Chapter 1443
Chapter 1442:
Ruben couldn’t take it any longer. The dread that everything might collapse at the last moment gnawed at him. He struck Lance with his cane — none too gently — and snapped. “What are you waiting for, you coward? Adah is standing right in front of you. Don’t keep her waiting p>
Ruben’s sudden push was what finally gave Lance the determination he needed. Summoning every ounce of courage, he was about to drop to one knee when a tall, imposing figure burst into the ballroom.
The distinctive click of polished black shoes echoed sharply against the marble, immediately drawing every gaze in the room.
Lance froze mid-kneel, the jewelry box still closed in his trembling hand.
Allan had arrived. As the most powerful man in the city, wherever he appeared, he commanded every eye in the room — his mere presence demanded deference. Not even his refined features could soften the imposing authority he radiated.
Instantly, Elliana and Cole exchanged knowing glances. At last, the cunning man had made his entrance.
Across the room, Merlin and Manley perked up with interest. Cole’s hints about Allan’s trump card had sparked their curiosity, and now they waited for him to reveal it.
Raymond, for his part, shot Allan a look of pure disapproval. Were it not for the setting, he would have taught the boy a lesson. How could he let Adah slip away and then show up now as if nothing had happened?
Nearby, Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat. Six weeks without seeing her son had felt like an eternity. For a moment, she nearly rushed over to fuss over him, but the stern warning in Raymond’s gaze forced her to stay put.
Meanwhile, Lance, already at his limit, now felt his nerves on the verge of shattering. The prospect of competing against Allan for Adah’s hand sent an anxious chill through him.
Soon, a thick silence settled over the room, every gaze fixed on Allan’s striking silhouette.
Adah cast him a cold, disdainful glance — barely more than a glimpse — before turning away, deliberately refusing to greet him. She was still furious. Six weeks earlier, Allan had goaded her into making a reckless bet. She had honored her end of the deal, but he had abandoned it halfway through, apparently leaving her to chase after someone else. Although there was no concrete proof, her instincts told her she was right.
Just looking at him now, so vibrant and radiant, it was clear he had been enjoying himself all this time. Had he fallen for someone else? How could he have forgotten their wager so carelessly? Did he think she was nothing more than a trivial afterthought?
Be 𝗍h𝗲 𝗳ir𝘀𝘁 𝘁o 𝘳𝘦а𝘥 𝗈𝗇
With every passing thought, Adah’s anger intensified. Although she had warned herself not to pay him any more attention, she couldn’t help stealing one last look at him — a gaze burning with reproach.
Meanwhile, though the other guests hadn’t noticed, Allan had been watching Adah intently, catching every nuance of her expression. Was that anger? She looked absolutely furious. But why? Had he arrived too late? In truth, he had cut it dangerously close. Thirty seconds more and Lance would have been on his knee, proposing. Yes, it was undoubtedly his fault.
Since Adah was angry, he resolved to soothe her fury. Even if he hadn’t done anything wrong, he would find a way to lift her spirits. She was his treasure, and that meant keeping her happy.