bChapter /bb645 /b

    A deep male voice came from above my head, making me freeze in ce as I was bending down.

    b+2 /b

    The next second, arge hand gripped my phone and handed it to me. “Running away the second you see me? Am I really that hard to be around?”

    I looked up at Edward, and there was a hint of disappointment between his brows.

    “Mr. Jennings, what are you doing here?” I asked, pretending I’d just noticed him.

    Seeing me trying to y tricks, Edward looked at me, not sure whether tough or be annoyed. He stared for a moment before saying, “I’m here for work, not to bump into you.”

    “Alright, I’ll let you get back to it. I won’t bother you,” I said, gathering up my skirt and getting ready to leave.

    But Edward suddenly reached out and grabbed my arm.

    “Mr. Jennings, you…” I jumped in surprise. Nathan was still waiting for me in the banquet hall.

    If he saw me here, getting pulled around by Edward, it definitely wouldn’t look good.

    Edward looked me up and down, his gaze deep and lingering. “That dress looks stunning on you. It really matches your vibe. Did a special guy pick it out for you himself?”

    Iwas caught off guard, not even sure how to respond.

    Edward nced toward the banquet hall. “I think I just saw Nathan in there.”

    My breath caught. Edward had helped Nathan out of a crisis before and even invested in his techpany, pretty much

    saving it.

    ‘Could Edward actually be jealous of Nathan?‘ I wondered.

    They say when a woman gets jealous, the consequences can be serious.

    I wasn’t about to risk finding out if it was just as bad when a man got jealous.

    “Mr. Jennings, let’s not mix things up. Nathan is my friend, so please…”

    “Don’t worry, I won’t put any pressure on him,” Edward said, catching the worry in my eyes. His brow furrowed. “You really care about him.”

    I was instantly at a loss for words. When you’re at the bottom, even the smallest thought can leave you on edge.

    “Yes, he’s my friend,” I said softly, lowering my gaze.

    Edward let go of my hand and said calmly, “Alright, got it. If you want to leave now, I won’t stop you. But if you’re sneaking off because you feel guilty, trust me–I can see right through you.”

    “I’m not,” I shot back, looking up quickly.

    b13:19 /bbWed/b, b17 /bbSept /b

    0% b49/bb% /b

    But Edward ignored me, turning on his heel and heading back toward the banquet hall, his tall figure moving away.

    My heart felt like it had been dunked in ice water and then tossed into a fire, and my head was spinning as I stumbled back into the banquet hall.

    As soon as I turned the corner, I spotted Nathan talking to Edward. I immediately hugged the wall, not daring to step out just yet.

    After waiting a bit, I snuck another look–Nathan was already chatting with someone else.

    Edward had wandered off somewhere else too.

    I slipped back to Nathan’s side, and he handed me a ss of red wine. “You were gone for a while. Everything okay?”

    Nathan really was the considerate type, and the way he spoke

    gently just made me feel even more guilty.

    I took a sip of wine to cover up my guilt and said, “No, I’m fine. Just had to take a call.”

    Nathan didn’t seem to think anything of it. He slipped his arm around my shoulders and introduced me to the guy next to us, who shot us a knowing look, like he was reading between the lines.

    “Nathan, I’ve got ss tomorrow. I’ll stay a little longer, then I’ll head out,” I said softly.

    Nathan probably thought I felt out of ce, not knowing anyone here and just being bored.

    “Alright, I heard there’s going to be a danceter. How about you dance with me, and then I’ll have the driver take you home to rest?” His amber eyes lit up with anticipation.

    I bit my lip, thinking about how Nathan had gone out of his way today–getting me this beautiful dress and even gifting me

    a set of expensive jewelry. If I didn’t at least show him a little appreciation, it would feel pretty ungrateful.

    “Alright!” I agreed.

    About ten minutester, sure enough, the music started up and all the guys with their dates took to the dance floor, spinning andughing as they started to dance.

    Nathan suddenly looked a bit shy and leaned in to whisper in my ear, “Victoria, honestly… I just learned how to dance from someonei. /iIf I mess up or step on your toes, just stop me, okay?”

    AD

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