Outside the wedding hall, Evie ran straight for the main gate, paying no heed to the heels she was wearing as she maintained a steady balance. Disregarding the discomfort, she was able to run a bit faster while being chased by the security and some random paparazzi who wouldn't stop until they caught her, as Madam Mel had ordered.
Evie ran like crazy, her heart pounding with the desperate hope of reaching the gate and escaping. Just as she thought she would make it, her foot caught on something, and she stumbled, losing her balance and collapsing to the ground.
Behind her, the shouts of the security guards grew louder and closer, and the frantic clicking of camera shutters intensified from the paparazzi.
"Arghhh…!" Evie gritted her teeth. She forcefully pushed herself up from the ground, but the sharp pain in her ankle made it clear that her run was over.
Not willing to give up so easily, Evie managed to take off her heels and hold them in one hand. She quickly made an attempt to massage her two feet. When she felt much better, she regained her footing and prepared to sprint out of the gate immediately. But just then, someone grabbed her dress from behind, nearly tripping her again.
Annoyed, Evie turned to see Madam Mel's ugly, taunting face.
"Not so fast, little bitch," Madam Mel jeered, a cruel glint in her eyes.
This time, Evie was almost surrounded by the security, who were rushing towards her frantically.
Terrified, she tossed all her concerns at that moment, shoved Madam Mel aside with full force before resuming her escape.
Weakly sprawled on the ground, Madam Mel let out furious roars at the bodyguards. "Go get her! Show her I won't let her get away with what she's done!"
…
Evie's lungs burned as she sprinted down the street. Her heart pounded like a war drum inside her chest.
At that moment, she had no idea where she was going, but she couldn't stop herself from running either. All she knew was she had to keep going, keep pushing herself forward, as if her life depended on it.
The Jade City streets were blurred as she weaved through the crowded sidewalks.
However, she saw the weird look on the city people's faces as she passed them by. After all, it was understandable that nobody in their right mind would ever think of running around the street wearing a wedding dress and holding a heel in their hand, or maybe some of them recognized her…. Who cares anyway?
Evie didn't mind. She was escaping from the people who betrayed her and wanted to completely ruin her. She wasn't willing to take such a risk, even if the city people laughed or mocked her.
Reaching the end of the street, Evie immediately turned a corner onto another street. Her tired eyes met with a sight that momentarily distracted her from her running.
Standing a short distance away from her was a man, tall and impeccably dressed in a black, expensive bespoke suit. His piercing, gray-colored eyes stared directly into hers, and it was possible that they could trap any woman who looked into them. The man possessed an aura of charm and authority that made her pause in thought for a moment.
Evie recognized this man. He was the renowned President of the Lu Group of Companies, pretty much the most powerful person in the entire country.
His name was Westley Lu, and he was known for his ruthless business games and icy demeanor. It was rumored that the only thing beating under his fancy suits was a heart colder than a winter storm. Some even figured he just saw people as pawns in his huge, never-ending game of corporate takeover. They even muttered that when he did crack a smile, it felt more like a threat than a friendly greeting.
However, despite every dark rumor surrounding him, his success and his family's wealth had spread like wildfire, making him an enigmatic figure across the country. Every man envies his handsomeness, while some suggest that having a night with him will change their life forever. But unfortunately, he wasn't interested in anyone and always acts out cold on anybody who dares cross his line.
Evie, who had been so engrossed in thought, unexpectedly bumped into him. Their collision was inevitable, given the speed at which she was running and the lack of attention she was paying to her surroundings.
They both went tumbling backward, all tangled up for a second there.
This unexpected turn of events felt like coming straight out of a soap opera.
When they finally regained their balance, Evie found herself staring straight into his beautiful grey eyes, her breath catching as his well-sculptured handsome face and perky lips were just a few inches from hers. Her hand was on his chest. She could feel his abs and the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.
Neither of them moved.
The scent of his cologne, subtle and warm, filled her senses, and for a split second, the whole world seemed to disappear, leaving only the unexpected spark between them.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Evie gasped, finally finding her voice after the initial shock wore off. She quickly pushed herself up, stepping back to regain her balance.
Westley, unlike himself, seemed unfazed by the incident. He stood up, straightened his suit jacket, and adjusted his tie with a calm expression on his face. His gaze lingered on Evie for a moment longer than necessary before he spoke.
"No harm done," he replied shortly, his voice smooth and controlled, but underneath the surface, there was a hint of tension, as if he were barely keeping his coldness at bay.
Westley's personal assistant, Eden, had just seen what happened. He had never heard his master speak so kindly, especially after what just happened. It really caught him off guard.
Eden rushed to his master, asking, "President Lu, are you okay?" He then turned to Evie. "Was it that woman? Should I have her arrested and dealt with?"
Evie: "..."