Leanne''s heels clicked against the pavement as she murmured a quick "thanks."
At the top of the steps, Curtis opened a ck umbre he''d taken from someone nearby and
descended to meet her.
Her dress was simple, yet it seemed tailor-made to entuate her figure. The soft, silk fabric in a
muted shade of sky blue clung to her just right, outlining her curves before flowing down into gentle
ripples, much like waves spreading across a calmke.
She was the epitome of grace, untouched by the world''s chaos.
The umbre hovered above Leanne, shielding her perfectly from the drizzle.
The g had begun, the grand hall bustling with the clinking of sses andughter.
Battling the wind and rain, a waiter held the door for them, the warm, inviting scent of wine greeting
them as they stepped inside.
The room was filled with the big shots from ElitePinnacle and VectorVista, all sharing knowing smiles at
the sight of Curtis leading Leanne in. Many came up to greet them, Curtis effortlessly navigating the
social sea with Leanne by his side, engaging in light conversation and handshakes. A Vector Vista
shareholder, who was in his forties, ss in hand, beamed at them,ying it on thick, "What a pleasure
to meet you. I''ve heard about your beauty, but seeing you in person, Mrs. Curtis is truly something else.
Curtis is a lucky man."
Leanne barely registered thepliment, responding politely, "Nice to meet you," as she reached to
shake his hand.
With an air of nonchnce, Curtis lifted his hand for a brief shake before dismissively letting go. "Don''t
be envious. You couldn''t even if you tried." The manughed awkwardly, exchanged a few more
pleasantries, and then, catching the hint, excused himself.
"Why''d you do that?" Leanne asked, puzzled by his suddenck of decorum.
That shareholder was an old goat who slept around. Curtis didn''t want Leanne to hear about his filthy
flings.
"He''s a bit of a sleaze, not the kind of man you want to get friendly with," Curtis dismissed with an
excuse, "Said he''s been eating chicken wings without washing his hands."
Leanne nced around the room, wondering where on earth he''d find chicken wings at a g like this.
Caleb went through the crowd, nodding respectfully at Leanne, "Mrs. Richardson."
Then, turning to Curtis, he whispered, "Mr. Stewart and Keh from Ascend Assurance Bank have
arrived. They''re waiting for you."
Curtis nodded, then turned to Leanne with a tone one might use on a naughty child. "I need to speak
with some guests. Hang around here and grab something to eat if you''re hungry. If you need me, tell
someone to get me."
"Okay," Leanne replied, "I''m twenty-six, remember?"
"Really?" Curtis teased, "You look so childlike. I thought you were six."
Before Leanne could respond, he raised an eyebrow and added, "Twenty-six is better. Or I''d be in
trouble."
Adjusting his tie, Curtis turned to leave with Caleb but then stopped, turning back to seriously warn her,
"My brother''s been through a rough breakup. Jealous of what we have, he might try to stir trouble and
steal you away. Keep your distance, alright?"
Dismissing his overprotective nonsense, Leanne headed to the buffet to grab a slice of cake, ignoring
him.
She hadn''t had time to eat after work and was famished. She picked some of her favorite snacks to tide
her over.
She scanned the room from her spot at the buffet but didn''t see Chuck.
As she set her te down, she overheard a snippet of conversation and someone mentioning "Mr.
Richardson."
Instinctively, Leanne looked up, following the direction of the voice, and her gazended on Phillip,
standing on the southwest side of the hall.
Dressed in a sharp ck suit, he was in conversation with Chuck.
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