Hugh gasped; dance floor music drowned out her cry, and by the time she reacted, she had been dragged into a private room.

"Mmm..."

The mask was taken off by him.