My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 645

Zachary was just pushing himself up to follow when the lights on stage brightened—the ceremony had officially begun.

After the opening performance, the hosts, dressed in sleek formalwear, stepped into the spotlight and launched into their introductions.

Chloe wasn't paying much attention to their scripted banter. She had only come for one reason: to be there with Oralia when the Best Actress winner was announced.

If Oralia won, it would be the highlight of her career so far. Chloe had watched her put in the work year after year, and she couldn't help but feel proud.

As for—

"Best Actress won't be until after the intermission. Want something from the concession stand? I can have someone bring it over," Vincent whispered, leaning slightly toward her.

Chloe shifted her gaze away, avoiding the interaction. But as she glanced up, a small figure darted past the edge of her view.

She froze. Was that Robert?

Turning toward where Robert had been seated, she saw only Zachary in the chair. So Robert had slipped out.

The awards had just started. Where could he be going alone?

This was his first time at this venue—a massive, crowded arena. The thought of him wandering off by himself set off an alarm in Chloe's mind.

She couldn't just stay put. Tracking the direction he'd disappeared, she rose quietly from her seat.

Vincent's hand brushed over hers. "Where are you going? They've already started presenting."

"It's Robert—I saw him leave alone. I need to make sure he's okay," Chloe said hurriedly, pulling her hand back before turning and making her way up the aisle.

Vincent remained in his seat, his eyes following her until she vanished into the shadowed exit. His expression cooled noticeably.

Across the aisle, Oralia had been chatting softly with Melinda between segments. When she glanced over and saw Chloe's empty seat, then Vincent sitting rigidly beside it, her curiosity sparked.

A moment later, she caught sight of Chloe herself, moving quickly toward the lobby with a tense, urgent stride.

Was something wrong?

Oralia checked the stage. They were still working through the technical awards—score, editing, supporting roles. Best Actress was a good hour away. She had time to step out briefly.

"Melinda, hold my spot, will you? I'll be right back," Oralia murmured before bending low and slipping out of the row.

Melinda, engrossed in a heartfelt acceptance speech onstage, blinked in surprise. "Wait, where are you—?"

There was something familiar about that silhouette...

Robert perked up, observing quietly. The person moved uncertainly, pausing now and then as if second-guessing the way. Definitely lost, he decided.

He ducked into an alcove and waited. Sure enough, less than a minute later, the figure approached right where he'd predicted.

Oralia had tried to follow Chloe's path but lost her almost immediately. To make things worse, she'd taken a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in what felt like a service maze.

She'd been walking for what felt like ten minutes without seeing another person or finding an exit. The echo of her heels on the concrete floor was the only sound.

Was this even part of the public venue?

She checked her phone again—still no service. She couldn't even call a staffer for help.

Just as she started worrying about missing too much of the show, a faint scuffle echoed from ahead. Her head lifted sharply.

The corridor was dimly lit and empty, but she was certain: she'd heard footsteps. Soft, but unmistakable.

"Hello?" she called out, unable to keep a slight tremor from her voice. She straightened, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "Is someone there?"