“Miss Pearson, this way, please.”
The event was already in full swing at the venue, a vibrant hum filling the air. According to the meticulously planned schedule, Hadley was to grace the stage only when her role as the official endorser was unveiled with flourish. Theodore ushered her through a discreet side entrance into the bustling backstage area.
“Miss Pearson, please linger here for a moment. Mr. Scott will soon arrive to guide you inside.”
“Very well,” Hadley replied with a composed smile, already briefed on the arrangements.
With a few moments to spare, Hadley’s gaze drifted toward Theodore, curiosity sparking in her eyes. She couldn’t resist asking, “Where is Phillips? Isn’t he attending?”
Theodore paused briefly, then nodded toward a direction, gesturing subtly.
“Over there, do you see him?”
Hadley followed his point and spotted Phillips, her brow furrowed. Blending seamlessly among a cluster of bodyguards, Phillips was nearly invisible unless one looked closely.
“Theodore,” Hadley said, her eyes returning to him.
“How long does Eric intend to keep Phillips in the shadows like this?”
Theodore hesitated, then shook his head with a sigh.
“Mr. Scott has his own plans, I’m afraid.”
Their exchange was brief, cut short by the resonant voice of Ernest echoing from within.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the ambassador for Flynn Group Technology and the embodiment of the Flynn and Scott Group’s collaborative vision, Miss Hadley Pearson.”
As his words faded, a wave of applause mingled with music swept through the room.
Hadley turned swiftly toward the sound, her hands clasped elegantly before her.
The soft patter of footsteps approached along the red-carpeted floor. Eric emerged, his striking features softened by a warm smile. Even from a distance, he extended his hand, palm open in invitation.
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When he reached her side, he offered his hand with a gentle flourish.
“Shall we?”
“Of course,” Hadley replied, her face lighting up with a radiant smile as she placed her hand in his.
The moment their hands met, Eric felt a jolt, his heart drumming a lively rhythm against his ribs. It was unmistakable, a quick, exhilarating pulse. What was this sensation?
Noticing his brief pause, Hadley’s voice came softly, laced with concern.
“Eric? Is everything alright?”
“It is nothing,” Eric assured her, snapping back to the moment. He closed his hand around hers, his grip steady and warm.
Taking the trailing hem of her gown from Emily, he said, “I’ll handle this.”
“Of course, Mr. Scott,” Emily replied with a nod.
Hand in hand, they stepped forward, Theodore, Emily, and the others trailing closely behind. They crossed the threshold into the grand hall. Eric gently released the gown’s train, letting it glide across the polished floor.
Still holding Hadley’s hand firmly, he leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur.
.
.
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