Chapter 227 Genevieve asked directly, watching his every look and reaction without blinking. The subdued light outside the window cast a hazy glow, accentuating the contours of his face. It made them appear even more profound. He merely furrowed his brows slightly, then showed a surprised expression. “It was Anthony who sent them away. I didn’t delve into it, but he should know with so many people he dispatched.” Genevieve watched his bewildered expression, feeling increasingly conflicted. For a moment, she couldn’t discern whose words were true. friend “That hospital was recommended by a friend of a friend of mine. If you want to know, I can have my inquire about it. But why are you suddenly thinking about them?” Louis asked, patiently soothing her. Genevieve smiled. “Anthony told me they’ve disappeared.” Louis fell silent upon hearing that. His emotions shifted swiftly, leaving Genevieve unable to discern them. He took a deep breath, twirling a black ring on his left middle finger. It was a decorative piece she hadn’t seen before. His fingers were slender and clean, almost like a work of art. Then, he scoffed, “Did he suggest I’ve hidden them? To threaten him? Genevieve, I’m not that despicable. Those are my family members, too. And they are old. It seems he’s unhappy with my return to Hoffman Group. My presence threatens him, so he’s trying to deal with me this way.” Louis suddenly grasped her hand. His large hand felt cool against hers. His deep and enigmatic gaze locked onto hers. Emotions swirled within Genevieve, which she couldn’t quite Identify. “Do you trust me, Genevieve?” 1/5 Don’t Be Stupid, Use a Hydraulic Press Machine A Chapter 22I Genevieve met his gaze, smiling as she placed her hand on the back of his. “Of course, I believe you,” she replied, her heart secretly sneering. In fact, she didn’t believe either of them. They both seemed intent on dragging her down. Hence, believing in either was futile. She only believed in herself. Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall. Outside, a drizzle fell, leaving traces of dampness on the ground that quickly disappeared into the carpet. Louis alighted from the car, taking the umbrella from the driver and opening Genevieve’s door to shelter her from the rain. Not a single hair out of place, Genevieve smiled as she looped her arm through his, stepping inside confidently. With experience, she was becoming accustomed to such occasions. Inside the banquet hall, the lights were bright and colorful, dazzling and radiant. Genevieve could tell immediately that this wasn’t an ordinary event. Almost every prominent figure from the business world was present.. As soon as she entered, she attracted the attention of many. But approaching her was Anthony, tall and imposing. This was the first time Anthony and Louis had appeared together in public. People noticed their slight resemblance but quickly dismissed it. Anthony’s features were colder and sharper, his green eyes harboring a hint of chill beneath his calm smile. Meanwhile, Louis exuded a softer, more refined aura, making him more approachable, like basking in a warm 2/5 Chapter 22! spring breeze. Genevieve also noticed Anthony’s companion, Stella. Stella wore a high–end outfit, the length just covering her calves, adorned with pearls and jewels. As she work in the entertainment industry, she knew what stood out. However, compared to Genevieve’s ensemble, Stella’s fell short. Genevieve’s glowing complexion and exquisite collarbone were incredibly eye–catching, her flawless face sparking envy in Stella. Stella got even more envious when she saw Genevieve’s haute couture, which she had no access to borrow. However, she didn’t forget her main task and greeted Genevieve and Louis with a smile, “Mr. Fallon, Ms. Lawrence, you both look amazing today!” Louis smiled, responding with a gracious smile, “Thank you, not as perfectly matched as you and Mr. Hoffman.” Stella shyly lowered her head and smiled as she glanced at Anthony. Upon seeing him staring emotionlessly at Genevieve, her smile vanished. A director of the company approached them. “Louis, Mr. Hoffman has been waiting inside for quite some time.” Louis paused and nodded. “I’ll be right there.” As Louis and Genevieve entered together, Presley and Quincey watched them. Their thoughts were entirely different. Quincey had never had a good impression of Louis, and with Presley suddenly favoring him, it made her feel a sense of crisis. She had organized this banquet reluctantly, but since Presley had insisted, she couldn’t refuse. He said if she didn’t want to host it, she could pass it on to someone else. However, there was no way she would give up the power she held. 3/5 Don’t Be Stupid, Use a Hydraulic Press Machine A Chapter 227 She wasn’t like the proud Linda. Seeing Louis and Genevieve together only fueled Quincey’s frustration. If Genevieve were still the impoverished woman she once was, Quincey would have relished the spectacle. But now, Genevieve, the heiress of Lawrence Group, was coupled with Louis, Meanwhile, Anthony’s fiancée was a lunatic, and his companion was an obscure starlet. All this was enough to make her blood boil. She had expected Genevieve to come over and exchange pleasantries, but instead, Genevieve merely nodded in acknowledgment and walked away. Genevieve was modestly polite. As Genevieve turned away, she saw Selene waving and beckoning to her. She smiled and walked over. “You’re here, too?” Selene raised her eyebrows and said unscrupulously, “If I had known you were coming, I wouldn’t have come reluctantly. The Campbell family and the Hoffman family have a good relationship. Of course, they will attend. Mrs. Campbell invited me to come along because Aiden’s identity makes it difficult for her to bring other women.” In reality, Genevieve had come reluctantly, too. Hence, she understood Selene instantly. She remembered the incident at the mall when she saw Aiden and Cecilia. “Has the matter with the child been resolved?” Selene shrugged indifferently. “Who knows? I’m not prepared to be a stepmother anyway. How he deals with it is his business. He might end up raising an illegitimate child.” The two of them sat down nearby, where it was quieter. Selene waved her hand. “Let’s not dwell on unhappy matters. Look, Ms. Hoffman seems like a changed person, doesn’t she?” Genevieve followed her gaze. 4/5 In the distance, Lauraine danced gracefully in the ballroom, dressed in a beautiful gown, looking like a delicate princess, innocent and harmless. Her eyes twinkled with joy, appearing genuinely happy. She seemed like a different person from the weak patient she had been in the hospital a while ago. Selene chuckled. “It’s because the man of her dreams is back, and he didn’t blame her. Instead, he’s become her father’s right–hand man. So, she’s happy, thinking she has another chance.” Genevieve was momentarily surprised, but then she understood instantly, It was because of Louis.. It seemed that she didn’t know that Louis was her half–brother. However, this secret wouldn’t stay hidden for long. Genevieve chuckled lightly as she shook her head. She chatted and laughed with Selene, but Selene was soon summoned by Scarlett to socialize. Genevieve decided to go to the restroom. However, just as she reached the door, she heard Lauraine’s voice from inside. “Don’t be fooled by Genevieve’s facade of innocence. She’s ruthless and cunning. She’s the one who drove my sister–in–law to the mental hospital. She’s had countless men around her. Even when she was still married to Tony, she was caught with several men…” 5/5