novelraw Chapter 170: Damon Hawke, That Big Jerk
Chapter 170: Damon Hawke, That Big Jerk
"Elly, are you alright? If you’re bored, I can take you out of here first."
Cole Hawke had been by Elara Don’s side, speaking up.
"No need, I’m fine. You go ahead, senior, they’re calling you."
She wanted to be alone for a bit and later leave with Leia Quinn.
"Alright."
Cole Hawke nodded, glanced at her, then handed her some snacks before leaving.
Elara Don sat quietly, listening to the laughter and cheer around her, sipping champagne, feeling uninterested.
Not far away, after exchanging greetings with a few friends, Damon Hawke looked in Elara Don’s direction.
Seeing her sitting all alone, a hint of affection flashed in his dark eyes.
He intended to go over and accompany her, but was stopped by Samantha Miles.
"Tom, some heavy-weights will be arriving soon. I’ll introduce you all. I had to use my parents’ names to invite them, a hard-earned opportunity."
At these words, Damon’s steps faltered.
The fame of Samantha’s forebears is esteemed, evident in the influence within the political circles of Sea City.
It was just that her father didn’t choose politics but entered the entertainment industry.
Nonetheless, he was an actor of emperor-level stature twenty years ago.
Samantha’s mother was also an actress of queen-level acclaim; their names were renowned in Sea City’s entertainment industry.
Today, the people invited by Samantha using their names were definitely influential figures.
As he pondered, the guests arrived.
"Tom, they are here. Let’s go and give them a warm welcome."
Samantha pulled Damon towards the entrance.
Upon seeing the arrivals were high-ranking officials from Sea City, Damon changed direction and followed suit.
Hawke Group needed to interact with these big names.
The necessary courtesies were a must.
In a corner, Elara Don continued to sit quietly, her eyes inadvertently landing on Damon and Samantha, tightening her grip on her wine glass.
The handsome man and the elegant woman, together welcoming the guests.
What a perfect match!
"Trust me, I’ll arrange everything, and you’ll definitely marry me gloriously."
A man’s deep and magnetic voice abruptly echoed in her mind.
Elara Don sneered softly and downed her champagne in one go.
Is this what he meant by arrangement?
Damon Hawke, you big fool!
The music abruptly stopped, as a host came up to give an enthusiastic opening speech.
Following that, Samantha, as the hostess, went on stage, smilingly making her remarks.
"I’m so glad to gather here today with old friends. After four years abroad, reminiscing about the past, I still feel that home is the best because here is my favorite city, my favorite home, my favorite person."
The audience burst into applause, with some people starting to whistle and cheer.
"Samantha, tell us, who’s your favorite person?"
"Yes, tell us, tell us."
"Isn’t it clear? Samantha used to date young Mr. Hawke, so her favorite must be him."
"..."
Amid the laughter and chatter, Samantha shyly smiled and looked at Damon from the stage.
Damon’s brow unconsciously furrowed, showing a hint of displeasure on his face.
Suddenly, a series of photos began to play on the screen.
The images showed scenes of a few young men and women having fun together.
It was easy for everyone to recognize Damon Hawke, Samantha Miles, as well as Selena Taylor and Craig Landers in the photos.
Each image chronicled their growing up together from childhood to adulthood.
The pairing of handsome men and beautiful women, emitting a romantic sense of youthful beauty.
"Wow, such a beautiful scene."
"I really envy their friendship."
"Look, how compatible Samantha and young Mr. Hawke are together."
"Together, together."
"..."
There’s another burst of rowdy voices from the crowd under the stage.
Damon’s brow furrowed even tighter.
He looked at Samantha standing there, clearly showing displeasure and inquiry in his dark eyes.
Samantha’s eyes flickered, clearly seeing Damon’s dissatisfaction.
She gestured for everyone to quiet down, and with a charming smile, said, "I don’t know who put up these photos, maybe a reminder that time spares no one, how youthful we were."
Her playful comment made the audience burst into laughter.
"Sister Samantha, don’t put yourself down, you were certainly youthful, but you’re now more of a goddess."
"Exactly, Sister Samantha looks more and more stylish now."
"..."
The audience praised Samantha lavishly.
Samantha, her smile charming and pretty, looked over at Selena.
Selena gave her a wink, understanding without words.
Indeed, she was the one who had someone play those images.
The purpose, one to stir Damon’s memories, another to give Elara a bit of a challenge.
How could Elara Don, suddenly popping up, compare to Samantha Miles and Damon Hawke’s years of youthful memories?
"Thanks for everyone’s kindness, but don’t joke about me and Tom anymore, we’re just friends now. Alright, enjoy the rest of the evening."
Samantha knew when to stop, deliberately adding the line, to put Damon at ease.
Sure enough, Damon’s displeased expression eased a bit, and the sharp look in his eyes softened.
As Samantha stepped down from the stage, she approached Damon, whispering in his ear, "Tom, don’t mind it; I had no idea someone would release those old photos of us."
Damon didn’t speak, but instinctively searched the crowd for Elara.
At this moment, Elara stood at the back of the crowd, expressionlessly watching the photos on the screen, bemused by why she stood there consuming their so-called love stories.
Look at them, childhood sweethearts; they’re a perfect match!
Unexplainably, she feels a bit cold.
Perhaps it’s because the air conditioning is too strong.
Elara instinctively hugged her arms tighter, her red lips pressing firmly.
A warmth came across her shoulder; she turned slightly, seeing Cole placing his jacket over her.
"Cold?"
Cole asked softly.
Elara tugged at her lips, saying nothing.
At that moment, the host energetically introduced the next segment.
It was Samantha inviting someone for the opening dance.
Music played, and the lights dimmed.
Samantha lifted her skirt, gesturing towards Damon.
Damon’s brow slightly furrowed, but seeing Samantha’s bright eyes, still he extended his hand, and they gracefully stepped onto the make-shift dance floor.
The two danced elegantly, filling the hall with fervor.
The young men and women all sought their partners, sliding into the dance floor pair by pair, swaying to the music.
"Elly, may I have this dance?"
Cole made a gentlemanly bowing gesture.
Elara wasn’t inclined to join the excitement.
"Senior, I don’t really know how to dance..."
"No worries, I’ll teach you."
Without allowing refusal, Cole removed his coat from Elara’s shoulders, placing it aside, then took her into the dancing crowd.
The music was a romantic waltz.
Elara felt her waist held by Cole, gazing into his smiling eyes, feeling a bit resigned.
"Elly, don’t be nervous, just follow my lead."
Cole smiled, leading Elara into the dance.