<b>Chapter </b><b>657 </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Networking meant drinking, at least a little, so Janice had asked the waiter to prepare non–alcoholic drinks for Ariel to pass off as cocktails.


    Janice, on the other hand, made her way around the room with a ss of wine in hand.


    By the time she circled back, her head was spinning. “We managed to trade a few contacts. Doors are opening. Not bad. At least we gain something tonight.”


    Ariel passed her a ss of water and patted her back. “Alright, take it easy now.”


    Janice waved it off<b>, </b>rubbing her temples. “I’m fine. I just need the restroom. I’ll be right back.”


    As Ariel watched her go, worry tugged at her.


    The moment she turned back, she caught sight of Lucas across the room.


    When he saw Ariel, he was clinking sses and chatting with others, yet his gazended on her.


    Just as he started toward her, Ariel turned away as if she hadn’t noticed and slipped in another direction.


    That stopped him in his tracks.


    But Lucas kept his eyes fixed on her retreating back. His lips were pressed tight, and his fingers clenched the ss in his hand. <fnba91> This update is avable on Find_Novel(.</fnba91>


    “Mr. Sanderson? Who are you looking at?” Someone came over to toast him.


    Lucas snapped out of it and smiled. “Someone from my family.”


    The other person’s eyes widened with realization. “Ah, I see. Your beloved, huh?”


    Lucas just gave a casual smile and didn’t answer.


    Meanwhile, Ariel had gone to chat with a CEO in artificial intelligence for a while.


    The renewable energy sector was booming and had massive potential. It aligned with her long–term


    vision.


    After exchanging contacts, Ariel realized Janice still hadn’te back, so she turned to the waiter Janice had run into when she left.


    “Excuse me, have you seen Ms. Swanson? Which way did she go?”


    The waiter looked at her. “Ms. Swanson? I just helped her to the lounge. She was feeling dizzy<b>, </b>so someone took her over there to rest.” <ul><li></li></ul>


    He pointed in the direction.


    Ariel followed his gesture. The event upied the entire third floor, with a lounge area off to the left.


    Ariel frowned. “Which room?<b>” </b>


    If Janice was feeling that bad, why didn’t she call? Surely she could have made a call.


    “Room 3007.” Someone called the waiter over on his walkie–talkie, so he gave Ariel a quick nod before hurrying off.


    Ariel didn’t get a chance to ask more.


    The whole situation felt off, so she called Janice while heading toward Room 3007.


    Janice sometimes put her phone on silent, so there were asional times when she couldn’t be reached.


    Ariel couldn’t get through to her and couldn’t confirm anything. But since Janice had been drinking, she couldn’t just leave her alone.


    She walked toward Room 3007 while dialing.


    When the call wouldn’t go through, Ariel switched to WhatsApp.


    At the door, she knocked. When no one answered, she cautiously turned the handle, and to her surprise, it


    opened.


    “Jan?” She peeked in.


    Suddenly, the WhatsApp call connected. “Ari? Where are you?”


    Janice’s voice was casual, as if nothing were wrong.


    Ariel let out a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to step back, someone brushed past her from behind, identally bumping her. She stumbled further into the lounge.


    Just then, the door clicked shut behind her.


    Frowning, Ariel turned around.


    A voice cut sharply through the air. “What are you doing here?”


    She turned and saw Lucas stepping out of the bathroom. He had taken off his shirt, revealing his toned


    muscles.


    His shirt was damp, stained dark with spilled wine. It was obvious that he hade here to get changed.


    “Are you with someone?” Janice’s voice sounded puzzled over the phone. “Where are you? Should Ie find you?”


    <b>ml </b>– novt moment, she muttered in annoyance, “Jayson? You’re here too?”