Chapter 347
Chapter 347:
The air was thick with ambition, as the city’s elite eagerly sought the chance to rub shoulders with Austin. For many, the mere possibility of a conversation with him was a career-defining moment.
But Austin was uninterested in the subtle glances and polite attempts to capture his attention. His focus was elsewhere—on Yelena.
She was the reason he was here tonight, and he wasn’t about to let her feel sidelined.
Business could wait; tonight, his priority was her.
As they stood together, the easy flow of their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice. “Austin, your gala is as boring as ever,” John remarked as he strolled over, a smirk playing on his lips.
Austin shot him a mock glare. “Thank you for your ever-constructive criticism,” he replied, his tone dry but amused.
Unfazed, John turned to Yelena, his smirk widening. “Yelena, you’re new to this scene. Tell me, isn’t this whole event painfully dull p>
Yelena met his teasing gaze and replied without hesitation. “Yours are just as tedious p>
“What? Oh, I see how it is. You two are a team now, aren’t you?” John clutched his chest in mock offense, staggering back a step.
His words caught Yelena off guard, and a faint blush crept into her cheeks. “What are you even talking about?” she stammered, flustered.
Austin chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Careful, John. You’re treading dangerous ground p>
John raised his hands in playful surrender, his grin intact. “Alright, alright. I’ll stop. You win,” he said, pretending to zip his lips.
John was soon swept away by a glamorous woman, leaving Austin and Yelena to enjoy a rare moment of quiet amidst the swirling energy of the gala. But the reprieve was short-lived.
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“Well, well, Austin! Long time no see. Still stealing the show, I see,” came a cocky voice, cutting through the hum of the crowd.
Austin turned slowly, his relaxed demeanor stiffening into something colder. Standing a few feet away was his cousin, Reuben Barton, his smirk practically radiating self-satisfaction.
“Reuben! You’re back,” Austin stated flatly, his voice calm but edged with a subtle warning.
“Of course! How could I miss the Barton Group’s grand celebration?” Reuben replied, spreading his arms theatrically as though the event revolved around him. His eyes glinted with feigned concern as he added, “By the way, I heard about your little accident. Tough luck. Are you doing alright p>
Yelena’s eyes narrowed as she studied the man. Something about Reuben’s tone didn’t sit right.
His words carried the semblance of politeness, but the glimmer in his gaze suggested he wasn’t here to offer genuine concern.
He seemed to revel in the idea of Austin having been brought low, even if just temporarily.
“Well, thanks for asking,” Austin replied, his tone razor-sharp. “If something had happened to me, I wouldn’t be standing here now—though I imagine that would’ve made someone’s evening p>
Reuben’s smirk faltered briefly before he recovered, his laughter forced. “Come on, Austin. We’re all just glad you’re in one piece. You’ve got to take care of yourself, you know,” he said, his words dripping with mock sincerity.
Austin’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Of course. The same goes for you p>
Reuben’s eyes then flicked toward Yelena, his attention shifting as curiosity sparked.
Reuben’s gaze lingered on Yelena, his eyes sweeping over her with a deliberate slowness that made her skin crawl. His voice carried a mocking lilt as he said, “And who might this enchanting beauty be? I’m Reuben Barton, by the way. Surely someone as lovely as you wouldn’t mind sharing your name p>
Yelena’s expression darkened. The way Reuben looked at her—as though she were a trophy to be admired—left a sour taste in her mouth.
She straightened, her voice icy as she replied, “We’re strangers. Let’s just keep it that way p>
Reuben’s grin widened, undeterred by her rebuff. “No need to be so reserved. I’ve always had a talent for making friends with beautiful women p>
Before Yelena could respond, Austin stepped in front of Reuben and said, “She’s not interested. Didn’t you hear p>