Chapter 24
Cindy stood out in her elegant yellow dress and wless makeup, exuding the air of a pampered princess. She held onto Bruce''s arm unabashedly
throughout the upscale event.
Suddenly, it clicked for me. I realized that Cindy was the only person who could change Bruce''s mind.
Coincidentally, Richard also knew Bruce. "Mr. Harold, you''re quite the sess story. Your aplishments are really something to be proud of,"
Richard praised Bruce.
Bruce, apparently ustomed to such praise, responded nonchntly, "Helix Group has truly made its mark in the industry. We still have much to.
learn from Mr. Fowler."
As the two business moguls chatted, Caroline and I quietly stood aside, not wanting to interrupt. However, Cindy spoke up, "So, you''re the famous
Mr. Fowler? It''s an honor to meet you."
Richard nced at Cindy and gave her a faint smile, but his smile didn''t reach his eyes.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.
Both Caroline and I were familiar with this look: it was the arrogance of someone in a superior position.
While Richard was only being polite, his response made Cindy look embarrassed. She pursed her lips as if she had been mistreated.
"Hungry?" Bruce asked Cindy, sensing her unease. "Let''s get you something to eat."
Bruce smoothly changed the subject and gave Cindy a chance to escape the awkward situation. He was really looking out for her.
When I saw the relief on Cindy''s face, I instinctively raised my ss, but Dous stopped me. He ordered me a juice instead. "You have a weak
stomach, so it''s better not to drink too much."
Actually, Caroline had already diluted my drink with mineral water, but seeing Dous''s sincere concern, I switched to juice anyway.
Richardughed. "Mr. Irvin really knows how to cherish thedies."
Dous didn''t respond and changed the topic to the inte. I took the opportunity to look for Caroline, who had excused herself to the restroom.
As I walked a few steps, I saw Caroline hiding in a corner, looking anxious. I approached her and asked, "What''s wrong?”
Caroline looked annoyed. "It''s a small world. I ran into someone I know."
"Your ex-husband?"
"No," Caroline nced outside. "Samuel."
Oh, the PR manager she was trying to poach? What happened? Why was she hiding from him?
Caroline avoided my gaze and said, "Well, we got a little... involved."
It took me a moment to understand what she meant, and then it dawned on me.
I thought it was just a casual thing
between twetconsenting adults. We
both got what we wanted. But just->
now, he e Suddenly said he wantecto
talk tame again," Caroline saickwith
a disdain. “It was clear that he was
tryfig to take advantage of me."
Both got what they wanted? Was this how casual rtionships between men and women worked?
Seeing my silence, Caroline spoke
gently, "NangeI I know what you''re
thinking. RS snormal to have >
romanti&ideals when you''re young,
But inshis day and age, sleeping’
togetiier doesn''t mean you''ll grow
olctogether, and even marriage
déesn''t guarantee fidelity““Content
belongs to NovelDrama.Org
Caroline had gone through a brief, failed marriage. So, she would often remind me not to harbor illusions about men.
Her words suddenly cleared up the doubts that had been bothering me all evening.
So, my rtionship with Bruce was simple and straightforward—we both got what we wanted. That was fine with me.
Toward theend of the party,
Caroline fad already made her =
escape. Dous, worried about me
going back alone, stopped me at the
hotel entrance. Content bngs to
NovelDrama.Org 7
"It''s notte, I can go back alone."
"No one would feel at ease letting a pretty girl go home alone .”
I was about to refuse when I saw Bruce and Cindye out of the hall. At that moment, I changed my mind. “Okay then."
We sat together in the backseat of the car. I hadn''t drunk much, but soon after getting in, my stomach started churning.
Dous noticed and asked the driver to pull over. Momentster, I was hunched over a roadside trash can, throwing up unceremoniously.
I was so embarrassed that I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.