Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 122: Engagement Banquet

Stella’s heart skipped a beat, and she almost sprang up from the bed, running barefoot to the floor-to-ceiling window and yanking open the heavy curtains.

The moonlight was like water, clearly reflecting the tall figure standing outside the balcony.

Shane Donovan wore a simple black shirt, the collar slightly open, casually draped with a long coat of the same color, and his shoulders seemed touched by the slight chill of the night dew.

He had one hand in his pants pocket, the other just withdrawn from the glass door, his lips curled into a slight smile as he gazed at her deeply, the vermilion mole at the corner of his eye shockingly vivid under the cold moonlight.

Stella hurriedly opened the glass door to the balcony, and a gust of early winter breeze rushed in, making her shiver involuntarily.

The next second, she was wrapped in a cold embrace, the fresh scent of cold wood mingling with the unique clarity of the winter night, enveloping her dominantly.

"Are you crazy?!" Stella exclaimed in shock and urgency, raising a hand to hit him, touching the slightly cool fabric of his coat, "On such a cold night, you climbed the balcony? What if you fell?!"

Shane chuckled lowly, his chest vibrating, his arms pulling her tighter.

"I came to deliver a peace of mind to my fiancée."

He lowered his head, brushing his nose against her slightly cool nose, his voice deep and magnetic, "And to see if my star is more effective than Aladdin’s Lamp."

Looking at his handsome face so close, all of Stella’s unease and anxiety melted away in that moment.

Her heart felt filled with warm honey, both soft and full.

"Idiot..." she mumbled softly, yet her mouth couldn’t help but turn up into a wide smile, as she wrapped her arms around his lean waist and buried her face in his cool neck.

Shane sensed her dependence, his eyes smiling even more deeply. He lowered his head to plant a kiss on the top of her hair.

Stella felt her heart soften and suddenly remembered something, asking, "How did you get up here? My room is on the second floor."

Shane raised an eyebrow, "Naturally, I climbed up."

"..."

Stella imagined the scene of Rhys Lennox, the president of Innovatech Bio and the Crown Prince of The Donovan Family, scaling the walls of The Sterling Villa in the middle of the night, and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

"What’s so funny?" Shane bent down, placing both hands on either side of her, trapping her in a small space, his gaze dark and locking onto her, "Not satisfied with your agile future husband?"

"Satisfied, very satisfied." Stella laughed, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck, planting a light kiss on his lips. "That’s your reward."

Shane’s eyes darkened, clearly not satisfied with just a fleeting touch, deepening the kiss naturally.

Unlike the usual domineering plunder, this kiss was gentle and lingering, full of endless tenderness and comfort, meticulously tracing the shape of her lips and patiently guiding her response, until their breaths quickened and he reluctantly let go.

Foreheads resting against each other, breaths mingling.

"Go to sleep." He gently rubbed her slightly swollen lips with his thumb, his voice hoarse, "I’ll leave after you fall asleep."

Stella was indeed a bit sleepy, and her heart was completely at ease.

She snuggled into the blanket, leaving only a pair of bright eyes watching him: "Then tell me a story."

Shane chuckled, flicking her forehead with a finger: "Getting greedy?"

Despite his words, he still sat next to her bed, adjusting his posture so she could lie more comfortably.

He didn’t tell a story, but slowly described the engagement banquet itinerary to her, which steps to pay attention to, and which guests might greet her, his voice calm and reassuring.

Listening to his deep voice and feeling the warmth of his presence, Stella’s eyelids gradually became heavy.

In a haze, she felt a gentle kiss fall on her forehead and heard him whisper, "Good night."

She unconsciously curled her lips and drifted into a dream.

...

The next day, before dawn, The Sterling Villa was already brightly lit.

The engagement banquet was set at a top-notch private estate owned by The Donovan Family.

From early morning, professionals like stylists, dressmakers, and photographers began filling Stella’s room.

Sitting at the dressing table, the girl in the mirror had her brows and eyes meticulously outlined, long hair styled up to reveal a graceful swan neck.

The traditional dress was a hand-embroidered dragon and phoenix gown, gold and silver threads weaving intricate patterns on a red base fabric.

When Stella was finally dressed and standing in front of the immense full-length mirror, even she felt a bit dazed.

The reflection was almost unreal in its beauty.

As she finished, she slowly descended the stairs, catching the awe in both Theodore and Aidan Sterling’s eyes in the living room.

Aidan stepped forward, extending his arm for his sister to take.

"Brother." Stella took her older brother’s solid arm, feeling secure and warm inside.

Aidan looked at her, his gaze complex, but ultimately just gave her hand a gentle pat, "Let’s go, brother will escort you."

Meanwhile, at The Donovan Family private estate, today was a grand gathering.

A red carpet stretched from the main gate to the inner courtyard, surrounded by flowers.

All of Kaelon’s social and business elites were present.

Reporters were held in designated zones, cameras aimed at the highly anticipated engagement banquet.

Old Mr. Donovan, wearing a dark red traditional outfit, appeared sharp and full of energy, laughing and chatting with old friends.

Old Mrs. Donovan sat in a grand chair beside him, wearing a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, occasionally casting a quick, restless glance towards the entrance.

Philip Donovan moved among the guests, smoothly and socially, exchanging knowing looks with Beatrice Donovan from across the room.

Beatrice, dressed elegantly today with pearl necklaces and diamond brooches, still couldn’t hide the tension between her brows.

She clutched a delicate handbag tightly, her fingertips whitening from the pressure.

Inside it, lay that troublesome little vial.

Today, Shane Donovan, in a custom-tailored black velvet suit, donned with a diamond pin, stood tall and outstanding, his aura compelling him to be the center of attention anywhere he went.

He was conversing with a few business titans, speaking calmly and with strong presence.

Beatrice seized a moment, smiling warmly as she approached with a wine glass, "Shane, congratulations! Your aunt toasts to you..."

Before she could finish, more guests approached Shane to extend their greetings, cutting her off.

Beatrice stood frozen with her wine glass, her smile barely hanging on.

Once, twice, three times...

Every time she tried to get close, someone or something interrupted her.

If it wasn’t a key partner, it was a family elder, or the event schedule.

As the engagement ceremony was about to officially start, with the couple about to enter, Beatrice was sweating with anxiety, her heart pounding like a drum.

If she didn’t act now, she would really miss her chance!

Her eyes frantically searched the room, finally fixating on the striking golden hair in the corner of the banquet hall...

Rhys Lennox, rare in a proper black suit today, though tieless, with a couple of shirt buttons casually undone, his short golden hair still catching the eye.

He leaned against a carved pillar, head bent, his long fingers swiftly operating on a phone screen, completely absorbed in his own game world, out of sync with the surrounding bustle.

Beatrice took a deep breath, tightened her grip on her purse, and quickly walked over.

"Rhys!"