Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 274

Clara looked up in surprise, pausing to greet the man with a warm smile.

"You didn't keep me waiting. I just got here myself."

Leo chuckled and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Don't pay attention to those vultures. Pretty soon, everyone will see who the real diamond is and who's just cheap glass."

"I know."

"Good. Let's head inside. Professor Thorne is waiting for you."

The two walked in together, chatting and laughing, thoroughly enjoying each other's company.

Their relaxed demeanor immediately drew stares from the onlookers. "Wait, is that Leo Miller with Clara Vance? When did she get close to him?"

"They look really friendly. Damn, do you think we completely misjudged her?"

"Are you saying she actually has real talent?"

"..."

Seraphina overheard the murmurs, a bitter taste flooding her mouth. She nervously glanced up at Julian.

The man's chiseled jaw was tight, his dark eyes brooding as he watched Clara and Leo disappear into the lobby. Without a word, he turned and strode through the main doors, leaving Seraphina completely exposed to the reporters.

"What's wrong with Mr. Lowell?"

"Ms. Shaw, is he upset?"

The journalists pressed, sensing drama.

Seraphina forced an awkward smile, mumbled a quick excuse, and hurried after him. Catching up, she tugged at his sleeve and whispered anxiously.

"Julian, I'm so sorry about last night. Please don't be mad at me. The reporters are watching. If this gets out, it'll look terrible."

Julian coldly brushed her hand away. "How did you know exactly what time I was arriving?"

Seraphina froze, unable to meet his piercing gaze. She looked everywhere but at him and stammered, "It was... a coincidence..."

It was a lie. She had tracked down his itinerary and intentionally coordinated her arrival to ensure they were photographed together, leveraging his presence to sway public opinion in her favor.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?"

Seraphina's heart plummeted. She couldn't handle his intense scrutiny, especially with the reporters still lingering nearby.

If this continued, her entire facade would crumble.

Desperation creeping into her voice, she grabbed his hand again and pleaded, "Julian..."

Her delicate, trembling voice begged for sympathy.

Julian paused. Looking down at her pale, fragile face, he was suddenly reminded of the little girl from years ago. His hardened resolve softened.

He patted her head with a large hand and muttered, "Let's go."

Tears pricked Seraphina's eyes. "Okay."

They took the elevator up to the grand ballroom on the ninth floor.

Before walking in, Seraphina meticulously smoothed out her dress.

But the moment she stepped inside, her confidence shattered.

A man in a sharp black suit subtly stood up from his chair. He seemed to have been waiting for her cue. Upon receiving her pointed glare, he turned and walked purposefully toward Clara's group.

He leaned in and whispered something into the ear of one of the prominent VIPs. The VIP nodded and smiled before the suited man quietly retreated into the crowd, slipping away almost entirely unnoticed.

Seraphina finally exhaled, her eyes gleaming with malice as she watched Clara continue her confident presentation.

Just wait and see.

Suddenly, Julian's deep, steady voice broke her concentration. "Who were you looking at?"

Seraphina's pulse spiked.

She vehemently denied it. "No one. Nobody at all."

Julian stared at her in silence for two agonizing seconds, said nothing, and walked toward Clara.

Seraphina let out a shaky breath and hurried after him.

From the VIP lounge overlooking the ballroom, Dominic Jarrett observed the entire exchange with narrowed eyes. Swirling the champagne in his glass, he tilted his chin and murmured an instruction to Toby Marsh.

Toby moved immediately.

He knew exactly what his boss wanted: tail the man in the black suit.

...

Back with the designers.

Clara was chatting with the veterans about the latest industry trends.