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Novel Catalog
Chapter 27
Eden smiled politely at Anson, grateful for his friendly demeanor. “I’m staying in a small apartment in Gate City,” she replied, not revealing much detail. She wasn’t ready to disclose too much about her living situation yet. After all, she had her reasons for wanting to keep a low profile.
Anson nodded, as if satisfied with her answer, but his curiosity was far from satisfied. His eyes lingered on Eden, analyzing her, as though trying to piece together something from her words, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he moved on to another topic, discussing upcoming projects in the company.
Eden found herself relaxing a little more in the group, as everyone seemed eager to make her feel welcomed. She wasn’t used to such attention but appreciated the kindness and the compliments. Despite the warm atmosphere, her thoughts still wandered. The pressure of being in River City, dealing with her past, and the weight of Victor’s presence were never far from her mind. It felt like she was walking a thin line, torn between the person she had been and the one she was trying to become.
Victor, on the other hand, watched her closely from his seat, his gaze intense yet unreadable. Every time Eden smiled or exchanged words with someone, he couldn’t help but be drawn to her. There was something so familiar about her, something that tugged at his heart. He found himself distracted by her presence, even as the conversations around the table continued.
As the meal went on, the atmosphere became more relaxed, with laughter and friendly banter filling the air. However, Eden couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was constantly being watched, particularly by Victor. His eyes seemed to follow her every movement, making her uneasy at times. She tried to shake off the discomfort, but it lingered.
After the meal, the conversations began to shift towards more personal topics, and it was clear that everyone was getting to know each other better. Eden tried to engage with everyone, but her mind kept drifting back to the message from Jasper and the unsettling thoughts about her identity.
When the dinner finally came to a close, Eden felt a mixture of relief and unease. She was glad to have made it through the evening, but the events that lay ahead—finding out more about her past, dealing with Victor’s persistent interest, and Jasper’s decision to follow her—were weighing heavily on her.
As they stood to leave, Victor approached her once again, his expression softer than it had been throughout the evening. “I hope you enjoyed the meal, Eden,” he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. “If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Eden looked at him, her smile faint. “Thank you, Mr. Alwynn. I appreciate your hospitality.”
The tension between them was palpable, yet neither of them seemed willing to acknowledge it. Eden had a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more complicated.