Chapter 260 The group exchanged pleasantries for a while before someone finally gave in to curiosity and asked about the striking woman at Forrest's side-the one whose beauty was simply impossible to ignore.
"And who might this be?" "Hello. I'm Mila, a friend of Mr. Whitmore's." Before Forrest could answer, Mila introduced herself with easy confidence.
Forrest glanced at her, his tone warm and gracious. "Ms. Sutherland and I studied the sfield-she's my junior. She's exceptionally talented and played a significant role in the Atlas Language Model project." A few people couldn't hide their surprise.
"So, Ms. Sutherland and Mr. Whitmore are professional collaborators?" "Not exactly," Forrest replied, smiling. "Ms. Sutherland has changed careers. She's an art designer now. She just happened to have ttoday and decided to join us for sfun. If you run into her in the future, I hope you'll look after her." "Of course, absolutely." "No wonder she has such presence-an artist, that explains it..." Sensing that Forrest wasn't keen on letting everyone bombard Mila with questions, the group politely steered the conversation elsewhere.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter a while, the crowd dispersed.
Only then did Mila speak up. "Thanks for what you said earlier. But you really didn't have to do that." She'd only ctonight as a friend's plus-one, with no intention of networking or finding clients at this sort of event. Lillian's Stuwas on hiatus anyway; all her energy was focused on preparing for the international fashion weeks in June and July. If she made it to that stage, she'd never have to worry about attracting high- quality clients again.
"I know," Forrest said with a gentle smile. "Think of it as a little head start on introductions. After all, it's your work that'll speak for you I'm certain of that. I just want to make things a bit easier for you, that's all. And besides, I'm used to looking out for you." Mila's expression grew complicated. She was just about to reply when another voice suddenly interrupted.
"Mr. Whitmore, it's been a while." They both turned. It was Nathaniel. Naturally, the Pembroke family was on the guest list.
Nathaniel had noticed Mila and Forrest the moment they entered the ballroom. He'd watched them from a distance for a while before finally walking over.
He knew Forrest. They'd attended different universities, but back in the day, there had been joint events where Nathaniel had met Forrest and even spoken to him a few times. Forrest had been something of a campus legend- hard to forget.
Forrest clearly remembered him as well.
After exchanging polite handshakes, Nathaniel looked at Mila, his expression a touch uncertain.
"You two...?" With the crowd thinned out, Mila lowered her voice and explained. "Forrest is the friend I mentioned before you know, the one who helped when I picked up Julian. I'm staying at his place for now." She'd never talked to anyone about what had happened at the Montgomerys', so Nathaniel had no idea. But Mila's recent absence hadn't gone unnoticed, and he'd had his own suspicions. Still, this wasn't the tor place for prying.
He offered Forrest a polite nod. "Thank you for letting Julian stay with you. I hope he hasn't been too much trouble." "Not at all," Forrest replied easily. "He's been a delight, actually."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter a few more words, the three of them were interrupted by a sudden commotion near the entrance they turned to see a woman in a stunning red dress sweep into the room, her figure poised and radiant. At her side walked Leonard, Lysander Montgomery's personal assistant. turned to see a wain strance.
It was Giselle.
The recent scandals involving the Harvey family had mostly died down, but among those in the know, all eyes were on Giselle and her rumored closeness to Lysander Montgomery.
She'd been gifted shares directly from Chairman Montgomery himself—a gesture that, in these circles, was as public a declaration as any.
With her many high-profile roles and dazzling confidence, she was impossible to ignore. Most of then room's attention instantly shifted her way, several people looked eager to make her acquaintance. But Giselle's gaze swept the room and landed on Forrest, striking in his crisp white suit. Her eyes lit up. She lifted her gown slightly and glided over with effortless grace.
When she reached them, she barely spared Mila a glance. In Giselle's om mind, Mila was just a pretty face with no real standing, only here by Forrest's invitation- hardly worth her notice. Giselle greeted Nathaniel, whom she knew well, before turning to Forrest and extending her hand.
"Hello, Mr. Whitmore. I've heard so much about you."