Chapter 57


    Chapter 57


    RAVEL


    PRESENT TIME


    The unfolding of events that night took an unexpected turn, catching me off guard. Little did I foresee


    that I would be a witness to Hazel’s decisive breakup with David, an intriguing twist considering their


    undefined status. I couldn’t help but find amusement in Hazel’s remark that her split from David


    shouldn’t be misconstrued as an open invitation for me to pursue her.


    ?????? ? ?


    To be honest, even if Hazel were entangled in a romantic involvement with him, that wouldn’t deter my


    determination to win her over. It’s a simple matter of fact – I had never entertained the notion of


    relinquishing my affections for her.


    With a resigned exhale, I massaged my forehead and embarked on a quest to locate June. Eventually,


    I spotted her in thepany of a cluster of influencers, presumably engrossed in plotting yet another


    vacation escapade. “Pardon the interruption,dies,” I ventured, inserting myself into their exchange.


    “May I steal her away for a brief moment?”


    June’s smile stretched wide, hershes fluttering as she gazed at me. “Ravel adores me so immensely


    that he finds it impossible to stay apart from me for extended periods.”


    The other women erupted into giggles, and to facilitate the forting request I had in mind, I granted


    her this moment. I even took the step of nting a quick peck on her cheek, which prompted a


    collective swoon from the onlookingdies. My smile remained affectionate. “If you’ll pardon us for a


    moment.”


    Seizing June’s hand, I guided her towards the balcony, paying no mind to the arriving guests. The


    event was on the cusp ofmencing, and I needed to address this matter swiftly. Once the balcony


    door was closed, effectively shielding us from the throng, she withdrew her hand from mine and her


    smile faded. “What’s happening, Ravel? Your recent sweetness surely has an underlying reason.”


    With my hands now tucked into my pockets, I fixed my gaze on her, maintaining aposed


    demeanor. “It appears you’re in the midst of orchestrating yet another vacation.”


    She responded by rolling her eyes. “Why should that concern you?”


    A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I took a deliberate step closer to her. “I wonder, have you informed


    them about your financial situation?” June didn’t have a propensity for saving; she seemed to expend


    the money I provided as rapidly as it arrived. “Do your friends possess the knowledge that your bank


    ountcks the resources for yet another holiday?”


    Her jaw visibly clenched in anger. “Is this the reason you brought me out here? To subject me to


    insults?”


    “That wasn’t intended as an insult, June, merely an observation,” I stated matter-of-factly. “I’m more


    than willing to finance any extravagant excursion you have in mind, provided you adhere to my


    conditions for tonight.”


    She regarded me with suspicion. “And what might those conditions be, Ravel?” Her arms folded across


    her chest. “Let me guess, you’re going to ask me to leave.”


    My actual intentions were quite different. I needed her to remain here so that ba stard could see her.


    “Actually, I’m asking you to keep your distance from me throughout the evening. Her re intensified.


    “Engage with others tonight, June, and make genuine friendships-ones that can enrich your life once all


    of this is over.”


    “Are


    you genuinely bringing up our breakup in this moment?” Her words dripped with anger. “Is this some


    kind of sick joke? What am I to you? A mere toy?”


    I suspected she was well aware of the answer to her question. After all, I had never stick my di ck into


    her, so her perception of being a ything seemed rather misced. She wasn’t even an object. “Will


    you ept the proposition, or do I need to send you back to the hotel without any funds for your


    vacation?”


    She let out a scornful sound. “Why does it feel like I’m left with no choice but to agree to your


    preposterous


    demand?”


    “Using your intellect, you mighte to the realization that you’re left without much choice, given your


    penchant for


    Chapter 57


    spending my money,” I replied, a touch of wryness in my tone.


    A sly smirk crept onto her lips as she advanced a step. To any observers, our appearance suggested a


    content couple on the brink of a kiss. Yet, they remained oblivious to the undercurrents, unaware that


    we were perhaps contemting something less romantic-such as potentially pushing each other off


    this very balcony. “Is that aint, Ravel?” Her words dripped with insinuation. “Could it be that


    your financial state is gradually dwindling?”


