She Outshines Them All



Most people thought women looked better with long hair than with short, and not many could pull off short hair. But Lindsay was one of the exceptions.

Her short hair worked for her. It didn't hide her face or features and made them stand out even more. Her eyes were bright and full of life.

With her tall frame and that sharp sapphire blue suit, she looked even more impressive totally fitting for a room full of entrepreneurs. Compared to her, Laney seemed a little more delicate, not as imposing.

Lindsay walked up to Brandon, held his arm, then turned to Sebastian. "Feelings aren't something to compare or show off. But you sure love to compete, huh? Who's richer, who's got more status. You think everyone with less money or power should be stepped on."

She raised an eyebrow. "So, when you meet someone richer or more important, do you really think they should just look down on you? Shouldn't you have enough dignity and backbone to not be desperate for their approval?"

"Well said!" The crowd murmured in agreement, impressed by her words.

Sebastian, clearly frustrated, couldn't keep his cool anymore. "You've got a sharp tongue, just like Brandon," he snapped. "If you've got the guts, tell me your name and who you are. Let's see if dignity and backbone really get you anywhere."

Lindsay smiled sweetly. "I'm Lindsay Dudley. I went to school with Brandon before going abroad. We've known each other for seven years."

'Lindsay Dudley?' As Sebastian opened his mouth to say he didn't know her, someone from the crowd cut him off, saying, "Wait, isn't that Mr. Dudley's daughter?"

"Yes, it is Mr. Dudley's daughter!" another voice added, surprised. "I didn't expect her to show up at this kind of event, and that she's Brandon's girlfriend!"

"Isn't the gap between them too big? Do you think the Dudley family will be okay with this?" someone whispered.

Sebastian sneered, "Who's Mr. Dudley? Some small-time director of a random company? Tell me about him, I'll see if I know him."

Just then, his secretary quickly walked up and whispered something in his ear. Sebastian's expression instantly changed. He looked at Lindsay with a mix of shock and fear.

He hadn't expected her to have such a powerful background, and he definitely didn't expect Brandon to be with someone like her.

He gritted his teeth, almost wanting to say to Brandon, "You're really something, huh? Managed to snag another rich heiress." But seeing Lindsay, he held back. Instead, he grabbed his sister with one hand and Zoe with the other. "Let's go."

Laney, still trying to process the fact that Brandon had a girlfriend, turned away, her eyes full of sadness.

Zoe, who came from a wealthy family herself but had never heard of Lindsay, was curious. Once they were a bit away from the party, she asked, "Who's this Lindsay? And who is Mr. Dudley?"

Sebastian sighed and answered, "Mr. Adrian Dudley is a retired big shot from the province. He's done with his career, but he still has a lot of influence, and his family's got deep ties in politics.

"You don't need to know all the details-just don't mess with her."

Zoe was stunned by the info. She felt an uncomfortable knot in her stomach. If Brandon really married into the Dudley family, it would boost the Donovan family's status even more.

And that meant her chances of competing with Athena were slipping away. She felt the gap between her and Athena growing wider, her hopes dimming.

On the other side, Brandon didn't even spare Laney a glance. He looked at Lindsay with a soft smile. "The party is about to start. Let's grab a seat. You're probably hungry."

Lindsay smiled back, her expression warm. "Okay."

As they walked a few steps, a famous entrepreneur and her daughter walked over. The mother, in her fifties or sixties, was healthy and radiant. The daughter, dressed in designer clothes, was in her thirties or forties and gave off an incredibly friendly vibe.

When the mother and daughter saw Lindsay, they greeted her warmly. "Lindsay, long time no see! If I knew you were here, I would've come over sooner."

Lindsay smiled politely. "Hello, Mrs. Ziegler, Jasmine, you both look great! I almost didn't recognize you."

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Jasmine smiled back. "Didn't you apply for immigration? What are you still doing in Kitmore City?" She looked surprised. "If I'd known,4 would've asked you to grab coffee every day."

Lindsay's heart sank at the unintended impact of her words. She cursed quietly to herself, wanting to stop Jasmine from going further, but it was too late.

Brandon had already pulled his arm away and shot her a look—no smile, just a mix of confusion and indifference.

Panicked, Lindsay forced a smile at Madeline Ziegler and Jasmine. "I think my boyfriend dropped something. I'll go help him find it, but I'll catch up with you later."

She quickly pulled Brandon aside. "Brandon, listen, it's not like what she said."

Brandon stayed calm. "Okay, talk to me."

"Well, it's—" Lindsay opened her mouth to explain, but the words got stuck. She knew she couldn't deny it—Jasmine was right.

Lindsay had applied for immigration. She couldn't just pretend she had not.

Brandon paused before giving her a slight smile, You know I'll never

move away, right? You know I'm not marrying someone from another country, but you applied for immigration behind my back, And

you were planning to keep it a

secret, huh?"

"I—" Lindsay started, but she struggled to finish. After a long pause, she sighed. "I did apply for immigration, but it doesn't change how I feel about you."Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"Even if I get citizenship from Aeloria, I'll still be here, with you. I'll stay, I'll work with you, and I'll build a future with you."

Brandon gave a small smile. "You actually think that kind of life is appealing?"

"You want to live abroad, but I only want to stay here. Even when I die, I want to be buried in my hometown. We want completely different things."

"No, we don't." Lindsay replied quickly, "A lot of people from Osceiton to marry foreigners. Where we live after marriage doesn't matter. I could totally live here forever_"

Brandon cut her off, his gaze sharp. "So, you're saying you think of yourself as a foreigner, then?"