My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 642

She hadn't forgotten—Vincent was her date for the evening's awards ceremony.

When he saw Chloe take his arm on her own, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. He couldn't help but feel pleased.

Though it was Vincent's first time attending an event of this scale, he didn't seem the least bit out of place—in fact, he appeared to be enjoying himself. The moment Chloe linked her arm with his, he led her confidently onto the red carpet.

Zachary's expression darkened as soon as he spotted Vincent. Who was this guy?

As a lawyer, Zachary usually kept his manners in check around strangers, but something about this man instantly put him off. It was a visceral reaction, almost a physical aversion.

How strange.

"That guy's carrying," Robert muttered under his breath.

Zachary's heart jumped.

A gun? You've got to be kidding.

This was the biggest awards night of the year. Security was airtight, not just inside the venue but throughout the entire perimeter. The idea of someone slipping through with a weapon sounded like a bad joke.

But as Robert said it, Zachary's eyes stayed fixed on Vincent—and sure enough, he noticed it too. The subtle bulk under his jacket, the way he moved... Robert was right. The man was definitely armed.

Who the hell was he? How did he get past security? And why would Chloe bring him as her date?

Questions raced through Zachary's mind, but there was no time to dwell. Staff ushered them forward, and he took Robert's hand, stepping onto the red carpet about thirty feet behind Vincent and Chloe.

The closer Zachary got, the colder the air around them seemed to grow—an unsettling, almost oppressive feeling.

From the moment Chloe stepped onto the carpet, she felt uneasy. Much of it had to do with the man beside her. Vincent's presence threw her off balance. Arm in arm, they moved under the glare of the lights and into full view of the crowd.

Chloe had been trending online recently, so recognition was instant. And now, with Vincent at her side—his sharp, almost pretty features impossible to ignore—the two immediately became the focal point for every photographer in attendance.

"Oralia, could you—"

She gently raised a finger to her lips, her expression softening but serious. "Tonight is already so special. Thank you, truly. I love you all."

With that, she formed a small heart toward the cameras with her hands, then turned and took Melinda's arm as they headed inside.

Chloe and Vincent stepped up to the backdrop next. Chloe signed quickly, wanting to get it over with. She had barely finished writing her name when Vincent leaned in close—tall enough to easily reach over her head. In one smooth motion, he signed his name just above hers.

VINCENT—the letters bold and forceful, almost alive—curved protectively around CHLOE, framing her name completely.

"Chloe! I'm with Financial Today—could we have a quick word?"

"Chloe, who's your handsome escort tonight?"

"Ms. Lewis, what's the nature of your relationship with him?"