Chapter 59

Asher kept his hands tucked in his pockets and looked as distant as ever. "Did I ever actually say that?"

River stood there, unable to come up with a response.

He could not help but wonder. Had he misunderstood? But if that was the case, why had Asher never set the record straight before?

With the atmosphere growing awkward,River scratched his head and hurried to switch topics."Sorry for the confusion. I just guessed. So, are you studying Al as well?"

Arabella gave a simple answer. "No."

Curiosity got the better of River. "Then which department are you with?"

A small smile played on Arabella's lips. "I'm in dance."

Surprise flashed across River's face.

He had never expected someone from the dance department to be so skilled.

The realization humbled him, even as a specialist in artificial intelligence.

For Asher, though, none of this was surprising.He had always known how remarkable Arabella was, and pride flickered in his eyes as he watched her.

A glance at the clock reminded Asher of their schedule. "It's getting late. Should we go so you can prepare?"

Arabella nodded. "Alright," she responded,remembering the banquet planned for that evening.

They walked off campus together.

Soon, Asher brought Arabella to an exclusive styling studio.

Stepping inside, Arabella was taken aback when she recognized the makeup artist. This was someone famous for working with celebrities and nearly impossible to book.

Only the best would do for Asher, and he

always made sure of it.

When the makeup artist laid eyes on Arabella,surprise filled her face.

The makeup artist chatted as she worked. "I've never seen anyone quite as beautiful as you. No wonder Mr. Gordon is so captivated."

Arabella was left at a loss for words.

It puzzled her why people always seemed to misunderstand her relationship with Asher whenever they appeared together in public.

She did not have the energy to clear things up anymore.

Asher looked just as weary of the constant confusion. After giving the makeup artist a few brief instructions, he turned to Arabella. "Stay here and let me know if you need anything."

Arabella nodded. "Alright," she replied, and Asher left the room.

Three hours slipped by while her makeup was completed. The staff then brought out several evening dresses for her to choose from.Arabella hesitated, uncertain of what to pick.

The makeup artist smiled warmly. "Mr. Gordon just finished getting ready too. Why not have him help you decide?"

That seemed fair to Arabella, especially since she would be attending the banquet with him."Okay," she remarked.

A staff member called for Asher, and before long, he walked back into the room.

His presence seemed to light up the entire space.Every eye turned toward him at once.

He was already striking in appearance, but the vintage black suit he wore made him even more magnetic. The tailored cut emphasized his broad shoulders and slender waist.

With his hair slicked back, his features appeared even sharper, and his deep-set eyes held no visible emotion.

There was an effortless elegance about him that could easily attract the attention of many young women.

The makeup artist clicked her tongue in appreciation. "The two of you together will draw every eye in the room."

Asher paid no attention to the remark and looked at the dresses instead. "Is there one you like?" he asked Arabella.

She studied the gowns for a moment, then pointed to an off-the-shoulder style. "How about this one?"

Asher gave a small nod. "Go ahead and try it on."

The staff led Arabella to the fitting room.

A short while later, she stepped out wearing the off-the-shoulder black gown. The sleek cut showed off her slim waist, and her bare shoulders looked soft and lovely.

Her graceful neck drew every eye, and the flawless makeup brought out her natural glow even more.

For a moment, Asher could not look away,completely entranced by how beautiful she appeared.

A quiet laugh came from the makeup artist."What do you think, Mr.Gordon?"

Asher snapped out of his trance. "She looks stunning."

Arabella agreed, smoothing out her skirt. Before she could do anything else, Asher gently placed a black shawl around her shoulders. "It's going to be cold with the air conditioning tonight."

She responded quietly, "Thank you."

The makeup artist let out a cheerful laugh.

So many little excuses.

No one would have guessed that someone as distant as Asher would ever show this much affection.

By six-thirty that evening, the pair had reached the hotel.

The entire floor had been reserved for the banquet.

That night's gathering centered around a major upcoming bidding event. It was one that could decide the future of an important project.

Guests filled the hall in their finest clothes,exchanging small talk while quietly sizing up one another.

Members of the Hyde, the Lambert, and the

Tucker families were all present.

Over time, the relationships among these families had only grown deeper, especially thanks to the bonds formed by their children.

Hayden leaned in and whispered, "I heard there's a special guest tonight."

Nathan Lambert, who was Joyce's father,answered with a hint of ambition, "It makes sense. An event this big is bound to draw their attention."

Secretly, Nathan hoped to use this chance to connect with the Gordon family.