Chapter 479 Questions
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Dawn forced her expression back into calm. “I was just curious who he was talking to, that’s all. Let’s go back. I’m sure everyone’s waiting for you.”
Elegant voices echoed under the golden chandeliers,ughter mingling with the sound of a live string quartet. Among the guests were investors, designers, and even a few officials from Ithelia’s government.
Despite her reluctance, Gina had to give them a warm wee.
Gina barely had a moment before someone pulled her away for introductions.
The orchestra yed another waltz, but Dawn stayed seated. The soft light shimmered across the marble floor while couples glided under the chandeliers. She lifted a ss of juice and watched them in silence.
“Ms. Dawn.” Mason came over, his jacket unbuttoned and his tie slightly loosened after a long round of introductions. “You look tired. Want me to take you home?”
The deal was done. There was no reason to linger.
Dawn stifled a yawn and rose from her chair. “Yeah, I’m beat. Let’s go.”
“You’re not saying goodbye to Ms. Gina?”
“I’ll text her. We’ve already exchanged numbers.”
Mason looked faintly surprised. He picked up her shawl and folded it over his arm as they walked toward the doors.
“I heard Ms. Gina’s supposed to be entric,” he said casually. “Didn’t think you’d hit it off with her.”
Dawn arched a brow. “I am entric too, you know.”
He chuckled. “Just a touch.”
Theirughter drifted across the hall, light and easy. But not everyone found it pleasant.
From across the ballroom, a man’s gaze locked on them, sharp as a de. His expression hardened, the air around him heavy with quiet tension.
Oliver, standing beside him, noticed immediately. “Boss, should I go get Ms. Dawn?”
<b>10:53 </b>Mon<b>, </b><b>Jan </b>5
Chapter 479 Questions
“She cane to me herself if she wants to. She’s an adult now.”
Oliver shut his mouth, resigned. He silently counted down in his head. Three. Two-
He never made it to one. Ethan was already striding away.
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Outside, the wind picked up, rattling the tall hedges that lined the driveway. The cold bit through the night air, making the leaves whisper like restless ghosts. Dawn pulled her shawl closer, waiting for Mason to bring the car around.
“You came out dressed like that?”
The deep voice came from behind her, familiar and calm.
She turned, startled. The faint scent of his cologne reached her first. Ethan stepped out of the shadows, dressed in a fitted ck suit that caught the faint light from the gardenmps. Her hair, loosened from its clip, fluttered across her face in the breeze.
Without a word, he slipped his jacket over her shoulders. His fingers brushed the side of her neck as he straightened the cor. Then he smoothed the strands of hair from her face, only for the wind to tug them loose again.
He sighed, his movements unhurried as he gathered her hair and tied it back with the ck leather band around his wrist.
He always wore that band when he was with her. His movements were sure and fluid, like a habit formed over time.
Dawn stood there, silent. Her eyes stayed on him, her expression frozen in quiet disbelief.
“What’s wrong?” His voice dropped lower. “Did you forget how to speak?”
She swallowed. “Why are you—”
“Here?” he finished smoothly.
His tone was clipped, his jaw tight. When Mason’s headlights swept across the drive, Ethan’s hand reached for hers. His grip was firm, his thumb brushing over her skin in a silent warning that felt almost like a im.
“Tell him to leave,” Ethan said under his breath. “I’ll exinter.”
She
It wasn’t the question she wanted answered. But something in his tone made her pause. hesitated, then looked toward Mason. “Go ahead without me,” she said softly. “I’ll head backter.”
10:53 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b>Jan 5
Chapter 479 Questions
Mason’s face stayed unreadable.
He didn’t even look at Ethan.
“Alright. Don’t forget your medicine.”
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The car drove off, its taillights fading into the night. Ethan’s jaw tightened, his eyes hardening as he turned toward her. “Medicine? What’s going on? Are you sick?”
“It’s nothing. My blood sugar dropped earlier.” Dawn spoke quickly. She didn’t know why Mason had to bring it up. Her gaze shifted to Ethan. “You still haven’t told me when you got to Ithelia. And what you’re doing here.”
Her tone was calm, but inside, her thoughts twisted.
What she wanted to ask was why he had been standing with Marshall.
Oliver’s car rolled to a stop beside them.
Ethan’s voice dropped. “Get in.”
Dawn didn’t argue. She slid into the back seat beside him.
Before she could sit back, his arm wrapped around her waist.
He pulled her close, and his lips met hers in a kiss that burned through the cold like a spark in dry air.
His breath brushed against her ear. “Did you miss me?”
She couldn’t speak. His kiss was demanding, almost desperate, like he was iming back every second they had been apart.
“I missed you,” he murmured. “Every damn minute.”
Her heart pounded. “You-”
His lips trailed <i>to </i>her neck, warm against her skin. She gasped and pushed lightly against his chest,ughing. “Ethan, stop. Oliver’s right there.”
He sat back with a low growl, his tongue pressing against his teeth. He tugged at his cor, his breathing uneven.
Eventually, he calmed down.
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Chapter 479 Questions
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“I got herest night,” he said, voice rough. “Didn’t want to wake you. Had work this morning.” He pulled her in again, resting her against his shoulder. “I was nning to surprise you after I finished. Didn’t think you’d show up here first.”
The car was quiet except for the sound of his heartbeat against her ear.
It was strong, steady, impossible to ignore.
After a pause, she spoke softly. “So you’re here for work?” She was trying to get more answers.
He smiled faintly and brushed his thumb under her chin. “I’m here for you. The work is just an excuse.”
Her eyes drifted down to his shirt, and she toyed with one of the buttons. “This event’s about luxury bikes. Since when does Jackson Group deal in that?”
“Since recently.”
He tightened his arm around her and sighed, his tone light but edged with frustration.
“Seems like you beat me to it. Gina already announced your partnership. Jackson Group’s officially out.”
Dawn’sshes lowered as a small smile touched her lips. “You sound jealous.”
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