Chapter 240
Chapter 240:
One failed attempt wasn’t the end. This wasn’t over.
Outside, Yelena was walking alongside the other guests when a sleek Porsche glided to a stop in front of the hotel, its polished exterior gleaming under the lights. The door opened, and a tall, commanding figure stepped out.
Gasps rippled through the gathered crowd, and the socialites’ eyes lit up with excitement. It was none other than Austin.
His presence carried a weight that instantly drew every gaze.
Was he here for Monica?
Rumors of Monica and Austin’s supposed closeness had always lingered in the background of high society, whispered over champagne glasses and exchanged with knowing glances. Tonight, his unexpected arrival seemed to breathe life into those speculations.
Monica’s face lit up with genuine delight, her voice warm and welcoming.
“Austin! What a surprise! What brings you here tonight p>
Monica’s heart raced. Perhaps he had heard about tonight’s event and decided to pick her up in person.
The thrill bubbled just beneath her calm exterior. Her lips curved into a small, hopeful smile as she bit her lip, trying to appear composed.
But Austin didn’t offer the reassurance she craved. His expression was unreadable, his tone detached as he answered, “I’m here looking for someone p>
His eyes scanned the crowd briefly before settling on Yelena.
Yelena froze under the weight of his gaze, her breath catching for a moment. She quickly turned away, the awkwardness in her movements as obvious as the sudden hush that had fallen over the crowd.
Monica’s heart sank. She didn’t miss the brief connection, and the sinking realization hit her with crushing force. “Was I imagining it all?” she thought.
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Her mind raced to reconcile the reality with her expectations, the thrill from moments ago evaporating into bitter disappointment.
The answer came swiftly, leaving no room for doubt.
“Get in the car,” Austin said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. His attention was fixed solely on Yelena. “I’ll give you a ride home p>
Yelena let out a quiet sigh, her posture stiff as she felt the stares boring into her. Why now, of all times?
Didn’t Austin understand the significance of his actions? His status among these people was undeniable, and every move he made carried ripples of consequence. Yet Austin stood there, unbothered, waiting for her response.
For him, this might have been nothing—a simple, straightforward gesture. But for Yelena, it was anything but.
Yelena remained silent, unwilling to step into the spotlight any further.
Austin wasn’t a man who entertained resistance; when he wanted something, he got it.
His low, commanding voice cut through the tension effortlessly. “What’s wrong? Is there a problem p>
Yelena hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “No, no problem at all. Let’s go p>
The last thing she wanted was to escalate the situation further. The whispers and judgments didn’t bother her personally, but she had to be mindful of the Harris family’s reputation. A public scene would only complicate things.