Exclusive Love: Pampered by the Scheming Tycoon-Chapter 513 - 494: Rivals Meet

After changing into the gifted outfit, a stylist meticulously applied an exquisite makeup look on Lin Banxia. Her waist-length, jet-black hair was styled elegantly, with its tips slightly curled, woven into a princess braid, and arranged into a loose, graceful updo at the back of her head.

Her delicate, beautiful face was now fully revealed, and Lin Banxia had an entirely renewed glow, her demeanor exuding an air of refined elegance.

Yan Ting sat lazily on a nearby sofa, legs crossed, observing the stunning woman before him with a subtle ripple in his emotions.

Thinking of her tender beauty, Yan Ting felt he’d utterly lost control over himself because of her. If not for the fact that she was pregnant, looking this pure and enchanting, would he ever have let her slip away?

"Here is the jewelry Mr. Huo sent for you, Miss Lin. Allow me to help you put it on," the makeup artist said with a smile.

"Thank you." Lin Banxia’s gorgeous eyes glanced briefly at the distinguished man on the sofa, her heart brimming with sweetness.

Once she was masterfully dressed and prepared, Lin Banxia accompanied Yan Ting out.

The man, noticing her slightly thin evening dress, swiftly removed his suit jacket and wrapped her petite frame securely within its warm folds.

The warmth from his suit mesmerized Lin Banxia, and she instinctively leaned closer into his embrace.

As they reached the banquet venue, Lin Banxia suddenly felt a wave of nervousness wash over her.

"Don’t be afraid. Stay by my side," Yan Ting extended his hand and interlocked his fingers tightly with hers.

Feeling the warmth of his palm, Lin Banxia’s anxiety eased as though a soothing balm had been applied to her heart.

In an instant, she found her confidence and walked lightly beside him into the hall.

The moment Yan Ting entered, the crowd’s eyes were immediately drawn to him—he was, after all, tonight’s focal point.

"Isn’t that Lin Banxia, the woman by Mr. Huo’s side? His ex-wife?"

"What’s going on? Why isn’t it Miss Chu? Has Mr. Huo tangled himself with his ex-wife again?"

"That woman sure has her ways—she actually managed to stand beside Mr. Huo again."

A group of gossiping women, upon realizing Yan Ting was holding Lin Banxia’s hand, were shocked speechless before resuming their whispered speculations.

Droves of guests swarmed over, offering congratulations and well wishes. Yan Ting responded with polite, gentlemanly nods and smiles to everyone.

Not far away, Old Sir Huo sat in the central position of the venue. Seeing his grandson come over, his face lit up with undeniable satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Huo Tianfeng and his son, seated nearby, forced smiles to conceal their true reactions. Yet their eyes revealed a swift gleam of coldness.

Huo Qinglin’s gaze was utterly glued to Lin Banxia.

She was truly stunning tonight, like the purest of pixies.

He recalled the last time on the cruise ship when he’d proposed to Lin Banxia—she had already left an astonishing impression on him then.

Now, her features had grown even more exquisite, rendering her irresistibly captivating.

Huo Tianfeng turned his head, spotting the melancholic, sorrowful look in his son’s expression. His own face twisted with suppressed anger as he glowered at Yan Ting and Lin Banxia.

While others might not understand Huo Qinglin’s feelings for Lin Banxia, Huo Tianfeng had long been aware. His son had been willing to defy even him for that woman, a testament to how deeply he loved her. And now, he had to watch as she stood hand-in-hand with Yan Ting, receiving the crowd’s blessings. Such a torment of love and loss—Huo Tianfeng felt a shared sting of rage.

Hand in hand with Lin Banxia, Yan Ting led her gracefully toward his grandfather.

Lin Banxia accidentally met Huo Qinglin’s gaze. The despair and sorrow in his eyes caused a faint tremor in her heart.

But in merely a second, she shifted her gaze away.

She would not pity Huo Qinglin. In her past life, he had caused her endless suffering and agony. In this lifetime, she was determined to make him feel a similar pain.

Huo Qinglin noticed Lin Banxia averting her eyes, his face sinking further with despondence. His gaze dimmed, devoid of its earlier brightness.