Chapter 241
Chapter 241:
With that, Yelena walked toward Austin’s car, and the two left together.
The sleek vehicle glided away, leaving the crowd of onlookers behind. For a moment, silence reigned as everyone processed what had just unfolded. Then, almost in unison, their gazes shifted to Monica. The heat rose to Monica’s cheeks as she met their curious and pitying eyes.
Her mind raced to spin the situation into something manageable, but the sting of humiliation burned deep. Falling apart in front of this crowd would be a disaster.
Summoning every ounce of poise, Monica straightened her back and forced a pleasant smile.
“Oh, Austin and Yelena know each other from before. Apparently, she helped him out in the past. She’s something of a savior to him.” Monica gave a delicate laugh, though it rang hollow. “Anyway, it’s getting late. Please, everyone, be careful on your way home p>
But as soon as Monica turned away from the group, her smile crumbled, replaced by a stormy expression.
Damn Yelena.
Tonight had been a disaster. Not only had Monica’s plan failed, but she had also been publicly humiliated. In front of everyone, no less. The sting of it was almost unbearable.
But worse than the humiliation was the nagging fear gnawing at the edges of her mind.
What kind of relationship did Yelena and Austin have?
Why would Austin come here just to pick her up? Why were they acting like a couple? Was Yelena… really special to him?
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𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡:
Monica couldn’t afford to dwell too deeply on the unsettling thoughts swirling in her mind. She had already realized that reality had diverged sharply from her carefully curated expectations.
Before, she had been certain of one thing: Austin didn’t have a woman in his life. But now, not only did it seem that there was someone, but that someone had an undeniable advantage. Yelena’s unshakable presence and the way Austin treated her left Monica rattled. This time, Monica realized she couldn’t afford carelessness.
A glint of determination flickered in Monica’s eyes as she silently vowed to regain control.
The air in the car was heavy with an awkward stillness.
After several minutes, Yelena finally broke the silence. Her brows knit together as she asked, “Why did you come to pick me up tonight?” It didn’t make sense.
They weren’t close enough for Austin to appear at such an event without reason, let alone to escort her home.
Austin’s face betrayed nothing, his voice even and composed. “I happened to be passing by and saw you standing there. I thought I’d give you a ride home.” But the truth was far from his casual excuse. Austin had planned this evening meticulously.
He had taken to heart the advice of John, his self-proclaimed “love guru” friend, who had once told him that if he liked her, he shouldn’t wait to show her that he would always be there for her, even in the small moments.
Domenic had mentioned Yelena’s attendance at the high-society event, and Austin saw it as a chance to follow John’s advice.