Chapter 19: Chance encounter

Allie Brooks adjusted the crimson evening gown Liam Hart had given her, the fabric hugging her frame like a second skin. The satin shimmered under the dim light, accentuating every curve she often hid beneath loose, unassuming clothes.

Her cheeks flushed as she recalled Liam’s smirk when he handed her the dress. “It suits you better than you think,” he had murmured before leaving the room.

Now, standing alone in the quiet suite, Allie felt both vulnerable and bold. The silence stretched, and when Liam didn’t return, an uneasy knot tightened in her chest.

I can’t just stand here waiting for him.

She decided to leave. Quietly. She couldn’t risk running into Adam Hart again, especially not dressed like this. If anyone questioned her presence, she wouldn’t have an explanation that made sense.

The elevator dinged softly as she stepped out onto the lower floor. Her heels clicked against the marble, the sound loud in her ears as she kept her head low, moving swiftly toward the exit.

“Allie? Is that you?”

Her heart froze.

Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Ava.

Ava’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with curiosity. “Wow, look at you. That dress is… stunning. I almost didn’t recognize you!”

Allie forced a polite smile. “Thanks, Ava.”

Ava suddenly stepped forward and took Xia Yangyang’s arm: “I didn’t expect you to come too. We did an internship together before, and then found out that we were in a school, and now we are here again. Seeing Uncle David, I will take you over.”

Panic flared in Allie’s chest. “I’m not sure this is the right time—”

“Nonsense! They’ll be thrilled,” Ava said with a bright smile, dragging her along.

Ahead, a small group stood in conversation. David Brooks, her father, was deep in discussion with Robert Hart, Liam’s

father. And beside them, Vivian Brooks—her ever-glamorous half-sister—listened intently, her icy demeanor unbroken.

Ava’s voice rang out as they approached. “Mr. Brooks, look who I found wandering around!”

All heads turned.

“Allie?” David’s surprise mirrored everyone else's. “What are you doing here?”

“I… I was invited,” she stammered, trying to steady her breathing.

Vivian’s eyes flickered with poorly veiled contempt as she took in Allie’s appearance. “Invited, huh? Didn’t realize you’d

be playing dress-up for the occasion.”

Allie felt the weight of Vivian’s words but refused to rise to the bait. “I didn’t expect to run into you all here.”

Ava chimed in, her tone sickly sweet. “Well, isn’t this a lovely reunion? And look at that dress, Allie—so bold of you.”

Before Allie could respond, Adam Hart appeared, his sharp gaze scanning the group before landing on her. “She’s my

guest,” he announced, his voice cool and clipped.

The tension shifted palpably.

Robert Hart raised an eyebrow, a trace of amusement curling his lips. “Your guest, Adam? Now that’s unexpected.”

“She’s a friend,” Adam clarified, though his eyes betrayed a deeper meaning.

David Brooks turned to Adam. “Well, I’m glad she has someone looking out for her tonight.”

Vivian scoffed under her breath, her arms folding tightly across her chest. “How noble.”

Allie wanted to disappear, but Adam stepped closer, his voice low as he addressed her directly. “You shouldn’t have wandered off.”

“I didn’t want to cause trouble,” Allie replied, barely above a whisper.

“You’ve already done that,” Adam said, though there was no malice in his tone, only a hint of amusement.

The moment stretched uncomfortably until Robert broke the silence. “Let’s not overwhelm the poor girl. Adam, why

don’t you make sure she gets where she needs to be?”