Chapter 224
Elian didn’t say a word, his gaze deepening, tinged with a twinkle of amusement.
While Miranda was still in a daze, he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the forehead. “I gotta head back.”
With that, he opened the door and left Miranda’s room.
Miranda just watched as he casually jumped off the balcony. She furrowed her brows slightly. “What was settled?”
Why did he always leave things hanging? Wouldn’t that drive anyone nuts? She replayed their conversation in her head but couldn’t think of any promises they had made.
Still, the thought of Elian returning to face Lavinia and Sebastian with his face all red and bruised made her chuckle mischievously.
She turned to close the door and as if recalling something, wiped her forehead with her hand. Next time, she mused, she might just put some contact–allergy ointment on her forehead and cheeks to fend off such unexpected kisses.
When Elian made it downstairs, Lavinia was getting ready to see Sebastian off. She was taken aback at the sight of Elian’s face.
“Your face…”
Elian shrugged, “Oh, just a wasp in the bathroom. Stung me.”
Lavinia was incredulous. “What? A wasp in the bathroom?”
Elian coughed lightly. “Yeah.”
Sebastian gave him a skeptical look, and his gaze lingered on a stray long hair on Elian’s sleeve. With a cool demeanor, he said, “Ms. Lavinia Lancaster, I’ll be going now.”
Elian and Sebastian left almost simultaneously. After seeing them off, Lavinia exhaled deeply.
“Young people these days, they sure can be intense.”
William, who had closed the door, said, “President Lancaster, it’s just those two. Mr. Sebastian Everhart and Mr. Elian Ashcroft aren’t your average folks.”
Lavinia nodded. “New generations always rise to the top. It is indeed their world now. By the way, you should get on with your work. I’ll be resting here at Miranda’s for a couple of days. Keep an eye on things at the office for me,” Lavinia said as she prepared to go upstairs.
William lingered silently at the door, finally speaking as Lavinia was about to ascend, “President Lancaster, you didn’t call for me while overseas.”
Lavinia knew the implication of “calling for me” wasn’t about work. It was a more personal matter.
Lavinia had another man keep her satisfied when in Virelia, so naturally William wasn’t needed. At that period, he was no more than an average secretary, handling the corresponding job.
Originally, Lavinia intended for William to stay behind and assist Miranda, but Miranda worried about being short–handed overseas, so he tagged along.
Lavinia paused on the stairs. “Nothing unusual about that.”
She dismissed it and continued going upstairs. William stood for a moment. “I’m heading back to the office.”
From the upstairs balcony, Crystal watched the men leave one by one.
“Men are such a hassle,” she raised a pot of her latest herbal concoction. “I’d rather be gardening.”
In the brief time following Miranda’s attendance at the jewelry gala, news of the Hawke family’s event being
08:13
Chapter 224
overshadowed had dominated entertainment headlines.
The Hawke family, already one of the most high–profile names, was naturally under intense scrutiny after recent upheavals.
Being snubbed at the banquet had become the latest sensational story. Additionally, the news of Miranda, the daughter of the Lancaster family, lavishly buying jewelry for her sister had gone viral.
“Is Mira looking for more sisters? I swear I don’t have four brothers!”
“Sis, I’m your long–lost sibling!”
“The Hawke family got what they deserved. What nerve did Arabella have to attend such a special event with them? Doesn’t she feel embarrassed seeing Miranda?”
