Chapter 284
Soren entered the car from the other side, studied me for a moment, and nodded. “Of course, Miss Jones. It seems I’ve underestimated you.”
I flashed a grin. Was he teasing me?
If we had to be together…
Our social standings were bound to clash. But I had to match him in competence and charisma, right? What else could I offer to capture his attention?
The truth, though, was that no matter how hard I tried, I didn’t think I could measure up to him in either of those areas. The best I could do was minimize the gap between us, so I wouldn’t become a burden.
The streets teemed with activity. Fireworks lit the sky. The car crawled toward the riverside, slowed to a near stop by the heavy traffic.
Less than a mile and a half from my place, yet half an hour later, we hadn’t made any real progress.
Soleil called twice, urging us to hurry.
The crowd around us made me shiver.
“Is the event outdoors?” I asked.
“No. Up there,” Soren said, pointing.
It was the Metropolis State Building, the city’s iconic skyscraper. A fine–dining, revolving restaurant sat on the top floor. I’d heard reservations were required at least two weeks in advance.
To get a spot there, especially at a time like this? That had to be nearly impossible.
“We’re thoroughly stuck,” Soren said. “But we’re still less than a mile away. Want to walk?”
I nodded. “Good idea.”
“If your knees start to hurt, I can always carry you.”
I was taken aback. “Wait, no! There’s no need! I can walk!”
What kind of offer was that? Did he want me to become an internet sensation? This street was packed with people!
We got out of the car, and Soren extended his hand with a gentlemanly smile.
I hesitated… then took it.
As our fingers entwined, I grumbled, “You know we shouldn’t be doing this, right? If someone sees and takes a picture, we’re going to be the center of unwanted attention again.”
“Why should we care about what others think?” he said, his tone calm but firm. “If anyone starts another smear campaign against you, I’ll handle it–whether you want me to or not.”
I fell silent as we made our way through the crowd.
Despite my light attire, the cold of New Year’s Eve seemed to bypass me. Maybe my racing heart was keeping me
warm.
At times, the crowd packed so tightly that we were practically pressed together. He’d pull me close as we maneuvered through, smiling at me.
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Chapter 284
I didn’t know what he was smiling about, but my cheeks flushed anyway.
After more than ten minutes, we reached the Metropolis State Building. As we ascended, I watched the river come alive with dazzling light displays from unmanned drones.
I’d seen these shows before, but always from the ground. This was my first time experiencing them from above, as if suspended in the sky, able to take in their full splendor
Soren smiled. “Wait until you get to the top floor.”
“Whoever’s behind this technology is a genius!” I marveled
“Really? It’s not that impressive if you know how it’s done. The displays are managed by a subsidiary of my company.”
Chapter 285
+25 BONUS
Chapter 285
