Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 167

On the day of the gala, Wren completely ignored the gowns sent over by the Langford family.

Eleanor had arranged for three options to be delivered.

One was champagne, one silver-gray, and the last was a deep navy. The sizing was perfect, and even matching shoes were included. When the boxes arrived at the Stellaris Medical reception desk, Phoebe opened them, took one look, and let out a dry laugh.

"The Langford family certainly has a consistent aesthetic. Pure stepford wife material."

Wren stared at them coldly before rejecting the delivery entirely.

She told the receptionist to send them back.

At six o'clock, she changed into a sleek black dress she had bought herself.

The design was minimalist, with sharp lines framing her neck and shoulders and absolutely no distracting sequins. The red marks on her wrist had faded, but under the harsh lights, a faint shadow was still visible. She didn't bother trying to cover it up, choosing only to wear a slim watch.

Leaning against the doorframe, Phoebe approved. "Not bad. You look like you're about to run a boardroom, not play arm candy."

Wren adjusted her earring. "That's exactly what I'm here to do."

Maya Merritt knocked on the open door. "The car is here. And Julian just arrived too."

Wren paused, her hand hovering over her purse.

When she walked out, Julian York was standing in the corridor. He wore a dark suit, his tie neatly loosened. He didn't offer any empty compliments about her appearance; instead, his gaze dropped straight to her wrist.

"Does it still hurt?"

"No."

"Good."

Phoebe cleared her throat loudly. "Alright you two, we're heading into a war zone tonight, not a follow-up consultation."

Julian chuckled and pressed the elevator button for her. "I know."

The elevator descended.

Wren stared at their reflections in the polished metal doors.

Phoebe was clutching a document envelope, Maya was double-checking her laptop bag, and Julian stood at a respectful distance. She suddenly flashed back to the very first time she had accompanied Lawrence to a gala—which had also been the last.

She had been confined to the dressing room at The Langford Estate for two miserable hours.

Eleanor had complained that her lipstick was too understated, forcing the stylist to start over completely. Lawrence had grown impatient waiting downstairs, finally snapping, "Hurry up."

She had been terrified that night.

Terrified of walking wrong, speaking wrong, and humiliating the Langford family.

She was anxious tonight, too.

But for entirely different reasons.

She was afraid Vivian Vance's name would be buried yet again, afraid Langford Medical would use Stellaris Medical as a mere stepping stone, and afraid that the photo from The Records Room would leak at the absolute worst possible moment.

As for whether or not she humiliated the Langford family?

She truly couldn't care less.

When they arrived at the hotel entrance, the media was already swarming the red carpet.

The Southside Medical Foundation's 30th Anniversary Medical Gala was an incredibly high-profile event. The city's top medical professionals, hospital executives, equipment manufacturers, and charity organizations were all in attendance.

The second Wren stepped out of the car, the whispers started.

"Is that Mrs. Langford?"

"I thought they were getting a divorce?"

"Isn't that Dr. Julian York next to her? What is he doing with Stellaris Medical?"

The voices were hushed.

But just loud enough for her to catch every word.

Phoebe tilted her head. "Do you want me to turn around and glare them into silence?"

"Don't bother," Wren replied.

She marched forward.

As soon as they reached the registration desk, the foundation's secretariat staff hurried over, their smiles strained.

"Ms. Whitaker, Mr. Langford is already inside. The senior board members requested that you and your husband make a joint entrance."

"I'm checking in as the Stellaris Representative."

The staff member's smile cracked further. "Ah... unfortunately, you're still listed under Mr. Langford's family seating on the guest list."

Wren looked down at the sign-in book.

Sure enough, the line read: Lawrence Langford and Wife.

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