His Last Command Came Back to Kill Him novel Chapter 54

He looked up at the relative and spoke slowly, "Yes. My wife's maiden name is Nash."

His clear voice echoed in Yelena’s ears like music. Her heart leaped into her throat, her eyes shining with intense anticipation, waiting for him to say her name.

But right as he opened his mouth to continue, his phone rang sharply, shattering the moment.

He glanced at the screen, a faint crease appearing between his brows. Standing up, he offered the older man an apologetic nod. "Excuse me, I have an urgent work matter to handle. I'll let my wife keep you company."

With that, he turned and walked away.

In her mind, Yelena instantly assumed that the wife he was referring to was her.

After all, he had treated her so specially lately. He took her to dinner, listened to her, comforted her when she was upset. She genuinely believed she was the closest person to him.

The moment he turned his back, Yelena eagerly stepped forward, plastering on a bright, welcoming smile. She took the initiative to address the older relative.

"It’s so lovely to meet you. I'm Yelena. Clive is always so busy with work, so I'll keep you company. Please, have a seat."

She acted so natural and intimate, playing the part of the devoted hostess flawlessly.

The surrounding guests looked at her with a mix of envy, admiration, and quiet scrutiny.

Whitley finally put her phone down. Watching the scene unfold, a faint, cold smirk touched her lips, though the smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Long time no see, Whitley."

The man's tone was slick and casual, but it made her stomach turn.

She looked up. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit and had a handsome face, but his eyes were filled with a reckless, cynical edge.

It was Merrick Thorne, Esther’s grandson. The Thorne family was one of the wealthiest corporate dynasties around, and Merrick was notoriously wild. He was a textbook playboy, famous for doing whatever he wanted without a shred of decency.

Whitley had never liked him. In fact, she actively despised him. She gave him a freezing glare. "There's no need for that tone. We aren't friends."