Chapter 543


    "What game are you trying to y here? Today is a celebration, not a sports club. Looking to y? You''ve got the wrong address, buddy," Grant fired off, before giving Brown''s hand a firm squeeze, "Let go."


    Instantly, Brown''s face flushed a deep shade of red, clearly pained by Grant''s grip.


    Who would''ve thought Grant had such a strong grip?


    Yet, Brown didn''t release his hold. That''s when I heard a voice I knew all too well, "What''s going on here?"


    As Ernest spoke, he approached, his presencemanding in a sleek ck suit, his gaze fixed on Brown''s hand holding mine.


    Seeing him, Brown''s lips twisted into a smirk. "Mr. Collins, I was just inviting this lovelydy to join a game. She ys hard to get."


    Ernest''s eyes briefly met mine, "And why should she entertain you? Who are you? Who brought you here today?"


    After his trio of cold inquiries, someone whispered into his ear.


    Ernest''s brows furrowed slightly, "Let it be known, both he and his invitee are to be escorted out of the celebration."


    "Hah," Brownughed, "You''re nothing but a stray picked up by the Collins family. Do you really think you have the authority to dismiss me?"


    Before Ernest could respond, his bodyguard stepped forward, ready to intervene, but Ernest raised his hand to stop him.


    Seeing this, Brown smirked provocatively and walked away, but not before whistling at me, "Babe, consider our game on."


    He was so arrogant.


    "What''s his deal?" Grant muttered, turning to Ernest.


    Before Grant could continue, Ernest had already walked away.


    Grant watched Ernest''s retreating figure, then turned to me, noticing my wrist, "Looks like it''s bruised. That jerk doesn''t know the first thing about treating ady right."


    As he spoke, Grant took my hand gently, blowing on the bruise, causing an unexpected sting of tears in my eyes.


    Lately, my emotions were a rollercoaster; the slightest act of kindness made me want to cry.


    "That jerk, I''ll make sure he pays next time I see him," Grant didn''t notice my teary eyes.


    "It''s okay, it doesn''t hurt," I said, withdrawing my hand and hiding it behind my back.


    "It''s my fault. I brought you here and failed to protect you," Grant med himself.


    I shook my head, "How soon can we leave?"


    I didn''t want to stay any longer; the atmosphere felt suffocating,


    el


    ely after Ernest''s tant\ disregard for my feelings.


    W


    "If you want to leave, we can go right now. I''ll take you," Grant offered promptly.


    Despite our brief acquaintance, Grant had been nothing but kind and considerate.


    Leaving required crossing the hall


    just as Ernest, alongside Stanley and Jeremy Collins, was on stage giving a speech, The elder Collins was formally introducing Ernest to


    crowd who responded with Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    warm


    apuse. Ernest nodded in thanks, a far cry from the man I first met; distant and now seemingly unattainable.


    Back then, we went our separate ways as he was rising to


    prominence not exactly because of it, but now, he seemed like he was from another world, a distinguished gentlemanpared to my


    ordinary, orphaned self. Content


    belongs to noveldrama.org


    While some ascend to greatness, I felt like a bird destined to fly without a branch to rest upon.


    So, his reasons for letting me go seemed justified.


    "Not just handsome, but he''s got such a presence," Grant admired Ernest unabashedly, clearly a fan.


    I managed a weak smile, ready to leave, when Stanley''s voice resonated again, "Today, we have another joyous announcement."


    Someone from the crowd teased, "Is it about the young Collins finally introducing his fiancée?"


    My steps halted at those words, and I saw Ernest''s gaze find mine.


    Suddenly, my heartbeat raced, my hands clenched tight, nails digging into my palms.