Chapter 5 Hello, Mrs. Green

Something in Emily's mind silently exploded.

The same shock rippled through the rest of the attendees.

"Is that him?"

"How can he look this good?"

"Wasn't he supposed to be frail and sickly? He doesn't look ill at all."

"That's what the rumors said-otherwise, why else would he have been hidden from the public for so many years?"

Whispers spread through the crowd as Emily snapped back to reality.

The Hall family's rumored third grandson-Allen.

It was actually him!

But... a frail and sickly man who had spent years abroad for medical treatment?

Emily recalled the physique she had glimpsed in the bathroom earlier-

Taut but not overly exaggerated muscles, a firm and well-defined abdomen, and an aura brimming with raw masculinity.

Where did he look sickly?

Or was he just... all show and no substance?

A series of thoughts flashed through Emily's mind, but before she could make sense of them, the group had already approached.

The people seated at the first table were all prominent figures from prestigious families, accompanied by their partners. Emily alone sat without company, but she remained unbothered.

Vincent, the vice president of The Hall family, personally introduced Allen to everyone, and when he turned to Emily, he hesitated for a moment before glancing at the others for confirmation.

Emily stood up, met the man's calm and indifferent gaze, and extended her hand. "Mr. Hall, nice to meet you. I'm Emily."

He studied her face for a moment before reaching out to shake her slender, fair hand.

His deep gray handcrafted suit was impeccably tailored, exuding precision and refinement. No unnecessary accessories adorned him, except for a single silver cufflink at his sleeve, gleaming subtly-restrained yet distinguished.

"Hello, Mrs. Green," he greeted, his voice deep and composed, as if they had never met before.

Even Vincent was surprised that Allen had addressed her as "Mrs. Green" without hesitation.

Emily, however, simply smiled.

They truly shouldn't have met before.

They really shouldn't have.

At eight o'clock, the banquet officially began. Allen sat at the head of the main table, the focal point of countless gazes.

After the opening speech, the stage was filled with music and dance. The guests had already made their donations in advance, leaving the rest of the evening for socializing and networking.

Before long, a crowd had completely surrounded Allen-men and women alike, each trying to seize a chance to converse with the newly emerged third young master of The Hall family.

"Looks like The Hall family has chosen their heir," someone remarked.

"Him? It's too early to say if he's truly capable. The Hall family's history is full of failed successors. Sitting at the top won't be easy."

"But he really is stunning. Good thing James isn't here tonight, or he'd be completely overshadowed."

"Pfft! How can he compare to James? What does he have-just a pretty face? Does he have James' capabilities? Don't forget, The Hall family's children have always been disappointments-"

"Even so, when James meets him, he still has to call him Uncle Hall."

Emily sipped her wine in silence.

Yes, The Green family and The Hall family were distant relatives. Technically, in terms of seniority, James would indeed have to address Allen as Uncle Hall.

And so, as James' nominal wife, she would too.

Emily lifted her gaze toward Allen.

The crowd around him was thick, yet at that exact moment, his profile was revealed.

He was slightly tilting his head, listening to a beautiful young woman speaking beside him.

Yana, the youngest daughter of The Baron family-an heiress known for her high standards-now looked up at Allen with sparkling eyes and a bright smile.

Emily withdrew her gaze.

Regardless of who this Mr. Hall was, as a member of The Hall family, he was undoubtedly on James' side.

She wasn't sure why that thought crossed her mind. Taking the last sip of her wine, she rose, grabbed another glass, and walked away in the opposite direction.

With so many distinguished guests present, there were plenty of people worth greeting.

Yet, Emily walked straight toward a specific group.

In the inner courtyard adjacent to the ballroom, several well-dressed men stood together, chatting and laughing.

Emily stepped up to them and, without hesitation, swung her wine glass forward.

The deep red liquid arced through the air and splashed directly onto one man's face.

Gasps erupted around them. The man, stunned, froze in place. But when he saw Emily, his expression stiffened, turning awkward.

"Who is she?"

"Is she here to start trouble?"

"That's James' wife... The Wilson family's-"

As murmurs spread, Emily set her empty glass onto a nearby tray and spoke. "Oh, uncle Alburt, I didn't expect to see you here. My hand slipped. Hope you don't mind."

Alburt-Andrew's longtime friend and one of the key figures behind The Wilson family's recent crisis.

Alburt's face darkened as he lowered his voice. "Emily, this is The Hall family's banquet. Don't cause a scene-"

Before he could finish, Emily grabbed another glass of wine and threw it in his face again.

She watched him, her smile innocent yet defiant. "Oops, couldn't hold back that time."

Alburt trembled with rage. Emily continued, "If you mind, uncle Alburt, feel free to throw a glass at me. I won't mind."

She picked up yet another glass and held it out to him.

Silence engulfed the room.

Alburt hesitated, unsure whether to accept or not. But before he could react, Emily simply lifted the glass over his head and-

Poured it all over him.

The entire hall fell into stunned quiet.

Everyone here was a figure of influence in New York City, yet none had expected James' supposedly quiet, invisible wife to be so arrogant and unrestrained. Many frowned, shaking their heads as they distanced themselves.

Humiliated beyond measure, Alburt trembled with rage. His right hand shot up uncontrollably, swiping at Emily's wrist and knocking the empty glass from her grasp-

Crash!

The glass shattered on the ground, right at the feet of an approaching figure in polished black Oxford shoes.

A wave of gasps spread through the crowd.

Even Alburt's face paled instantly.

Only now did Emily turn her head toward the source of the sound. Her gaze met Allen's dark eyes.

The Hall family's staff quickly stepped in, professionally yet firmly placing distance between her and Alburt.

"Mr. Hall, I didn't mean to cause trouble at The Hall family's banquet, but this woman-" Alburt started, wiping his face furiously before glaring at Emily.

Many of The Hall family's senior executives were present, but Allen was the only direct family member in attendance.

Despite his recent emergence, the executives already revolved around him, a clear indication of his authority.

Alburt knew he couldn't afford to offend this man.

"Take Mr. Alburt to get changed," Allen said, without so much as sparing him a glance.

Immediately, staff members stepped forward to escort Alburt away.

Then, Allen finally turned his gaze back to Emily, his expression as calm as ever.

Glass shards glistened between them, neither moving.

The onlookers eagerly awaited what would happen next.

This woman was reckless and brazen, completely disregarding propriety. No wonder James had no interest in her and refused to let her appear in public.

Surely, after this, she'd be thrown out?

But then, Allen spoke in his composed, collected tone-

"Mrs. Green has had too much to drink. Take her to a private lounge to rest."