Married a Secret Billionaire
Chapter 1277

"The aim of today's charity gala is to raise funds." Janine chuckled. "Albert, speaking of charity, I'm afraid no one can compare to the Harpers." Albert nodded with a smile and exchanged pleasantries.

Toph sneered and whispered to Zuko, "I remember this old man used to love faking smiles when we were kids. I never thought he'd still be doing it after so many years. "Bro, I heard there's a beauty treatment where they inject stuff to lift the corners of your mouth so it won't droop. Do you think he has had this procedure?"

"Hush!" Zuko glanced at him just as Albert turned their way.

"The Hamerton heirs have grown so big!"

Toph forced the same fake smile he had just grumbled about. "Heh! Nice to meet you, Uncle Albert!"

Zuko nodded in greeting.

Albert squinted as he carefully examined the two brothers, his gaze lingering on Zuko.

"I heard that Zuko's already engaged? The woman who can win over the eldest Hamerton heir must be no ordinary girl, right?" Albert said.

Zuko waited with an indifferent expression.

Albert added, "The young lady seems to have some shady connections in the underworld?"

Zuko smiled and said, "Uncle Albert, you surely don't believe in baseless rumors, do you?"

Albert rebuked, "Desiree told me the young lady looks dashing when she holds a gun!"

"Really?" Zuko answered nonchalantly, "It's a coincidence that I heard something recently, too. The Harper Group is embezzling its charity foundation... Uncle Albert, should I believe this?" Albert was taken aback and did not answer.

Janine grinned and tried to smooth things over. "Of course you shouldn't believe it! Several generations have managed the Harpers' charity work. Now, the responsibility has fallen to Desiree. She's been clever and eager to learn since childhood. She's also gentle and kind, making her a perfect candidate to manage the foundation."

"Yes, Madam Baker's right!" Albert smiled. "Those rumors are groundless and shouldn't be taken seriously!"

Janine discreetly signaled Zuko with her eyes. "Zuko, I think most of the celebrities are already here, and their performances have been going on for a while. Should we move on to the next part?" Zuko understood and immediately gestured for his assistant to go backstage.

Soon, a promotional video began playing on the large screen.

The video showcased scenes of joy and harmony at the welfare institution. The shiny entrance, especially, looked grand.

The audience clapped their hands in response to the atmosphere and the scene.

Albert straightened his back, acknowledging the people around with his gaze. He felt noble.

Desiree felt triumphant, her gaze a thorny provocation that made Lina uncomfortable. Lina forced a smile and raised her glass in a silent toast.

A voice came from beside Lina just then. "What a joke!"

Lina was startled to see Lena staring coldly at Desiree as she ate a piece of watermelon. Lena chewed and spat out the seeds.

Lina had brought Lena into her circle, and they had gotten along well. Although Lena had a mysterious air about her, it did not affect their friendship. After all, Lena was the one who had gotten the kids to splash water on Desiree at the welfare institution. As such, she couldn't be left out of this charity gala.

Lina couldn't help but chuckle when she saw Lena acting so cute and lively, a stark contrast to her usual cold demeanor.

"Alright, she's glaring at me!" Lina whispered with a smile. "Why are you getting angry?"

Lena spoke frankly. "I can't stand that look on her face. It's the look of a small-minded person who's gotten a taste of power."