ELOISEThe Cunninghams, including myself, gathered in the living room as part of my schedule. I thought it’d be a small group with just my dad, Davina, her obscene brother, Mr. Ross, and Nina. But to my surprise, m grandmother showed up with her two unmarried daughters, Ailisa and Rona. Rowena Cunningham embodied refinement and strict adherence to rules, the kind my father would look up to. I could see it in how she casually shooed her son away with a hand wave. Her indifference toward Davina was clear, ignoring her daughter-in-law into an uncomfortable shadow. This was the first time I actually felt bad for her. Even I felt a surge of nerves just seeing Rowena enter through that door. I’d only seen her in the pictures Nina showed me. Thanks to her thorough lessons, I could distinguish who’s who.A conversation started between Dad and Rowena. She seemed to carry a bit of arrogance in her demeanor. Her mannerisms and the way she dressed in an emerald velvet dress, a matching designer
“Bravo!” Lord Blackwood shouted, his applause joined by others in the room. “That was brilliant, just as I expected from my muse.”Muse? I almost wanted to puke.“Callum, you’re late!” Davina chastised her brother.“Sorry, sister.” He walked over to her, giving her a peck on the cheek, then turned to Rowena, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. “My ever lovely Lady Cunningham. You’re as beautiful as the sunflowers in the morning. This is for you.”Callum presented Rowena with a sunflower on a long stem before approaching my father.Conversations buzzed among them, and it seemed Callum’s presence had a way of brightening up the room. Even Rowena’s daughters appeared charmed, engaging in flirtatious banter and laughter.I grimaced. How could they be drawn to someone so… cringey? He wasn’t even charming.But there I was, invisible again, which was honestly much better.I heaved out a sigh of relief.“You did great, my lady,” Nina whispered with a grin.“Thank you. Do I still need to
ELOISE I was forced to sit with the baron in the backseat of his limo while Nina and Mr. Ross's car drove ahead of us. I gazed out of the tinted window, silently hoping that this moment would pass quickly so I wouldn't have to endure close proximity to this man. The city lights blurred into streaks as we navigated the busy streets, and I pretended to remain unaffected. I just hope Adam was on time so I wouldn't have to force myself to be the baron's arm candy. After what seemed like an eternity, Callum finally broke the silence. "You must be thrilled." "Thrilled about what?" I replied. "Thrilled about this arrangement. Malcolm and I usually attended these social gatherings. You'll find it quite enjoyable, I assure you, especially since you might be expected to attend some of these parties." I turned to him, my brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" "Oh, Logan still hasn't told you," he said, shrugging. "That's rather surprising." "What is my father not telling me?" He smirked and
ELOISE He looked immaculate as always in a tux, accompanied by someone I hadn't met before. The man he was talking to bore a striking resemblance to him in terms of appearance and facial features, except for the brown hair and the age. They were engaged in casual conversation, seemingly oblivious to the buzzing crowd around them, each moment captured by eager photographers. It was as though time had frozen. He had really come, and it seemed he didn't need an invitation. He walked freely into the venue and seemed acquainted with those around him. It was possible that he and Braden had worked together on a film before; after all, Adam was also a Hollywood film producer, and maybe their paths had crossed outside. "They are the people we're meeting tonight," Callum's voice caught my attention. "Who?" "The Waldorfs, but we'll catch up with them later. Let's head inside," he said. I ignored the baron, and my gaze fixed on Adam's every step as he drew closer until our eyes finally locke
ELOISEThe lights dimmed in the event hall as we took our seats at one of the tables, and silence enveloped the crowd. A spotlight illuminated the first item to be auctioned—a centuries-old painting named "Whispers of the Wildwood" by the artist Edmund Harlowe, donated by a businessman. It's a landscape painting that transports viewers into a serene forest scene, lit only by fireflies. The painting portrays a deep, lush woodland with untouched beauty. The auction's proceeds this evening will be distributed to orphanages, children with illnesses, and homes for the aged.The auctioneer, Jack, a charismatic man in a tailored tuxedo, stood beside the artwork. He began narrating the painting's history, its importance in the art world, and the artist's masterful technique.Wealthy collectors, art enthusiasts, and investors in the room raised their paddles, each bid raising the price higher and higher. I moved closer to Adam. "Aren't you going to tell me what's going on? What business do y
ELOISE The event had transformed into an open party, with lively music filling the air, encouraging people to dance and enjoy themselves for the rest of the night. I found myself on the dance floor with Adam as the night wore on. "Can't you give me something? Anything, just so I'm not kept in the dark?" I asked him, our bodies swaying in time with the music. "Okay," he began, glancing around cautiously before fixing his gaze on me. "Let's just say this is my way of trying to figure you out." "To this extent? You'd even do business with a man you barely know when you could just ask me? Why would you even do this and waste your time?" His eyes gleamed mischievously. "Darling, you asked for my help, right? This is how I do it. To this extent, as you said." "I asked for your help yesterday, but it seems you've already made your moves even before that." He pulled my waist closer so that my chest was pressed against him. A soft gasp escaped my lips. "I like being one step ahead. It
ELOISE "Here." Adam offered me a cup of hot tea when we entered the suite he was staying in. The place was well-lit and warm, just like him. He took a seat in front of me, gently tucking a few strands of my hair behind my ear as he observed me. I took a sip of the tea, and relief washed over me. "I'm sorry I got you involved in my issues. He grunted. "Anyone would get involved if they witnessed that. I told you he's lucky I left him alive." "You're not a monster like him." His pupils darkened. "Oh, you have no idea." “How did you know he followed me in the restroom?” “Your friend saw him.” Oh, Nina. She had already saved me so much. I glanced around his spacious suite. "This is a nice place. Thanks for bringing me here.” "You're welcome." He kissed my forehead and stood up again. "You can use the bedroom whenever you feel like resting. I have the bathroom ready too. Did you want anything else?” I shook my head. "Maybe a snack? Thank you.” “Anytime.” He walked to the kitche
ELOISE After I showered, Adam was pretty much refreshed as well. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. "Mm," he hummed, studyin me. "That looks good on you." I looked down at the PJs he lent me. "I thought you said you don't take advantage and I need a rest?" I wiped my hair with the towel. I could smell a hint of his scent on my body. It must be the soap and shampoo. It felt as if he was embracing me, and I liked it. "Are you sleepy?" I shook my head. "Why don't you sit here so we can talk a bit?" He smiled seductively and tapped his hand on the space next to him. I guess he was back to being the sexy, playful Adam Sebastian after all that drama. "About what?" "About this. What did you tell them about what we were?" I sat on the other end of the bed. "I told the baron you're my boyfriend, which, of course, you're not. Fine, you win this time. I need your help with whatever plan you're trying to plot for my dad tomorrow." He said he didn't need a reason to do this. He told