"Sir, this is the staff resting area backstage. Isn't it inappropriate for you to barge in like this?"
Sawyer refused to yield, stepping forward, "Please leave immediately, or I'll have security escort you out."
What seemed like a reasonable request appeared to Landon as a deliberate cover-up.
He drew a deep breath, stating, "Fine, let me tell you who I am. I am Landon, the CEO of Rhodes Corporation.I am here to discuss recent actions taken by your company."
Sawyer stood his ground, unyielding, "Today is the launch event for AmSawyer Creations. Any matters can be discussed privately later!"
The tension between them was palpable, each unwilling to back down.
Ultimately, Landon conceded, "I want to see the face behind the mask of this lady, then I'll leave."
Promptly, the woman removed her mask, "Is there something you need, sir?"
Beneath the mask lay a delicately made-up oval face, attractive indeed, but not the one he sought.
As the mask came off, Landon's hopeful heart sank.
It dawned on him that he had mistaken.
The light in his eyes dimmed, and Landon muttered dejectedly, "My apologies, I mistook you for someone else," before he left, dispirited.
Sawyer watched his gaunt figure retreat, his gaze intense.
"Why didn't you want to see him?" he asked Amber, who had hidden upon hearing their conversation.
Amber merely shook her head, "It's not the right time yet."
Sawyer hesitated, fearing that if he didn't seize the opportunity, he might never get another chance.
Three years he had been by her side. Surely, even the coldest heart would have thawed by now.
"Sunny, marry me," Sawyer blurted out, catching Amber off guard. Her hand, in the midst of touching up her makeup, jerked, smudging lipstick across her face.
"No, sorry, I need to clean this up in the restroom," Amber seized the chance to escape, turning around. Sawyer quickly followed up with,
"It's alright, take your time to think about it. Don't worry."
Amber dared not respond, knowing he often seemed to read her thoughts.
In the restroom, she was restless.
Marriage?
Did he truly want to marry her? But she had been married before, had a child, feared commitment, and how could someone as wonderful as Sawyer be tied down by her?
Yet, over three years, he cared for her meticulously, never disrespecting her boundaries, never overstepping. This man must genuinely care for her.
No, revenge was her priority, she steeled herself and exited the restroom.
Sawyer waited outside.
"Did you see? The anxiety in his eyes, the panic when he looked for you," he mentioned casually as she emerged.
Amber sighed, shaking her head, "What a joke. How well I know Landon. He wished for my demise!"
Cut off from any news of Landon for three years, Amber assumed he was living comfortably with Penelope.
If she knew how much Landon actually cared for her, she might just marry Sawyer out of spite, angering him to death.
Sawyer spoke thus, knowing her thoughts, but Amber didn't believe a word.
He wasn't worried. This woman would be his eventually.
Late into the night, a boat quietly docked at the eastern pier.
A woman disembarked, whispering,
"Brother, I'm back."
