The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 394

Suzie pressed her lips together. She should have been hiding a triumphant smile, but instead, a sudden, inexplicable wave of bitterness washed over her.

Why the bitterness?

Chester was a smart guy; there was no way he didn't realize she was manipulating him.

Yet here he was, compromising, purely because he was trying to pursue her, right?

It brought back a harsh memory—wasn't this exactly how she used to act around Jamie?

Sometimes, you think you've completely buried a painful memory. But out of nowhere, a single sentence or a random scene rips the bandage right off, exposing the raw wound underneath.

Swallowing the emotion, she stayed quiet...

Back on stage, Jamie had finished his speech and disappeared into the crowd.

As the host's booming voice officially kicked off the reception, the gala was underway.

Suzie scanned the mingling guests, searching for Lexi.

Knowing the woman's current social standing, Suzie wisely checked the more remote corners of the room.

Sure enough, she soon spotted Lexi sitting alone in a dimly lit booth, her eyes darting anxiously across the crowd as if desperately searching for someone.

Beside her, Chester noticed her distraction. He was brimming with questions but hesitated to ask.

Finally, he spoke up.

"Ms. Sterling, I'm not entirely sure which sector of the industry you're focused on, but if there's a specific crowd you're trying to network with, just say the word. I can introduce you..."

Suzie deflected, "I came in such a rush, I forgot my business cards."

He waved off her concern. "Not a problem. Your phone will do just fine."

She nodded. Just as they picked up their drinks to leave the booth, a man's voice rang out beside them.

As he spoke, his beady eyes raked over Chester with blatant curiosity.

Suzie caught his assessing gaze. When Chester didn't immediately jump in to introduce himself, she hesitated for only a second.

"This is my brother," she stated flatly.

"Ah, your brother! I must say, he looks quite familiar..."

Myron mumbled, his shrewd eyes still calculating beneath a greasy smile.

"Myron! Why did you wander off? I've been looking everywhere for you!"

A sickly sweet voice interrupted them. A second later, a woman with a heavily made-up face and an overly affected walk latched onto Myron's arm.

One glance was all Suzie needed. It was the same woman Myron had been with at the mall when she was buying a gift for Oliver's mother.