Chapter 22 Tempests at the Banquet.
“Do you need a ride home?” a familiar, deep voice called from behind her.
She turned around to see Christopher standing a few steps away. His expression was calm, but his eyes were more complex and difficult to read than before.
“No need,” she said flatly. Tll just take a cab
“Why do you always refuse my help?” He stepped closer, closing the gap between them to just an arm’s length, “Can’t you trust me even a little?”
“Trust” Adeline let out a sarcastic chuckle, “Three years ago, when I was framed and sent to prison, did you trust me? Or did you prefer to believe those fabricated lies?”
Christopher’s face briefly showed a change, but he quickly regained his composure. He looked at her almost pleadingly. “About that. I will get to the bottom of it and give you an explanation. But for now, please don’t see me as your enemy. okay!”
“Enemy?” She shook her head, “You’re not my enemy, but you’re definitely not my friend either. From now on, it’s best if we just keep to our own paths.”
With that, she turned and hailed a taxi, not giving him a chance to respond.
The moment the car door closed, she shut her eyes and sealed away all her emotions. Outside, he stood watching the vehicle drive away, his fingers slowly curling into a fist
Elsewhere, Justin sat in the private room, seemingly casually playing with his phone. But in reality, he was keenly aware of everything outside the door.
When he saw Christopher return alone, a meaningful smile curled up at the corner of his mouth,
“Looks like you didn’t win,” he said softly, his voice carrying a mix of mockery and confident assurance.
The banquet’s lights were soft and intimate, the air filled with the scent of expensive champagne. Adeline stood in a corner, her wine glass gently swaying, causing delicate ripples on the surface. Her gaze casually swept across the crowd but paused slightly when it landed on Justin.
Justin was confronting Christopher. The atmosphere between them was tense, as if a significant conflict could erupt at any
moment.
“Mr. Conor,” Justin’s voice was mocking yet unhurried, ‘you seem unusually interested in other people’s affairs?”
Christopher, holding a wine glass, stood in the center of the banquet hall. His handsome face was illuminated by the lighting. appearing gentle and cultured, but there was an inscrutable chill in his eyes.
He didn’t respond directly to Justin, just gave him a fleeting glance, “I’m just curious, Mr. Justin, since when have you been interested in someone else’s fiancée?”
This comment
nt hit the mark.
Justin, however, just smiled nonchalantly and set his glass on a nearby waiter’s tray, then slowly approached Christopher. standing face to face with only a step between them.
“Fiancee?” Justin raised an eyebrow, “Michelle or Adeline? Oh, I almost forgot, the Conor family and Layton family’s marriage alliance hasn’t been officially announced yet, has it?”
The surrounding guests couldn’t help but glance over. The feuds and intrigues of wealthy families were always a juicy topic for them, and now, this public showdown was undoubtedly the focus of attention.
His voice suddenly grew louder, drawing more attention, “From today on, I’m pursuing Adeline.”
This declaration was like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone present. The previously noisy banquet instantly quieted down, all eyes turning to Justin and Adeline.
Adeline was stunned; she had not expected Justin to make such a statement publicly. Her fingers tightened around her glass, turning white as she instinctively stepped back and bumped into the table behind her.
“Are you insane?” she whispered harshly, her voice filled with clear displeasure and warning.
Justin didn’t regard her; instead, he turned to look at Christopher with a challenging tone, “How about that, Mr. Conor? Are you satisfied now?”
Christopher didn’t answer immediately; he just stared at Justin, his eyes as dark and unfathomable as the deep sea. After a moment, he set down his glass and spoke slowly, “Mr. Justin, do you know what you’re doing?”
“Of course,” Justin didn’t back down, “I’m simply expressing my true feelings.”
This caused a stir among the crowd, some whispering to each other, others watching eagerly. Michelle, standing among them, looked utterly displeased. Her gaze was fixed on Adeline, jealousy and resentment nearly spilling from her eyes. “True feelings?” Christopher scoffed, “Then I hope your ‘true feelings‘ can withstand reality”