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The rest of the ride was filled with silence but somehow whatever tension I’d felt was lesser.
We finally arrived at the venue. Lewis opened the door for me, and I exited as gracefully as I could at an elite event with cameras waiting to be clicked.
Much to my surprise, Ethan appeared by my side, and even more to my amazement, held me closely. With jagged palms against the small of my back, he guided me through the red carpet.
It was only when I could surmount the fireworks from his fingers that I attuned myself to the noise.
They weren't really noises. Rather, they were desperate yells of the press.
“Mr. Thorne, this is the first time in a while we’re seeing you at an event.”
“Rumor has it that your sister is the host of tonight’s event. Is that true?”
“Are you here because of your sister, or do you have an interest in this cause?”
“Who’s the lady beside you?”
“What are your plans after tonight?”
I scoffed at that one. Ridiculous question from an obnoxious female press.
With each question came the blinding lights of the camera. I tried not to falter but it was just too much. I wasn't prepared for this.
No wonder he held me.
“Who’s the lovely lady beside you?”
“Is she your assistant or girlfriend?”
I managed to see a pale man holding out a microphone. Like the others, they were restrained by a barricade.
Ethan increased his stride, forcing my legs to catch up with him. Of course, he wouldn't reply.
After more useless questions, we reached inside the hall. I was instantly hit with the sound of soft classical music.
High ceilings, walls adorned in rich, red fabrics, and opulent decor emphasized by crystal chandeliers created an atmosphere of sophistication.
Round tables draped in crisp, white linens were arranged throughout the ballroom, each adorned with elegant centerpieces. Fresh flowers and flickering candles.
The golden chairs blended with the seemingly red and gold themes. It was beautiful. I wondered if Gwendolyn was the brain behind the decor.
Ethan ushered me to a table not too distant from the raised stage but not too close. My stomach flipped when he gently pulled a chair for me.
He's just being a gentleman. Nothing more.
He took his seat when I sat and brought out his phone. He buried his face in it, tapping away. I arched a surprised brow.
He seemed so invested that I wondered what he was doing. But my attention soon shifted when I heard a sound similar to Gwen’s voice.
I quickly scanned the area for her. She was hard to spot amidst the sea of people, but my eyes finally clung to her black, glittering dress.
She was talking to an old man, her hands flying to her chest intermittently as she laughed. So, she was familiar with some of the people here.
For her to pull this off all the way from Australia meant she had influence. I wondered whether it was her’s or Ethan’s.
I was still thinking when a young man— younger than Ethan— walked up to us. Tall, with blonde hair and a bit muscular, he towered over our table.
“Mr. Thorne,” he greeted, stretching his hand for a handshake.
