Chapter 201
Miranda nodded. “Yeah. Why, are you thinking of going too?”
Hannah shook her head. “Nah, the entertainment industry isn’t really my thing. But your movie is about to hit the theaters, right? I’ve already told all the sisters to book out a screening.”
Talking about Miranda’s movie got Hannah all fired up.
Miranda chuckled and pointed to the bracelet she had just picked out, telling the sales assistant assigned to her, “Add this bracelet to my list, please.”
“Certainly, Ms. Lancaster.”
After selecting her items, Miranda instinctively glanced back at Sebastian, who was engaged in a conversation nearby.
But as soon as Miranda’s eyes found him, he seemed to sense it and turned to meet her gaze. He raised his glass, offering Miranda a charming smile, exuding a warmth that felt like a gentle spring breeze.
Miranda returned a polite smile. Yet, Sebastian’s eyes lingered on her a moment longer, not retreating immediately.
The executive chatting with Sebastian chuckled. “Mr. Everhart, it seems you and Ms. Lancaster have quite the rapport.”
Sebastian only gave a faint smile. “We’ve crossed paths a few times.”
The executive nodded knowingly. “You know, Mr. Everhart, they say young folks‘ feelings are like a fastball. If you take too long, someone else might catch it.”
Though Sebastian’s mouth held its curve, the amusement seemed to vanish, which caused the executive abruptly clammed up. He awkwardly laughed. “Just a random thought.”
-Sebastian looked at him, smiling slightly. “You’re not wrong.”
The executive quickly joined in the laughter, not daring to say more.
Those who’d worked with Sebastian knew well enough: he seemed agreeable, but stepped on his toes, and they’d regret it.
Meanwhile, the Hawke family seemed to be slipping into the background in this setting.
The four brothers had drifted away from Arabella; they were no longer joined at the hip, nor did they have the
media buzz they once did.
Alden and Grace tried to approach Miranda, but found themselves hesitating as more prestigious figures mingled with her, exchanging greetings or discussing potential collaborations. Some even brazenly introduced their sons to Miranda.
This left Alden and Grace hanging back, watching from afar.
Although the evening seemed calm, the earlier incident involving the Hawke family and Celeste led to most of the guests frequently checking their phones for any juicy gossip and exchanging murmurs with others.
As the evening wound down, Miranda decided to leave early.
Caius and his sister were swept away by friends for some fun; they fervently invited Miranda, but Miranda wasn’t keen on loud gatherings, so she declined.
Following her godmom’s request, she’d already exchanged pleasantries with a few business associates of the Lancaster family.
Having done her part, she was ready to head home. Her departure prompted the hosts to escort her out, with security ensuring she reached her car safely.
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09:57
Chapter 20
Just as she approached her car, she noticed Sebastian stepping out as well, flanked by four or five bodyguards.
He gazed over at Miranda and gave her a courteous nod. Miranda nodded back. As she was about to get into her car, Sebastian called out.
“Ms. Lancaster.”
Miranda turned, curious, as there was no one else around. Sebastian’s eyes held a gentle humor. “Did you find the jewelry you like?”
Miranda nodded. “I did.”
She hadn’t bought anything for herself, but she’d chosen gifts for others.
Little did Miranda know, all the pieces she selected had been charged to Sebastian’s account. The staff hadn’t told her, and since she’d initially presented her card, she assumed it was just a slow process or a delayed
transaction.
A
