Chapter 800

He was genuinely surprised.

Given York’s personality and profession, he despised these corporate

schmoozefests. He only ever attended when he didn’t want to rain on his friends’ parade.

And whenever Dalton and Kelvin wanted to ditch early, York was always the first out the door.

York hated these events. For him to act so out of character meant only one thing: someone he cared about was here.

Dalton immediately connected the dots.

The woman York liked was in this room.

A knowing smile touched Dalton’s lips. He turned to York, ready to tease him, only to find York staring intensely at Stewart… and Charlene.

Dalton froze.

A horrifying realization crashed over him, wiping the smile from his face. His grip on his glass tightened instinctively.

However―

Just as he was trying to convince himself it was impossible, a loud crash of shattering glass echoed from Charlene’s direction. She gasped, stumbling backward toward the floor.

Before Dalton could even process what was happening, York shoved his drink into Kelvin’s chest and sprinted toward Charlene.

Dalton stood frozen, rooted to the spot.

Kelvin juggled the unexpected drink, staring blankly at the space York had just occupied. “What the hell… just happened?”

Dalton stared at the spot where York had vanished, completely silent.

Meanwhile, York reached Charlene’s side. The floor was covered in broken glass. Her hair was slightly mussed, the fabric of her stunning dress was stained, and she looked visibly shaken as Stewart held her steady. “Are you okay?” York demanded, his voice tight with panic.

A kid had darted out of nowhere, crashing into a waiter. The tray of drinks had plummeted, showering Charlene in juice and wine. In her haste to step back, she had twisted her ankle on the glass. If Stewart hadn’t caught her with lightning speed, she would have fallen hard.

With that much jagged glass on the floor, the consequences would have been disastrous.

Gaylord, who had been chatting with his friend, saw the commotion and sprinted over instantly. He shoved his way to her side, his face pale with worry. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

A split second later, Granger Harden’s voice cut through the chaos. “Are you alright? Did you get cut?”

The three men fired off their questions one after another.

Before Charlene could answer, Dr. Lucas and his assistant hurried over, having been alerted to the accident. Seeing Charlene at the center of it, Dr. Lucas looked alarmed. “Are you alright? Are you injured?”

Leaning heavily against Stewart, Charlene looked at the sudden circle of deeply concerned faces. She found her footing and managed a reassuring smile. “I’m fine.”

She offered a grateful nod to York, Gaylord, and Granger, silently thanking them for their concern.

Dr. Lucas didn’t seem to notice the unusually intense reactions from Granger and the others. Hearing she was unhurt, he let out a massive sigh of relief am so sorry. This was a severe lapse in our hospitality. Your dress is ruined-let me

someone escort you upstairs to

change.”

Charlene nodded. “Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

Stewart added immediately, “I’ll go with you.”