Chapter 897

Chapter 900:
Bettina’s gaze wandered across the hall, a wave of relief washing over her when she realized Annot and Bart were nowhere to be found.
“Wait for me here. I’ll go backstage and request them to play a tango to divert everyone’s attention. Then, I’ll introduce you to the directors,” Raul said to Bettina. “If other directors or senior executives approach you, handle them as you see fit. Stay calm and composed.”
“Understood,” Bettina replied. “Carry on with your tasks.”
Raul scanned the room one last time before exiting, ensuring Bart wasn’t lingering.
Bettina approached the dining table alone, serving herself some food onto her plate and taking a few bites. Afterward, she picked up a glass of champagne and indulged in a few sips. The cold liquid sent a chill down her spine.
Bart’s plot had been publicly revealed by Candice, and he could no longer threaten her. Bettina should have felt a sense of relief. Yet, she felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety. His lingering gaze as he departed unsettled her.
The more she mulled over it, the more agitated she became, so she drowned her thoughts in three or four more glasses of champagne. Surrounded by the crowd, she felt a buzz from the alcohol, her scarlet dress standing out amongst the sea of people.
After a while, she made her way to the bathroom, her steps slightly unsteady. Taking a turn, she almost toppled over a doorway. She swayed, nearly losing her balance, when someone steadied her. Without lifting her gaze, Bettina muttered, “Thank you.”
“You could at least sound like you mean it,” a familiar male voice taunted.
Caught off guard, Bettina jolted upright. She swiftly lifted her head, stammering, “I thought you’d already left?”
Bart, smiling, lifted her chin with his finger, saying, “I missed you, so…”
“I came back again. What? Do you wish to see me, or not?”
“Clearly, I do not.” Bettina shot a nervous glance at the door.
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗼𝗺⧽
Bart held her chin and traced her trembling lips. “Are you upset that I didn’t appear defeated tonight?”
Bettina snapped back, “Yes! Absolutely! You should be behind bars for your atrocities. Power hunger made you a monster. Candice showed you leniency. She didn’t want to air out the family’s dirty laundry and risk tarnishing the corporation’s reputation or its stock value. Otherwise, she would’ve never let you off the hook. Even if there’s no solid evidence, I refuse to believe we can’t bring you to justice.”
Bettina tried to break free from Bart, but he held her firmly. “Bart. Enough. What is it that you lack? Why strive for these frivolous pursuits?”
Bart tilted her face upwards, gazing at her intently. “If all I wanted was you, would you leave with me now?”
Under the dim light, Bart’s expression seemed oddly genuine. His malevolent eyes held a hint of sincerity. “I don’t need anything from the Royal Garden Corporation. Let’s leave this place and start afresh, somewhere far away. Would you come with me?”
In that instant, Bettina found herself in a whirl of confusion. She was reflecting on the golden days spent with Bart. His gaze had the enchantment of a cryptic charm, captivating her, more potent than the physical hold he had on her.
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