Chapter 12
As the former chairman of the commerce chamber, Arthur Langston was invited to the business gala in Heisenville,
Arthur was old now, arriving in a wheelchair After giving a balet speech, he tried to leave early.
When Gideon showed up with Avery, Arthur was just about to leave.
“idron, is this the girlinend you told me about? After all these years, you i
Arthur looked kindly at Avery.
Avery glanced at Gideon, feeling uneasy, she had no idea what he had told his grandfather.
Gideon cut in “She’s my date, Grandpa, I haven’t won her over yet, so she isn’t my girlfriend”
Arthur smiled again and looked at Avery. “She looks good. Treat her well.“–
He was old, so he didn’t stay for the bustle
Dale Valdez, his assistant, pashed Arthur away.
Gideonapologized to Avery. “I’m sony lused you as an excuse.”
Avery shook her head. “It’s time.”
“Mr. Langston, we’ve never seen you bring a lady to one of these events. Whose daughter is she to earn such an honor?” A few guests walked over, laughing with
Codron
“She’s beautiful. It’s no wonder you noticed her.”
Everyone at the gala was a heavyweight in business. Avery had no wish to mix with that level of society.
She disliked these people. In her eyes, the folk of the upper class were like demons who used others without any limits.
They were like that, and so was Marcus. It was most likely that Gideon was the same.
Gideon said, “My lady in young and shy, so I won’t introduce her to everyone.” He offered his arm to Avery
Avery chitched his ann, nervous and ready to run. She didn’t like the place as it only felt full of schemes and flattery.
On tycoon laughed. “Since you’re protecting her like this, is the wedding near? Your grandfather wants nothing more than to see you mansed. is it happening soon?
Gideon only smiled lightly and didn’t answer
Thus, the others let the topic drop.
Someone mentioned Marcus as if on cue. “Have you heard? Marcus is getting married. He proposed to Madison a few days ago. He’ll probably marry before any of
Avery’s heart jumped. She tightened her grip on Gideon’s am
Of course, Gideon sensed her tension. He glanced at her but said nothing
“Why didn’t. Madison many Marcus before? Why did she marry that Muncarian? She left four years ago and came back divorced,”
“Well, she was confident. Even after the divorce, she knew Marcus only had eyes forher.!
After Madison left, no tumorever linked Marcus with another woman. Everyone knew he loved her deeply. A faithful heir was rare, so the pair was the focus of
attention
“Louk who it is! Speak of the devil.” Someone called out to Marcus at the entrance, “Mateus, you’re late, so you owe me three drinks to make up for it.”
Macul anived with Madison on lisan.
Madison looked stunning. Her custom champagne gown made her shine among
one the clo
crowd
Avery envied her, envied the confidence in her bones. Panily background had given Madison that poiss
adeon whispried, “Are you scared?” He meant meeting Marcus here.
Avery shook her head. She had nothing left to fear. She and Marcus never had a real relationship to begin with
Marcus walked over and explained politely. “Maddie’s brother got hurt. We were stuck in trafik coming from the hospital, so we were slightly delayed.”
He smiled at Gideon “Mr. Langston, long time no see,
Marcus had planned to bring Avery to stake his claim, but Madison wanted to attend, so be changed his plan.
Madison greeted Gideon politely Mr. Langston.”
Sqmeone asked, “How did he get bunt?”
Madison smiled with polished grace. “A rude woman at him. It’s nothing artious”
Madison and Marcus stood in front of Gideon, yet neither noticed Avery. They probably thought she was still at the police station.
Gideon spoke calmly, but his tone canted weight, “What lilly thing did your boother do to make a womans hit him so hard?”
The words wete openly hosille.
Madison froze and looked at Gideon again. She couldn’t remember ottending him.
Avery stifford fou. She hid a little behind Gilders. She hadn’t expected him to stand up for her in a place like this.
“Mr. Langston — Marcus meant to speak up for Madison, but when he saw Avery, all the words he’d planned to say were stuck in his throat. His face darkened, yet education kept his anger in check
Aven shope tonight in a way Marcus had nev
She had followed him for four years, from 10 to 23 years old. He never denied she was pretty, but he’d never seen her dressup
In his eyes, she had always been the woman with no makeup, dressed in plain white tees or sundresses. She was pure and never wore perfume.
He found her an ideal bed partner and kept her for four years without getting tired.
But now, the pore woman he had kept all to himself had gone to someone else. It drove him mad.
Madison recognized Avery and stared. “Avery? Weren’t you at the station?”
Gideon shielded Avery and showed Madison no courtesy. “The one who belongs in the station is probably your brother, Zack, isn’t it? Everyone knew Madison’s background and that she was Marcus‘ beloved muse, so the moguls usually indulged her.
Gideon was an exception
Madison’s smille wavered. She looked at Gideon with a frown. “Mr. Langston, do you know Avery? She’s Marcus‘ assistant. We’re friends.”
“Friends?” Gideon let out a cold laugh and looked at Marcus. “I didn’t know you were into fakes, Mr. Lowell. My grandfather kept a few authentic ones. I’ll send them your way sometime.”
People exclunged looks, shocked by the sudden rise in tension.
The Langstons maled Gramsville, and the Lowells topped Heisenville. The two heirs rarely clashed, so why spar here?
Marcus stayed silent, his eyes fixed on Avery.
Avery didn’t look at him–not for a second. She didn’t want to
Marcus spoke gently, giving Madison a way out. “Madison, go chat with your friends over there.”
Madison looked upset but couldn’t talk back to Gideon. She shot Avery a meaningful glance before turning and wallding away.
Marcus looked at Avery again. “Avery, come with me.”
He headed toward the restroom, sure she would follow after him. She had obeyed him for four years. But this time she didn’t listen.
Marcus looked back to find that Avery didn’t move. Instead, she held Gideon’s arm and spoke softly. “Mr. Langston, your grandfather left early. May I go home
She felt uncomfortable. Seeing Madison and Marcus made her nauseous.
