Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Don’t Mess Around, She’s My Wife

"Kyle, what are you saying?" Sophie Hughes gently admonished. "Noelle is Tristan’s wife. The only reason Adrian and Hugo are nice to her is out of respect for Tristan. You can’t say things like that anymore."

Adrian Grant, however, said nothing.

The three of them walked into the banquet hall to wish Old Master Sterling a happy birthday.

Noelle Sutton had just signed for the delivery when Hugo Sterling came over.

Noelle had gone to the restroom a little while earlier. When Hugo Sterling still hadn’t seen her in the banquet hall, he got worried and went looking for her, concerned that her inability to speak might put her at a disadvantage.

Noelle Sutton typed a line on her phone, "Mr. Sterling, could you please find two people to help me carry something? This is the birthday gift I prepared for your grandfather."

Hugo Sterling immediately arranged for the staff greeting guests at the entrance to come and carry the birthday gift.

Afterward, they walked inside together.

Inside the banquet hall, many people were giving birthday gifts to Old Master Sterling.

Tessa Lawson had originally planned to complain about Hugo Sterling to Old Master Sterling, but seeing how busy he was, she could only bottle up her frustration for the time being.

In the blink of an eye, Sophie Hughes, Kyle Sawyer, and Adrian Grant came in together.

When Tessa Lawson caught sight of Sophie Hughes, her expression soured.

However, the matter between Sophie Hughes and Tristan Lawson never went beyond the Lawson and Hughes families.

Aside from Tristan Lawson’s three best friends, no one else knew.

On the surface, Sophie Hughes was still the young lady of the Hughes Family, and to Tristan and Tessa, she was their younger maternal aunt.

Representing their respective families, Kyle Sawyer and Adrian Grant presented their birthday gifts to Old Master Sterling.

When it was Sophie Hughes’s turn to present her birthday gift, Hugo Sterling courteously led Noelle Sutton in.

However, at that moment, everyone’s attention was on Old Master Sterling.

Only Tessa Lawson noticed.

’She was incredibly irritated. She had no idea what had gotten into Hugo Sterling, acting so polite and gentlemanly toward a mute.’

Old Master Sterling was fond of smoking aged tobacco in a pipe, so Sophie Hughes had a special jadeite pipe crafted for him.

"Uncle Sterling, this was made from a piece of vintage jadeite my father had in his collection. I found an artisan whose craft has been passed down for nearly a century to create it especially for you. See how it feels in your hand. I hope you like it."

It was emerald green, of a glassy variety so translucent it was almost like crystal. Even a tiny cabochon of such quality would be priceless, let alone an entire pipe.

"My dear girl, your presence is gift enough. You shouldn’t have brought something so valuable."

Old Master Sterling quite liked it. He held it in his hand, turning it over to admire it. It was, after all, a vintage piece, and it possessed a profound character that only time could bestow.

"What’s most important is that you like it, Uncle Sterling. Many happy returns of the day. I wish you good health and a long, prosperous life."

Old Master Sterling said amiably, "Such a sensible girl. When you see your father, please send him my regards. Quick, have a seat."

Although Sophie Hughes was adopted by the Hughes Family, they doted on her. This was especially true after Tristan Lawson’s mother passed away. They treated Sophie like their own flesh and blood, cherishing her as a precious treasure. As a result, no one in their social circle dared to look down on her.

She had also been raised by the Hughes Family to be a perfect lady.

A sophisticated and poised young lady like her was exactly the type that the older generation adored.

Furthermore, her birthday gift had been a hit with Old Master Sterling, and many of the other elders present were singing Sophie Hughes’s praises.

Sophie Hughes, with a radiant smile, handled the praise with practiced grace.

Noelle Sutton couldn’t help but feel a pang of inadequacy. She had married into a wealthy family, yet she had never attended a single banquet. She could clearly feel how much she didn’t belong.

Hugo Sterling seemed to sense her unease and called out toward Old Master Sterling, "Grandfather, the distinguished guest you asked me to invite has arrived."

Hugo Sterling’s voice was loud and clear, instantly drawing everyone’s gaze.

Old Master Sterling also raised his cloudy gaze.

The banquet hall fell silent for a few seconds. After the pin-drop silence, someone suddenly spoke up. "Which family’s young lady is this? How come I’ve never seen her before? She’s so beautiful."

"I know, right? And she has such a wonderful presence. Don’t tell me she’s Hugo’s girlfriend?"

Tessa Lawson was instantly annoyed. "What nonsense are you all talking about?"

It was one thing for her to despise Noelle Sutton, but Noelle was Tristan’s wife. How could they just pair her off with another man like that?

Hugo Sterling said courteously to Noelle Sutton, "Come with me to see my grandfather."

Old Master Sterling kept his eyes fixed on Noelle Sutton, feeling she looked very familiar.

The sense of familiarity wasn’t because of her grandmother, but he couldn’t quite place where he’d seen her before.

In the end, Old Master Sterling stopped dwelling on it. He figured it was probably just because of her grandmother after all.

"Young lady, come over here."

Old Master Sterling beckoned to Noelle Sutton.

Seeing Old Master Sterling’s kind and benevolent expression, Noelle Sutton followed Hugo Sterling to his side.

Noelle Sutton gave a respectful bow to Old Master Sterling, then turned and gestured for the staff to bring her gift forward.

Hugo Sterling knew Noelle Sutton couldn’t speak, so he spoke on her behalf. "Grandfather, this is the birthday gift Noelle prepared for you."

At this moment, Tristan Lawson also entered the banquet hall. He didn’t come closer, however, instead standing next to Smith and chatting with him.

The call he had just taken was from Smith. Smith and his mother had arrived rather early and had been at Sterling Villa since the afternoon.

When he saw Smith, they came in together.

Smith noticed Noelle Sutton as well. She had a calm and tranquil demeanor; just by standing there, she seemed to quiet the restless energy of the room around her.

Her looks and bearing were particularly striking. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Smith turned his head to Tristan Lawson and said, "Tristan, you’re close with Hugo, right? Is that beautiful girl his girlfriend?"

Tristan Lawson saw the interest in Smith’s eyes.

His expression suddenly turned cold.

Of course, he had spotted that familiar, delicate figure the moment he entered the banquet hall.

He was not pleased.

Smith’s interest only stoked his anger, and his voice was low as he replied, "No."

"That’s fantastic! I really like her. I’m going to go after her."

With that, Smith raised his wine glass and started to walk over.

Tristan Lawson grabbed his arm.

Westerners weren’t as reserved as Easterners when it came to romance; they were often very direct. Tristan Lawson knew that if he didn’t stop him, Smith would absolutely go and confess his feelings to Noelle Sutton, and might even dare to greet her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Tristan, what are you doing?" Confusion was written all over Smith’s handsome features. "Don’t hold me back. A girl that beautiful is bound to have tons of guys after her. This is the first time I’ve ever met a girl who’s made my heart pound like this. I need to make my move, and fast."

Tristan Lawson clenched his jaw, his voice dangerously low. "I’m serious. She’s my wife."

"Your wife?" Smith was utterly astonished. "I’ve never heard a thing about you getting married. Tell me, have you fallen for her too, so you’re lying and saying she’s your wife to get rid of me? Tristan, you don’t have to be like that. We can compete fairly. I won’t let the fact that we’ve fallen for the same girl affect our friendship."