My Secret Billionaire Husband Chapter 2832 - 2842: Her Chances Become Even Greater

Annie Lawrence, despite her irritation, felt a surge of excitement. The more Frank Parker focused on that insignificant woman, the greater her own prospects became. Tonight presented an ideal scenario. A man who intentionally intoxicates himself is easily swayed. Once Frank was inebriated, her advantages would multiply. For Annie, everything hinged on this evening. If her plan unfolded perfectly... she could ensnare Frank tonight. She possessed numerous methods to make Frank utterly dependent on her, much like she had successfully done with David Benington previously. Annie had always acknowledged her inability to rival Joanna in physical appearance; even with cosmetic surgery to mimic Joanna's features, she fell short. Consequently, she directed her efforts elsewhere. Attractive looks are fleeting, Annie mused, and once the initial fascination fades, they lose their appeal. However, if... she could cultivate a man's comfort and dependence, that would be a different matter entirely. While she couldn't compete with Joanna's beauty, she harbored absolute confidence in her prowess in other areas. "That little wretch looks as bland as a fence post," Annie thought. "She's just lucky she hasn't caught Ashton yet. Otherwise, no man who's experienced my charms would ever be interested in such a dullard." Driven by her ambition to succeed, Annie approached the lobby elevator with a smile. Moments later, the elevator doors parted, revealing two men with stern visages. At that instant, Annie's thoughts were consumed by Frank, leaving no room to notice anyone else. Conversely, the two men emerging from the elevator immediately detected her presence. As their gazes simultaneously landed on Annie, surprise flickered across their faces before they swiftly averted their eyes, acting as if nothing had occurred. They then exited the elevator. Unaware of their observation, Annie, her mind captivated by her aspirations for social advancement, entered the elevator with an expression of confident anticipation. Just as the elevator doors began to close, one of the two men who had just exited produced his mobile phone, swiftly capturing her image before pocketing the device just as quickly. Annie, lost in her daydreams, remained oblivious to this action. The elevator doors sealed shut, and the two men, who had seemed intent on leaving, exchanged glances. After a brief pause, they altered their course, pressing the button for a different elevator. * Joanna re-entered the private room. Porter Rushbrook surveyed her and inquired with suspicion, "Joanna, where did you vanish to? Why did it take you so long to return? Had you been gone a few more minutes, Kelvin Norman and I would have come searching for you." "Didn't I mention I was using the restroom?" Joanna had no intention of informing Porter and Kelvin about her encounter with Frank or the subsequent clandestine photography by a reporter. After all, the situation had been managed. She gracefully returned to her seat, retrieved a glass of juice from the table, and replied nonchalantly. "You were absent for quite an extended period," Porter stated, his brow furrowed. "Was I? Perhaps I simply took too long with my makeup." She fabricated a plausible excuse with ease. "You women are so tedious. It's just Kelvin and me here; who are you trying to impress with your makeup? Alright, alright, let's resume. I refuse to accept these losses. If I don't win a single round tonight, I'll forfeit my name and be known only as Rushbrook!" Porter's eyes were red from continuous defeat. Misfortune was clearly etched upon his face. Joanna had barely settled into her seat and had not yet had a moment to relax before he eagerly beckoned her back to continue their card game. * Upon exiting the elevator, Annie observed a waiter approaching Frank's private room, carrying a bottle of wine and a fruit platter. A fleeting glint appeared in her eyes as she jogged to catch up with the waiter, then leaned in to convey a few words privately to him.