Chapter 606
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Reese guided Elnora as they mingled among the elite at the event, weaving through the powerful and influential guests.
Elnora was a natural at socializing. She could easily strike up a conversation with anyone Reese introduced her to, a far cry from her usual tight-lipped demeanor.
Albert stood nearby, watching her. He couldn’t help but think that Elnora was a woman of many faces. He honestly couldn’t tell which side of her was the real one.
Elnora noticed Albert watching her and looked back, meeting his gaze. As their eyes met, she quickly broke eye contact, her smile subtle as she continued chatting with those around her.
Albert watched her composed manner and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
When Kaelin and Benedict arrived, they spotted Albert standing off to the side, his eyes drifting toward Elnora and Reese every so often.
Watching him pretend to be all calm and collected was honestly hilarious.
Kaelin slid over to Albert and whispered, “Mr. Campbell, what are you doing just watching from over here? Why not join them? What, are you scared Ms. Finley won’t even talk to you?”
Albert gave a dismissive snort, popped out a piece of candy, and stuffed it right into Kaelin’s mouth. “Shut up.” Albert said, shooting him a glare.
Kaelin chewed on the candy, watching as Albert handed one to Benedict like he was dealing out smokes. He grinned and teased, “What’s with the candy? Trying to be healthy for a baby or something?”
Albert deadpanned, “Yeah.”
Kaelin snorted, “Don’t tell me you’re the only one putting in the effort here.”
Albert’s gaze turned a little colder. Kaelin’s grin grew even wider. It was rare to see Albert get shot down by a
woman.
‘Elnora really knows how to handle herself, Kaelin thought.
Benedict unwrapped the candy, tossed it in his mouth, and shot a look toward Elnora.
Kaelin let out a low curse under his breath suddenly. He spotted Kamron walking over with Stella, heading straight for Elnora and Reese.
“Is Kamron out of his mind?” Kaelin muttered.
Albert didn’t say much, just said in a flat tone, “I’m going upstairs.”
Kaelin leaned in and whispered, “Seriously, you’re not even going to stick with Ms. Finley? Watch out, or your mom will skin you alive.”
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Chapter 606
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Albert glanced over at Elnora and said, “Do they look like they need me?” If he went over, he’d only throw Elnora off her game.
Albert strode upstairs, his gaze betraying nothing. Kaelin followed him.
Benedict trailed behind, speaking in a low voice. “You don’t have to hang out with your mom. Just keep an eye out for anything Ms. Finley likes at the auction and surprise her with it later.”
Kaelin grinned at Benedict. “Look at you, all smooth lately. Be honest, got your eye on some girl? Is that why you’re suddenly so good at this?”
Benedict didn’t answer. Albert stayed quiet, but he made a mental note of Benedict’s words.
Once the three of them reached the private room, Albert took a seat and glanced downstairs. From where they sat, they could see the entire layout of the hall downstairs.
Elnora was still by Reese’s side, smiling and chatting with the other socialites. Kamron headed over to Reese with Stella, greeting her with a friendly smile.
“Mrs. Campbell, long time no see,” Kamron said.
Reese’s expression stayed neutral; she just gave a small nod. “It really has been a while. When did you get back to Port City?”
Kamron had moved his entire business operations to Frency years ago, and he hardly ever returned to Port City unless there was something major.
“Just got back a few days ago,” Kamron replied. “I was actually planning to come back for Albert’s wedding, but got held up by some matters and couldn’t make it. It’s a real shame,” he added.
Reese’s face didn’t change at all. She answered in an even tone, “Business comes first.” As Reese spoke, she glanced at Stella, who was standing beside Kamron.
Stella instantly looked tense. She took a deep breath, steeled herself, and greeted Reese. “Mrs. Campbell.”
Reese didn’t respond. She just turned to Elnora and said softly, “Elnora, let’s head upstairs.”
Then, Reese turned to Victoria, who was standing next to Elnora and chatting with her. “Mrs. Crosby, let’s catch up another time,” Reese said.
Everyone in Port City’s social scene knew about the history between Albert and Stella. Seeing Stella shamelessly trying to get close to Reese was honestly pretty off-putting.
Victoria totally got why Reese wanted to whisk Elnora away and head back to the private room. So she just smiled and went along with it.
Seeing that Reese had no intention of introducing him to Elnora, Kamron didn’t seem bothered at all. He just smiled and greeted Elnora himself. “Ms. Finley, fancy running into you again,” he said.
Elnora gave a slight nod and replied, “Hello.” Her voice was calm, polite, and just a bit distant, striking the perfect balance between courtesy and detachment.
16:53 Thu, Apr 30 M
Chapter 606
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Reese didn’t ask how Elnora and Kamron knew each other. She just took Elnora’s hand and led her upstairs. Elnora followed behind Reese.
Kamron stood there, watching Elnora and Reese head upstairs together. He couldn’t help but think, ‘She really has an elegant, graceful presence,’ he mused.
Stella nervously bit her lip, her spirits hitting rock bottom as she recalled how indifferent Reese had been toward her. She felt like all eyes were on her, mocking her, making her feel even more exposed.
Stella just wanted to get out of there. She took a deep breath, looked up at Kamron, her eyes slightly red. “Kamron, let’s go upstairs too. I really don’t want to stay here,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kamron looked at Stella, his gaze lingering on her for a long moment, but he said nothing. Stella’s eyes flashed with nervousness as she looked at Kamron. “What’s wrong, Kamron?” she asked.
She couldn’t help but recall how Kamron had left her stranded by the roadside last night, making her feel completely unsure of herself now. If Kamron abandoned her here, she’d definitely end up as tonight’s joke among all the guests.
She’d already noticed earlier that Belinda and Arnetta were both present in the hall. They were seated out in the main hall with everyone else. But Kamron had reserved a private suite upstairs.
Kamron shook his head, replying quietly, “It’s nothing. Just remembered something.”
Back when he was digging into Elnora’s past in Frency, he’d picked up some stories about her. During the Finley family’s toughest times, most of the charity galas in Vrufield stopped inviting Elnora.
But Elnora, intent on preserving her connections, forced herself to attend, even at the cost of her dignity. She endured her share of cold stares and unspoken pressure at those events.
But Stella, just a bit of indifference from Reese was enough to make her anxious and timid; she really couldn’t even hold a candle to Elnora.
Kamron suddenly found himself wondering what Albert ever saw in Stella. But at the same time, he was honestly glad that Albert preferred someone like Stella.
Kamron asked, “Shall we go find Albert?”
Stella looked up, her eyes shining with surprise. She nodded quickly, then couldn’t help but say, “Thank you. Kamron. Right now, you’re the only one who helps me without asking anything in return.”
16:53 Thu, Apr 30 M…