    Engaging in a discussion about my business matters with her seemed utterly pointless. “So, are you


    epting the offer or


    not?”


    “In addition to the vacation, I have another condition. If you agree, I promise to stay out of your way


    until I return to New York, she countered, attempting to negotiate.


    ying the role of a shrewd businesswoman wasn’t exactly her strong suit. Humoring her attempt at


    bargaining, I blinked at her. “What exactly are you asking for?”


    Her response almost elicited a chuckle from me. “I aspire to establish my own fashion line, and I’m


    proposing that you sponsor it,” she stated matter-of-factly. “Not only do I require your financial backing,


    but I also recognize the need for yourwork connections to facilitate myworking.”


    It was utterly amusing. Letting out a chuckle, I pressed my lips together. “You want to venture into the


    world of fashion?” I inquired, seeking rification, and she affirmed it with a nod. “You believe you


    possess what it takes to sessfully run a fashion line?”


    She raised an eyebrow in response. “Well, if Hazel could effectively manage an art gallery, why


    shouldn’t I be capable of overseeing a fashion line?”


    Rubbing my stubbled chin, I pretended to contemte her statement. “Hmm, I suppose one reason


    might be that Hazel actually attended an art school for a year and gained a deep understanding of theThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    art world.”


    “F*** you, Ravel!”


    A chuckle escaped my lips. “You know what, let’s forget I even asked. I’ll have Matthew escort you


    back.” I began to turn away, but she swiftly caught my hand. “What is it?” I retorted.


    ”


    “I ept your offer,” she muttered. “Just ensure that you fulfill your end of the deal and sponsor the


    trip.”


    “I don’t make promises lightly,” I affirmed.


    “Yet you still divorced your wife,” she taunted. “Didn’t you vow to love her until death parted you?”


    My re was sharp. “Who said I broke that promise?” I shot back, and her jaw visibly dropped. “Just


    keep in mind that you need to keep your distance from me tonight.” With that, I turned and strode into


    the hallway, arriving just in time for the


    event tomence.


    Scanning the crowd, my eyes locked onto Hazel, seated in her designated spot. Making my way


    towards her, I imed the seat beside her, instructing Rose to guide the original upant of the seat to


    my ce.


    She regarded me with surprise. “What brings you here?” Her question hung in the air, but I only


    responded with a grin. “Aren’t you supposed to be seated with June?”


    “I’d prefer to spend my evening with you,” I replied with a smile. “And what about David?”


    A slight frown tugged at her features. “He’s already gone.”


    “Lucky me,” I muttered, prompting a re from her. A hearty chuckle escaped me. “What’s the matter?”


    She rolled her eyes. “You’re aware I heard you, right?”


    Frankly, I didn’t care. His departure only offered me a better chance to be around her. With Rose and


    the team attending to the models, I watched as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the event.


    Chapter 57


    Elenor gracefully glided down the runway, adorned with my exquisite creation around her neck, ears,


    and wrist. Hazel’s captivated gaze followed her every move, while I found myself equally captivated by


    Hazel.


    How could one person exude such beauty and perfection? It’s hard to fathom that I once allowed her to


    slip away.


    “This is stunning, Ravel,” she praised, a genuine smile on her lips.


    “Yes,” I murmured softly, “truly stunning.”


    My breathy tone caught her attention, causing her to turn and meet my gaze. A shy smile yed on her


    lips. “I was actually referring to the jewelry, Ravel.”


    “And I’m speaking about you,” I whispered, my gaze locked onto her. “I’ve actually crafted a piece of


    jewelry for you.”


    She arched an eyebrow. “Really? Which model is wearing it?”


    Returning my attention to the models, I replied, “I would never allow anyone else to wear a piece that


    was created exclusively for you.” Sensing her eyes on me, I turned to meet her gaze. “You’ll receive it


    on your birthday next week.”


    A smile graced her features, crinkling the corners of her eyes. “I’m looking forward to seeing it, Ravel.”


    Encouraged by her happiness, I decided to take a chance. “I’ll be leaving Seattle next week. How about


    dinner tomorrow?”


    She held my gaze for a moment, then nodded, a genuine smile on her lips. “I’d love that.”