Was he prepared to meet her in the event?
He was.
But the moment he stepped out of the car and saw her right in front of him, waiting for him, meeting his eyes without even a flinch, Alaric was dazed.
She was wearing a sleek black dress, subtly trimmed with white along the collar, hem, and pockets. The gold button detail added just enough polish without trying too hard. She paired it with sheer black stockings, a blazer over her shoulders, and black pointed heels—sharp, clean, and effortlessly put together.
That was so her.
Total quiet but luxury vibe.
His legs moved before his thoughts did. But he couldn't pull his eyes off her.
From the cheerful girl to the wife who cried her heart out, to the woman now determined and aloof, Alaric saw it all.
Every change in her.
The change she needed to survive.
The change that would help her dream again.
Her melodious yet firm voice sounded, "CEO Lancaster. I'm Aveline Laurent, a manager from Laurent Industries." She introduced herself, having no idea he knew her more than that.
His heart skipped a beat when she extended her hand towards him. "Congratulations on your first product launch."
Standing at arm's length, he could easily reach out, pull her into his arms, and take her away from everything.
But was that what she wanted?
If it was, he would cross oceans. He would walk to the ends of the world, just to see her live the way she deserved.
Her lips parted like rose petals, her gaze dipping briefly to her own hand. Then her eyes flickered towards him with uncertainty.
No.
He didn't mean to make her awkward. He didn't mean to make her wait.
He was just… taking her in.
Memorizing every detail, like every time he had quietly watched her, and admired her from the shadows.
No, he wouldn't stay in the dark anymore.
Before she could pull her hand back, he took her hand, so petite, cold, and soft. He held it with a firm grip. She returned it, steady and sure, as if the difference didn't fascinate her as much as it did to him.
He spoke. His deep voice carried no emotion, and his gaze held hers, "Ms. Aveline Laurent." Her name lingered on his tongue a moment longer than it should have, without looking away from her hazel eyes that sparkled like a sea of stars under the light.
Then his curt response lingered in the quiet air, "Thank you."
Thank you for coming.
Thank you for choosing to fight instead of giving in.
He had more to say, but he knew very well that actively guiding her or directly offering her help would feel like an ambush. Especially when the one who should have protected her, Damien, had betrayed her in the worst way.
And why would she believe him so easily?
His crime was being Damien's friend. He was willing to wait. He would earn her trust, even if it took everything.
Her soft voice came again, "Chairman Laurent wishes you the best for your innovations and future endeavours."
That snapped him back to the moment. She was here on behalf of Henry Laurent. A smooth move. It wouldn't even alert Damien.
Still, he didn't want to let go of her hand. The hand that he should have held a long ago.
But the skeptical gaze of her assistant, Mike Wilson, reminded him where they were.
He nodded in response to her, unwillingly releasing her hand, watching her fingers slip from his. Then he walked past her with a silent vow that the next time he hosted an event, she wouldn't just stand there but walk beside him.
He had entered the hallway… then he paused. He craved for one more glimpse. He didn't want to give in to the whims of his heart, but he clenched his fist and stepped back.
There she stood, poised and elegant, quietly abiding by the no-device rule of the event like every other guest.
Just before her gaze could rise, he disappeared into the hallway, only to meet Ezra's amused eyes.
"Women don't like men who treat them coldly," Ezra remarked, his tone neutral, but the mirth was unmistakable.
Alaric didn't bother to acknowledge those words. He didn't know if Aveline would like him. But he was certain that she didn't want someone fawning over her right now.
"Where are they!?" He asked about the whereabouts of Damien and Vivienne.
Ezra responded, "He came with his secretary."
Vivienne wouldn't skip an amazing opportunity to network with top business representatives. So why didn't she accompany Damien?
Ezra spun his iPad and showed a video to Alaric, "Vivienne Sinclair was waiting for Damien in the studio until she got a parcel."
The video showed Vivienne pacing in the makeup studio and throwing a fit.
Damien had often brought her to the events and acted like they were meeting at events. Laurents had seen them together. After all, Vivienne had been the face of several Ashford products.
Then why did Damien leave Vivienne behind?
And what was the parcel?
They could find that out later.
Now it was time to lead Aveline just enough to reach him. "I want no mistakes. Move."
When Alaric entered his office, Ezra dipped his head in acceptance of the order and headed to the event hall.
….
In the event hall,
Stepping inside the huge hall, buzzing with greetings and conversations, Aveline got the attention of most of the attendees for being a new face in the industry.
She was aware Damien was right there in the hall, his eyes probably drilling a hole through her head, but she stayed composed.
He wouldn't dare approach her. Would he? After all, he wished to keep their relationship secret.
If he did approach her and actively introduce her to everyone, it would complicate her understanding of the situation.
What if he was having an affair with Vivienne, and the latter was the only one plotting against her for her position, Mrs. Damien Ashford?
Because other than catching them red-handed on the bed, Aveline just has theories and assumptions. They could be coincidental without proof.
This event would serve as a warning to Damien and Vivienne and a test of Aveline's understanding.
The quiet murmurs became a bit louder, everyone discussing who she was, except probably a few who might have met her in the fashion industry or at Laurent fashion shows.
Behind her, Mike was quick to sweep his eyes through the hall and inform her, "Manager Laurent, Director Ashford is at 1 O'clock and Chairman Lancaster is at 11 o'clock at the front as well."
Aveline nodded without halting in her steps, maintaining her elegance. "Thank you."
She would prefer to be known as Laurent instead of people just associating her with Damien. Upon that, she wanted him to find her while she pretends she has no idea about his presence at the event.
Thus, she headed towards the people, where everyone was bowing and respectful to Chairman Lancaster.
As she closed the distance, Giselle Lancaster approached her and paused right in front of her.
Aveline tried, tried her hardest to read what Giselle was up to. But she failed.
"Ms. Laurent," Giselle greeted, as she lifted her hand, cuing the waiter.
"You look lovely." She was impressed by how calm Aveline was.
Impressed that the two people who never met were on the same page as though one of them was luring the other into a perfectly laid trap.
Aveline smoothly grabbed the stem of the champagne flute and clinked the glass with Giselle. "Why are you showing the world as if we know each other?" Her voice was low and steady.
Giselle's smile broadened. Well, that was the plan if Aveline wasn't attending the event as the Manager at the Laurent Industries.
"It's my duty to attend to the guests I invited." She revealed nothing and nodded before gliding away in poise.
Meanwhile, Damien, who was oblivious to Aveline's presence at the event, heard his secretary's whisper, "Mrs. Ashford has arrived." The tremor in his tone was evident.
Damien, who was speaking with an overseas middle-aged businessman, clenched his fist tightly until his knuckles began to turn white, but his expression remained unwavering in front of others.
He was expecting either Henry Laurent or Charles Laurent to attend the event. Because Aveline didn't fancy business parties and events.
His performance didn't falter, but his mind did.
As he turned aside and spotted Aveline Laurent with Henry's former assistant, his eyes narrowed sharply.
She was indeed an epitome of refinement and delicateness. Dressed simple yet looked exquisite. But Damien's eyes burned in fury.
His tone was low, his disbelief coated in fury. "Of all places, she dares walk in here?"