A Vengeful Ex-Wife
Chapter 24 Never Cause Drama

Colby didn't refuse. His wife was abroad, so what was the harm in it? "Ms. Song, it would be my pleasure if you would accompany me," he answered like a gentleman. Maria smiled generously and held his arm. "I'd love to, Mr. Zheng. The pleasure is all mine!"

A faint smile on his face, Colby didn't say anything more. The two walked to the private room together.

The assistant following Colby couldn't help but feel embarrassed. 'She's a lucky girl. Mr. Zheng always keeps women at arm's length, because Mrs. Zheng watches him like a hawk. She met him only twice, and she invites herself out to dinner with him.'

The assistant shook his head helplessly and followed them.

As soon as they left, two figures appeared behind them. The man was in a suit and leather shoes, and had a domineering aura, the woman in uniform, looking neat, trim, and professional.

They both heard the conversation between Maria and Colby. The man stared at them as he followed, mockery in his gaze. Summer tried to defend Maria. "Mr. Xi, this really isn't like her," she said gingerly. The man glared at her, and she shut up, thinking to herself, 'Maria decided to get close to Colby Zheng. She even went to work in HM Group. What's she playing at?'

Maria didn't think she would run into James and Summer at the same dinner party she was attending with Colby.

When James entered the private room, Maria was pouring wine for Colby and talking to another businessman. "Mr. Qin, thank you so much for your concern. Of course I don't have a boyfriend now. I came here with Mr. Zheng, but I'm still single and available."

This so-called Mr. Qin was quite old. His daughter was about the same age as Maria.

Stella was his daughter.

This man should have recognized Maria, but he didn't. In the past few years, Stella's father had been making foreign investments. Years ago, after Maria left H City, he started investing domestically. They had never met.

But Maria had done her homework. She knew a fair amount about a dozen business tycoons, and had met most of them.

However, she had to pretend she didn't know any of them.

In the presence of a beautiful, hot, and single woman, all the men present wanted a piece of her.

But James showed up.

Everyone had to tear their gaze from Maria and stood up to greet him. "Hello, Mr. Xi! How are you?" "Welcome, Mr. Xi!"

Maria stood with her back to the door. Hearing the title "Mr. Xi," she wondered which one they were referring to.

But when she thought about it, there was no one else who could impel all business tycoons to stand up and address him respectfully as "Mr. Xi." James' father and grandfather were also addressed as "Mr. Xi." However, neither of them were in charge of HL Group now. That honor was James' alone.

Realizing that, Maria was embarrassed. She should have checked James' schedule, so they didn't meet this way.

She wanted to make James fall in love with her again. How could she let him see her with another man? What she didn't know was that James had already seen her bump into Colby and overheard their conversation. All the businessmen stood up to welcome James. Maria had no reason to continue sitting there.

She tried to hide herself as much as possible, lowered her head, covered half of her face with her long hair, and maneuvered herself behind Colby.

But it didn't work. James had to pass by Maria on the way to his seat, so he'd recognize her instantly.

There was a method to the madness. They had a seating chart they were expected to adhere to. James was supposed to sit in the host's seat, and Colby in one the deputy chief seats. Maria was to be seated next to Colby. For some reason, Colby asked Maria to sit in the deputy chief's seat between him and James.

Then Summer was invited to sit on James' left.

Colby's plan was simple. He wanted this woman to charm James.

Since they were already face to face, there was no need for Maria to hide. She was afraid James would ignore her, so she didn't shake hands with him. Instead, she greeted him gracefully, "Good evening, Mr. Xi!"

As expected, James didn't even look at her.

Summer gave Maria a helpless glance. To ease her embarrassment, she greeted Maria actively, "Hi, Ms. Song." The two women looked at each other and smiled. That made things a little less awkward. After everyone sat down, Colby ordered Maria, "Hurry! Pour some wine for Mr. Xi! You must make Mr. Xi happy tonight!"

His words carried some subtext. Every man understood what he meant. They laughed lustily and began to make fun of Maria.

"Ms. Song, Mr. Xi isn't interested in women."

"Exactly! Mr. Xi is famous for his self-discipline. You are so charming. Let's see if you can get closer to him."

"I'm really looking forward to it." Pretending to smile, Maria poured a glass of liquor for James, put down the bottle, and winked at the man fawningly. "Mr. Xi, would you like this drink?" Fortunately, this time, James responded, "Am I drinking it for your sake or for Mr. Zheng's?"

"For Mr. Zheng's sake, of course," Maria answered deftly. This man was so reticent. How could he drink for her sake? "I'm just a woman. I would never cause drama for you, Mr. Xi."

James sneered. 'Oh really? Then who sneaked into my villa, sat on my lap in the car, and threw a full glass of beer at me?'

The man raised his glass and said, "To your health, Mr. Zheng." He slid the glass along the table until it sat in front of Summer. "Summer, if you would, please!"

Among his six assistants, Summer was the best drinker. She had protected him from getting drunk many times.

Summer stared at the glass. She didn't need any further prompting. She raised the glass and looked at Colby and Maria, smiling. "Mr. Zheng, Ms. Song, Mr. Xi is not feeling well today. I'll drink it for him." Colby nodded and commanded again, "Maria, fill your glass and have a drink with Ms. Jing."

Maria poured herself a glass of liquor, stood up, and clinked glasses with Summer. Then she drained the glass in a single gulp.

Colby was very satisfied with her performance. Unlike some women who made all kinds of excuses to avoid drinking, Maria was totally different.

Soon the conversation turned to business. Everyone discussed new collaborations, contracts, and the like.

Maria was afraid Colby would ask her to drink for him. She kept eating while they talked about work, so she had some food in her belly to soak up the alcohol.

"I heard that Fosun Entertainment Group will also participate in the bidding."

"Fosun Entertainment Group? Why would they bid on a real estate project?" Mr. Qin was confused.