Chapter 20
It had been three years, yet just thinking about it still made Chloe's chest ache.
By now, a lot of people were staring at her, whispering amongst themselves.
"That's just too much, seriously. That little brat did it on purpose."
"Yeah, Chloe, is she really your sister? How can she be so nasty?"
"How could Leah be so unfair to her? I mean, Chloe might not be her biological daughter, but after twenty years, doesn’t she feel anything?"
Chloe's story had quickly spread among the ladies of the Eldridge Elites social circle.
The young girls were outraged on Chloe's behalf. A few of them, who had just messaged Chloe, were nearby and saw the whole scene. They hurried over to her.
Chloe said, "It's okay. I'll go to the restroom and clean up."
"With all that wine? No way you can clean it all up. Kaitlyn, go get Chloe a clean outfit, will you?"
"Chloe, come with me upstairs. I'll find you something new to wear."
Chloe looked up and saw that the girl speaking was the redhead girl who had stood by Marian earlier.
She was strikingly beautiful, and unlike the other girls in their formal evening gowns, she wore a casual outfit – an orange tank top and dark blue jeans.
Chloe felt an instant warmth towards the girl, Kaitlyn. She didn't refuse the offer. After all, her dress was soaked through, and the red wine was glaringly obvious against the white fabric.
"Thank you, Kaitlyn."
Chloe followed Kaitlyn and took a side elevator upstairs. Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.
They walked down a long corridor. At one point, the corridor offered a clear view down into the banquet hall.
Chloe looked towards the main table and noticed Connor was no longer there.
Soon, Kaitlyn opened a door. "Chloe, wait here a moment. I'll go grab you some clothes."
Chloe nodded and stepped inside.
Not long after, Kaitlyn returned. She held a yellow tank top and a pair of dark blue flared jeans. "I just got back from England today, so this is all I have, no formal dresses." Kaitlyn sounded apologetic.
"This is perfect, thank you, Kaitlyn."
Kaitlyn smiled, "I'll leave you to it then. Once you're dressed, come downstairs. Don't worry. This room is hardly used, and the door's locked with a fingerprint scanner. No one else can get in."
Then, Kaitlyn left, gently closing the door behind her.
Chloe drew the curtains, moved to the sofa, and began to take off her dress. She was halfway through when she heard a noise at the door.
Unexpectedly, the door swung open.
Chloe quickly grabbed her discarded dress to clumsily cover herself, turning her head reflexively. Her wide, panicked eyes met the man's cold, dark gaze.
At the sight of her changing, the surprise in his eyes was quickly replaced by a deep intensity. He stepped into the room, facing Chloe, and swiftly closed the door.
Upon seeing his face, Chloe let out a sigh of relief. "Mr. Connor?"
Connor's gaze was fixed on Chloe's face, his voice emotionless yet chilling. "What are you doing here?"
Chloe explained, "My dress got stained with red wine, and Kaitlyn kindly offered me a new set of clothes."
"Weren't you aware that this is my room?"