Chapter 257 - Regal Party IV

When Zoey was finally out of the establishment, she called Patrizio Moretti's contact number as it was the number Nikolai Silvestri used. 

Waiting for it to be picked up, Zoey arched her right brow when it wasn't answered. "Huh?" She muttered, dialing the same number again but to no avail. 

Weird how Nikolai Silvestri tried to reach her and even called Matthew Xi. However, now that she was calling back, he wasn't picking up. 

Was this one of his tricks to make her uncomfortable? To make her overthink and get nervous over nothing? Considering it was Nikolai Silvestri, Zoey wouldn't be surprised if that was his purpose. 

After all, he had done this trick before. Therefore, it wouldn't work this time. If Zoey only knew what happened at that man's end, she would have avoided the occurrences later on. 

If only she did, her life wouldn't lead to where it was heading... because this night would be the night she wouldn't ever forget. 

"That freak...! Now I have to find my Darling!" Zoey grumbled, annoyed that she fell for Nikolai Silvestri's 'tricks' as she had to separate herself from Matthew Xi. 

On the brighter note, that actually alleviated her nervousness in meeting his family. Now, she was just an annoyed lady who has no leisure to welcome any nonsensical drama. 

When Zoey returned to where she left Paul Qian, her brows knitted together when she could not see him. Looking around, Zoey tilted her head to the side as Paul Qian left her alone! 

"Err..." Nothing else she could do, Zoey didn't wait for Paul Qian to return as she walked towards the way Matthew Xi had headed. 

At the same time, when Zoey left the lobby, Paul Qian returned as it had only been a minute since he left. Hence, perching at the lounge seat, he waited for Zoey to come back. Little did he know, Zoey returned earlier than she said and already headed to follow Matthew Xi. 

"It should be this door, right?" Uncertain, Zoey slowly peeked inside. 

What welcomed her was not a room but a dazzling air of the hall. Darting her gaze from the people inside with their luxurious dresses as if it was Paris Fashion Week, her brows twitched. 

"Wrong door." She muttered, closing the door again cautiously. Fortunately, everyone was busy socializing and no one noticed her presence as if she was an intruder. 

"Uhm," Humming while pondering, Zoey fished her phone out and speed dialed Matthew Xi.

The second she did, she realized that he didn't have his phone with him. After all, he rarely touched his phone if not for her or business purposes. Boring, but oh well, that's Matthew Xi for you. 

'Should I just enter before him? He wouldn't get mad, will he?' Zoey glanced at the closed door, pondering if it was fine to just come inside without Matthew Xi. 

Thinking that she would do well alone while he wasn't around, Zoey let out a heavy exhale. With these elite guests, no one would waste their time on her, right? 

After all, these types of people only welcome people that they could benefit from. Hence, with the Z Image Group's current standing, Zoey was confident no one would waste their time on her. 

With that in mind, Zoey took another deep breath and exhaled it. She then pushed the door open, but froze in her tracks as soon as she did. 

The second she entered the place, some nearby guests instinctively turned to her and only stared at her curiously. "Uhm..." Feeling awkward by numerous eyes on her, Zoey cleared her throat as she raised her chin up. 

'Dear, you are pretty and they're just mesmerized by your beauty — that's all.' Talking to herself internally, Zoey obviously boosted her confidence by complimenting herself. 

Call her narcissistic, but this method of hers was worked like magic. If she thought she was pretty, she would look pretty and carry herself with confidence. 

"Woah... I've never seen her before. Is she a celebrity?"

"Maybe with her body, she must be. But I doubt she's an A-list artist."

"Someone brought his escort, pfft! Not bad though, I would also take her as my date. Having a beauty by my side is not bad."

"Shut up, young master Bai. Are you forgetting you're engaged?" 

One after another, those who had already taken notice of Zoey's figure could not help but wonder who she was. Others had assumed her occupation and how an unfamiliar looking lady whom they never heard or seen before got a hold of this event. 

After all, this was considered to be a regal event as it was hosted by the Xi's. Therefore, only those families that were a level below Xi's ground were invited. 

Still, guests were allowed to bring a plus one. Hence, it was most likely that Zoey was someone else's date tonight. Yet, she seemed lost while looking around; did her date ditch her? 

Meanwhile, from the male's perspective, they gazed at her in desire. Although she was wearing a fitted plain white dress that outlined her curves, matched with a neat low bun, simple accessories, and light make up, she still stood out. 

Her fair complexion perfectly matched her white dress, making her shine like a diamond among rocks and other gems. 

Looking around, Zoey hoped she would find someone who she was familiar with. However, the figure her eyes caught made her countenance distort in dismay: Richard Sun! 

'Jeez... that's right. That freak had been doing business with my darling. Obviously, he will be here.' Trying to ignore Richard Sun, Zoey headed to the opposite direction which made her fail to see Ernest Meng beside Senator Wang's huge physique. 

"Who is she?" Meanwhile, as Zoey walked, Lucas Xi had his eyes on her the moment she came in. His eyes gleamed in curiosity as he muttered. 

Since Lucas Xi was silent almost the whole time within his circle, the businessmen turned their heads to where he was staring at. The second Richard Sun lay his eyes on Zoey, his eyes lit up in excitement almost instantly but soon died down that very second. Right... he shouldn't have thought of approaching Zoey if he wanted to keep his current success as she was already someone else's woman. 

"Zhou Zoey of Z Image Group." Clearing his throat, Richard Sun answered. "She is..." however, before he could continue, Lucas Xi already left the group without a word. 

'Oh my god...' As a man, Richard Sun guessed the interest Zoey inflicted towards Lucas Xi. However, the problem here was, she was Matthew Xi's woman.. Hence, seeing that Lucas Xi had shown interest in her, Richard Sun gasped in disbelief as his face was filled with horror.