Seeing Rachel in a haute couture gown, standing elegantly among the crowd, Jasper’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to her.
His steps faltered as complex emotions stirred within him.
When he noticed Rachel heading toward the balcony, Jasper found himself following. He had things he needed to say to her.
Rachel had been chatting with friends but felt stuffy inside, so she stepped out for some fresh air.
She’d only been there a moment when suddenly someone grabbed her hand from behind.
Startled, Rachel spun around to see Jasper’s brooding face.
She frowned and yanked her hand away forcefully. “What the hell do you want?”
This was the first time Jasper had seen Rachel’s face up close in a while. He noticed how refined her features were–her flawless, porcelain skin made her look even more stunning.
Especially her eyes, which sparkled like stars, clear and determined.
Jasper was momentarily stunned before collecting himself, his voice softer now. “Rachel, you don’t need to be so hostile toward me.”
Rachel looked at him coldly, her tone distant. “Mr. Hale, I don’t think we have anything to discuss. If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving.”
She turned to go, but Jasper reached out to stop her again.
His voice was low and urgent. “Rachel, I don’t want you making irrational decisions out of spite. A guy like Cassian will never be serious about you. He’s had too many women–why put yourself through that?”
Rachel stopped and looked back at him with mockery in her eyes. “Jasper, aren’t you being a little presumptuous? As for Cassian, I know what kind of man he is better than you do. At least he’s never said he cared about me while messing around with someone else behind my back.”
Jasper was speechless, hit by her words. Regret flashed in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Valeria watched from a distance, taking in the entire scene.
After finishing her snacks with Joanne, she’d suddenly remembered Jasper–especially with Rachel here too.
Her heart dropped, hoping it wasn’t what she thought.
After searching the entire venue, she finally found them on the balcony.
Her expression darkened, eyes flashing with malice.
Valeria clenched her fists, silently vowing: Rachel, don’t even think about stealing what’s mine! Jasper belongs to me, and no one’s taking him away!
She pressed her lips together and quickly pulled out her phone, snapping several photos of Jasper and Rachel’s confrontation.
You brought this on yourself, Rachel!
Rachel finally managed to get away from Jasper.
Was he completely insane?
Every time he saw her, he had to drag her into some conversation badmouthing Cassian.
She knew exactly what kind of man Cassian was. So far, their relationship had been pleasant with no real conflicts.
And how dare Jasper judge anyone when he was such a piece of shit himself?
Chapter
What a buzzkill!
She’d been in such a good mood, and now it was completely ruined.
Rachel collected herself and returned to the main venue.
When her friends saw her come back, they gathered around with concern. “Rachel, are you okay? You looked upset earlier.”
Rachel smiled lightly. “I’m fine, just needed some air.”
She resumed chatting with her friends, quickly putting the unpleasant encounter behind her.
The fashion gala was winding down when Rachel’s phone suddenly rang.
She pulled it out, and her face immediately lit up with a smile.
After answering, Cassian’s deep, magnetic voice came through the line. “Is it over yet?”
