Chapter 54: Explanation
As Fletcher approached, I could finally see the underlying irritation in his eyes–an emotion I had never seen in him before.
With the haze of alcohol blurring my senses, he seemed, in some inexplicable way, tinged with a touch of grievance.
But this was the same man who had just celebrated his one–hundred–day anniversary with Davina.
What was he so curious about?
In a moment like this, even the slightest curiosity seemed ridiculous, almost
laughable.
If I disregarded Winston’s perspective, there
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was no need for me to explain anything to him.
“We’re just friends,” I said honestly. A charitable person shouldn’t be met with unfounded hostility. “Mr. Lynton, you’re overthinking it.”
“Why explain?” Fletcher stepped closer, looking down at me with a cold arrogance. “Do you think, at this point, I’d still be curious about something?”
The words were heavy in my ear, his tone dripping with arrogance. I looked up to meet his brown eyes, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of resentment there.
It must have been an illusion, I thought- probably just the result of too much alcohol.
“Wasn’t it Mr. Lynton who asked first?” I
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quickly averted my gaze and casually said.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Fletcher’s fingers tighten around the cigarette butt, and then he said, “Charlene, you really like to flatter yourself.”
The shadow lifted, and with a sneer, he turned sharply and walked away.
I watched him stagger off, slowly opening my hand and letting out a quiet sigh.
I had initially thought that this situation had reached a perfectly satisfying conclusion, but the very next morning, we received Danica’s resignation letter.
“I really can’t stay here after causing so much trouble for you and Kaitlyn, Danica said, her face looking a little more mature, her once carefree gaze now tempered with
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apology. “And Charlene, you know I only joined this team because I loved the work, but now… I really can’t go on.”
She said she couldn’t go on, which spoke volumes. The girl still hadn’t gotten over the events that had happened before. If we had forced her to continue working alongside Davina, it would’ve been nothing short of
torture.
But with the project at its current stage, losing a familiar art designer was like serving a dish without plating–it would halt progress entirely, and the situation became incredibly tricky.
Moreover, Fletcher’s collaboration with Free Spirit had shown no signs of progress.
Ever since Gary asked me to fill out that form, everything had gone silent, and hopes
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were slim
Our situation was rapidly becoming passive.
After some negotiation, Danica reluctantly agreed to stay until the end of the month.
But both Kaitlyn and I knew–once someone was disappointed, there was no way to keep them.
This meant that we had to secure the collaboration with Free Spirit before Danica
left.
It was a nearly impossible task.
Kaitlyn sighed in frustration, rubbing her temples. “You’re just too soft–hearted. Even if we’re lucky enough to get Free Spirit on board, we’ll still need at least a month or two to get the collaboration going. And if it
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delays Davina’s graduation defense, that’s a violation of the contract. And I’m afraid Fletcher will make sure we regret it.”
Kaitlyn’s words immediately brought me down, and I felt the weight of the pressure pressing down on me.
Our hopes were now pinned on the Free Spirit fan meeting later that afternoon.
“As usual, Free Spirit himself won’t show up,” Kaitlyn explained patiently. “But during that drinking session, a source told me he likes to disguise himself as a fan and blend in, watching everyone’s reactions. So, Lena, Free Spirit will definitely be among the fans this afternoon.”
But there would be fifty fans at the meet–and–greet, and finding Free Spirit in the crowd wouldn’t be an easy task.
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“We can rule out a portion of female fans based on gender, Kaitlyn continued, “and the Test, well, it’s all about luck”
Without wasting any more time, we drove to the fan meeting at the resort after lunch.
This was my first time attending a fan event for an influential artist in the industry, and I have to admit, the scene was surprisingly lively.
Many young faces were holding Free Spirit’s artwork, patiently waiting in line.
Every now and then, I’d spot a few older faces–either looking like total nerds or just there to ride on the coattails of the trend. Neither seemed like they could possibly be Free Spirit himself.
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What made matters worse was the security check at the entrance. The guard clearly told us that only one person was allowed in with the invitation Kaitlyn had.
Kaitlyn was furious and swore loudly. “The scalper told me we could get in as a pair!”
After a quick discussion, we decided that Kaitlyn would handle the situation inside, given her better ability to read people. I would stay outside, keeping an eye on the situation.
“Since he’s into peeping, maybe he’ll leave early. Keep an eye on the back door and contact me immediately if you spot anyone suspicious.”
I couldn’t help but be amused by Kaitlyn’s quick thinking. “Ms. Hayes, don’t worry. I’ll get the job done.”
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After we split up, I ordered a coffee and took my place by the back door, waiting for any signs.
As time ticked by, the fan meet went on, but I still hadn’t spotted anyone suspicious.
Just then, a voice called out, “Make way, make way!”
I turned toward the sound and saw the elevator doors open. A cart piled high like a small mountain sped out from the lift.
Standing in front of it was a little child,
around three years old.
Without a second thought, I rushed forward, cradling the child in my arms.
At that moment, a sharp pain shot through
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Chapter 545 Explanation
+5 haint
my back, making stars burst in my vision.
“Watch out!”
A clear, youthful voice rang in my ear. Contrary to my expectations, the heavy load didn’t crash down on me. I blinked, slowly opening my eyes, and saw a young face beside me, blocking the falling goods with his body.
He was a young man, likely in his early twenties, with grayish–white hair. He wore a pair of deep red over–ear headphones around his neck, his pale skin almost glowing. His charming eyes held a glimmer of light, as if reflecting stars.
“Miss, are you alright?” he asked softly.
Before I could respond, the child in my arms started crying in panic.
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Chapter 54 Explanation
Hearing the noise, the child’s parents rushed over, and upon learning of my good deed, insisted on treating me to a meal.
“You flatter me,” I said, glancing at the young man beside me. “If it weren’t for this gentleman’s brave actions, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. We should thank him.”
After some discussion, the parents
suggested we grab a coffee together. I ended up sitting with this young hero in the waiting
area.
Just then, my phone rang–Kaitlyn’s name flashing on the screen.
I quickly turned away, pressing the answer button.
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Chapter 54 Explanation
5 Points
“Lena, I’ve just got some information. Free Spirit is left–handed and has a small black mole the size of a sesame seed on his thumb,” Kaitlyn said, her voice urgent. “Pay special attention to men like that.”
I acknowledged her with a quiet “okay.” As I turned back, I noticed the young man in front of me casually tapping away at his phone with his left hand. I froze for a moment.
Upon closer inspection, I saw that indeed, there was a tiny black mole on the side of his thumb.
I hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, “Free Spirit?”
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