Before leaving, Rachel changed back into her own clothes and returned the beautiful gown to Be. However, Be would not take the dress back, saying it was a gift for Rachel''s 18th birthday.
With no reason left to refuse, Rachel cautiously packed the gown and returned home in happy tears.
On the way back,n sat on the edge of his seat without saying a word in case the driver might mistake him for a pervert and restrain him. That would be awkward.
Rachel kept a distance fromn the entire time, looking out the window with a blush. She felt that her face and her cheeks were hot.
Upon arrival at their destination, Rachel toldn to get straight home, butn wanted to walk her to the door for her safety.
Outside the Meads'' residence, Rachel hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Wait outside for a moment, Mr. Harris."
"Take your time. I''m in no rush,"n responded eagerly.
lan was the president of the student council on a full schrship during his college days. After graduation, he worked under Justin, braving challenges and obstacles to be the president''s chief secretary with a million-dor annual sry.
Still,n could not stop himself from acting like a dummy in front of the woman he loved.
It did not take long for Rachel to tiptoe out with a pink bag in hand. Afraid to wake her mother up, Rachel gently closed the door.
"This is the bag you asked for, Mr. Harris. Sorry. A lot has happenedtely, so I only managed to finish the bag now."
Rachel presented the bag ton embarrassedly. "I made a small alteration. I hope your sister will like it."
"She will. She will definitely love it. Thank you, Ms. Mead."
lan epted the bag with shaky hands. They felt the tingle when their hands brushed against each other.
"I-I really like you, Ms. Mead. Can I pursue you?" Alcohol gaven the courage to try one more time.
Rachel backed away nervously. "I-I can''t. I''m still in school. I don''t want to date yet. My studies are my priority."
"I''ll wait. I''ll wait until you graduate. Even if you need time to think after graduation, I will still wait for you."n''s voice turned hoarse as he pleaded. Rachel blushed and shook her head. "B-But I''m a minor."
"Didn''t you just celebrate your 18th birthday?"
Rachel bit her lip.
"Ms. Mead, Rachel, I-"
Wham!
As the door mmed shut,n drooped his head at the rejection.
The next morning, at 2:40 p.m., Gregory arrived decked up in a suit
Samador Hotel with Paul i
tthe VIP parking lot of theck
tow.
The press conference was a strategic move to build support for Shannon ahead of tomorrow''s trial.
It was clear to Gregory that Be
would pay off the press to report negatively on Shannon as a strategy to give Salvador Corporation another devastating blow.
There was no point in counting on Justin. Heck, Gregory would be grateful if Justin did not take part in any of this.
Hence, Gregory had to intervene to turn the tide for Salvador Corporation.
The hotel manager rushed to Gregory when he just stepped out of the car.
"C-Chairman Salvador, I have terrible news."
Gregory scanned the rude man with displeasure.
Paul frowned and said curtly, "What''s the terrible news? Catch your breath before answering."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.
The hotel manager wiped his sweat away. "I don''t know what happened, but no journalist is present at the press conference."
Both Gregory and Paul uttered in disbelief, "No one''s here? That''s impossible."
Gregory then asked Paul in surprise, "Did you send out the invitations?"
"I notified the press one by one to make sure nothing went wrong, Chairman Salvador." Paul broke out in a cold sweat.
It was toote to point fingers when
the press
s conference was starting
fifteen minutes. Gregory went to the venue to see what was going on.
Paul and the hotel manager pushed open the heavy doors to the hall.
They were stunned.
A lean figure with broad shoulders sat in the front row in an otherwise empty hall. The man''s back was facing them.
As the door swung open, the man got up with grace and looked back.
"Justin?"