Chapter 334
Chloe Valentine secretly rejoiced as her plan succeeded.
But watching him so distraught over someone else, a sour bitterness welled up in her heart.
"Adrian, don't be like this," she soothed softly. "Miss Ross is beautiful and accomplished. It's normal for her to have suitors. I'm genuinely happy she found true love."
Adrian Sinclair's hands gripped the stair railing, his knuckles white.
His handsome face was covered in a frosty chill, a storm of fury swirling in his eyes.
"Shut up!" he suddenly roared, his voice hoarse and terrifying.
The railing creaked under his grip, as if it might snap at any second.
Chloe flinched, her lips trembling, too afraid to make another sound.
Adrian reached for a drink. Seizing the opportunity, Chloe said gently, "Let me help you."
She hurried to the table. While he was looking downstairs, she quickly pulled a small packet of powder from her clutch and shook it into the red wine.
She swirled the glass lightly with her fingertips, and the powder dissolved without a sound.
She picked up both glasses and walked over gracefully, her dress swaying, her figure elegant.
"Have a drink," she said, curving her lips into a soft, charming smile.
Adrian glanced indifferently, took the glass, and clinked it with hers.
But the image of those two embracing flashed repeatedly in his mind, stabbing at his heart.
He only took a sip before putting the glass down and rushing downstairs.
Chloe panicked, lifting her dress to stumble after him.
Her high heels clicked urgently against the floor.
Under the pavilion, Anna Ross was looking up at the moon.
The cold moonlight fell on her shoulders, outlining her slender back, making her appear even more solitary than the moon itself.
Lucas Evans felt a surge of warmth and impulsively embraced her from behind.
The moment his arms wrapped around her waist, she froze completely.
Adrian happened to chase out and witnessed the scene, his steps halting abruptly.
Chloe, unable to stop in time, crashed heavily into his back, pain blinding her vision.
She endured the pain and looked up to see Adrian slowly turn around, tilting his head back to drain the remaining wine in his glass.
His Adam's apple bobbed, the lines of his profile sharp and cold as a blade.
Chloe followed his gaze. Lucas was standing opposite Anna, seemingly whispering to her.
A meaningful smile curved her red lips as she turned to chase after that tall, retreating figure.
With Lucas being such a helpful assist, he had saved her a lot of effort.
A sudden night wind blew outside the pavilion.
Anna broke free from the embrace, anger still flickering in her eyes.
She had never expected the gentle and refined Lucas to be so abrupt, so strange it chilled her heart.
Lucas looked full of remorse, apologizing repeatedly. "Anna, I'm sorry, I just couldn't control my emotions for a moment..."
"Lucas," she interrupted coldly. "I understand your feelings, but I can't reciprocate. I'm not worth your affection. Let's not see each other again."
He stood frozen, his pupils trembling slightly.
"You'll meet someone better," she said, stepping back two paces before turning to leave decisively.
The hem of her dress swept over the stone steps, stirring a few scattered leaves.
Lucas stood alone in place, watching her retreating figure, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
Inside the hall, the music and revelry continued, the noise grating on his ears.
He turned silently and disappeared into the thick night.
If not for her, this banquet had held no meaning for him from the start.