I took a deep breath and practically ran to the restroom to escape.
In the mirror, the necklace still sparkled brightly, and I couldn't help but find it a bit ridiculous.
Just as I stepped out of the restroom, I was stopped by a familiar voice.
"Brooks?"
"Ethan Shaw?"
Ethan Shaw was the son of my mother's best friend. We grew up together, though after my mother passed away, I didn't have much contact with his family.
It had been years since I last saw him. He had matured a lot, looking more composed and handsome now.
"I saw you in the banquet hall earlier. You came back to the country and didn't even tell me," he smiled and then asked, "But why are you with Alden? I remember you two weren't..."
"The E City project. He lent me one hundred million," I explained.
"How could he lend you that much? Ethan, is there some kind of deal between you two?" Ethan's face was filled with disbelief.
I forced a smile. "Ethan, I know what I'm doing."
He seemed a bit anxious. "Do you know who that girl you were talking to just now is? Her father has collaborated with Alden's company a lot, and there's gossip that she's about to get engaged to him."
Ah, no wonder the girl had been so familiar with him.
Thinking about it, it was rather laughable. Here I was, wearing fake jewelry, feeling all self-conscious, while his fiancée was wearing the real deal with a charming smile.
"Brooks, he's not the same Alden from five years ago. Now, even people who've been in business for half their lives can't outdo him. Back then, you two had that falling out, so why would he really be helping you now? He's probably just getting back at you."
I lowered my gaze, feeling speechless, my mind in disarray.
"Ethan, I don't know…"
"This company was founded by my mom, and I don't want to see it destroyed…"
Ethan sighed, gently patting my head.
"I understand," he said. "I'm starting to take over the company now, and I'll do my best to help you. As for Alden, you'd better distance yourself from him. Don't let him hurt you. You... you're the one without ulterior motives."
He smiled helplessly, then continued, "You came back and didn't even contact me. My mom still talks about you all the time. She used to cry every time she mentioned you."
I couldn't hold back my tears. My mom and Ethan's mom used to get together to talk and laugh, and we'd play around nearby.
Ms. Bradshaw always treated me like her own daughter, jokingly saying that Ethan should marry me.
After my mom passed away, Ms. Bradshaw was furious and had someone beat up my father. She even wanted to take me home to raise me.
But I didn't go. Once I left, that home belonged entirely to Mary Ayers.
"How's Ms. Bradshaw?"
"She's doing well. She's been nagging me to get married. I'm too scared to go home now."
He gently wiped away my tears.
"Stop crying. My home is your home. Whenever you want, come back for a meal. You still have a mom and a brother. You're not alone."
No one had said such things to me for years. Just one sentence, and I couldn't hold back my tears any longer.
"Thank you, Ethan…"
Ethan looked at me with sympathy and helplessness, wiping my tears away.
"Brooks Velez." His cold voice suddenly echoed down the hallway.
It was Alden. He motioned for me to come over, his figure illuminated by the light behind him.
"Come here."
Realizing what was happening, Ethan immediately grabbed my wrist, stopping me.
"Brooks."
Alden's gaze darkened the moment he saw Ethan's hand on me.
"Mr. Shaw, let go of my person."
Ethan couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Are they yours?"
"When did Brooks become yours?"
Alden's lips curled up slightly, his eyes holding a smirk.
"Mr. Shaw, you might not know this, but five years ago, Brooks and I… spent every night together."
"Alden!" I couldn't stop myself from interrupting him.
"She's afraid of the dark, and she often has nightmares, always wanting to sleep hugging me."
Alden Everett's cold, deep gaze stared at him with a chilling intensity.
"Alden, stop talking!"
"What? Are you afraid your Tate brother will find out? We were inseparable five years ago, and even after five years, the old feelings are hard to forget."
Alden's eyes grew colder.
"Mr. Bradshaw, if you want to play the hero and save the beauty, you should first weigh your own identity and abilities."
"If I remember correctly, didn't Mr. Bradshaw just take over the company? You've been eyeing that piece of land in Blue Shore Phase II for quite some time, haven't you? Don't worry, I can help you out."
Alden's voice was low, half a reminder, half a threat.
His eyes flashed, then turned to me, lazily waving his hand.
"Brooks, come home with me."
Alden's cold words lingered in the hallway, causing a slight shiver in my heart. I reluctantly let go of Tate Kerr's hand.
"Brooks, stop getting involved with him."
"Tate, I don't want to drag you into this."
