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Novel Catalog
Chapter 34
Gale answered quietly, “I’m here to attend the charity auction.”
The doorman’s eyes narrowed. “It’s by invitation only. Do you have one?”
Gale hesitated. Shawn hadn’t given her an invitation.
Before she could respond, several people walked by without any checks.
Gale spoke up, “Why aren’t you checking them? Why only me?”
“Their faces are on their passports. Everyone knows who they are. But you… Who are you? Get lost!” The doorman’s tone was dismissive, clearly trying to send her away.
Gale took a step back in her high heels, not used to wearing them after so long. She wobbled, nearly falling.
“Be careful.”
A pair of hands caught her, steadying her.
Gale turned around, her grateful smile freezing when she saw who had helped her. “Thank you.”
It was Sam.
“Why are you alone?” Sam asked. “Where’s Mr. Wood?”
“It’s nothing, don’t worry. This is a private matter.” Gale tried to brush it off.
Sam sighed, his concern clear. “How could he leave you here… to be treated like this?”
Gale gently withdrew her hand. “I just left the invitation in the car. I’ll go get it.”
“No,” Sam insisted, pulling her toward him. “Come in with me.”
The doorman immediately straightened, his attitude changing when he saw Sam. “Mr. Sam, I didn’t know where she came from. I know you don’t have bad intentions, but I’ve seen too many gold diggers at these events.”
Sam’s expression darkened. “She’s my friend. What nonsense are you talking about?”
The doorman stammered, “Ah… I’m sorry, sorry, please, this way!”
Sam turned to Gale. “Let’s go.”
This was her only way in. Gale couldn’t stand there awkwardly anymore. She was about to agree when a commotion behind her caught her attention.
“Mr. Wood is here!” someone shouted.
“Here comes the most distinguished guest!” another voice added.
“Mr. Wood seldom attends, but today he brought a woman with him!” someone else remarked.
“Could it be… Mrs. Wood?” the whispers continued.
Gale turned to see Shawn walking toward the entrance, holding Susan’s hand, flanked by bodyguards. As they made their way through the crowd, all eyes were on them.
Shawn caught sight of Gale, his gaze hardening when he saw Sam standing next to her.
How long had it been since she had seen her old lover? A flirtatious woman, indeed. Susan raised her chin, clearly reveling in the attention, basking in the whispers that surrounded her.
Shawn’s face remained unreadable as he walked toward them. Susan, not missing an opportunity, said loudly, “I saw Gale… How could she be so close to another man?”
Shawn’s expression darkened.
Susan didn’t stop there. “She didn’t even bother to keep her distance from him. How shameless. I think she’s trying to get under your skin, deliberately finding a man to make you angry since you brought me here!”
Shawn looked at Susan but didn’t respond.
Susan smirked, sensing that her words had made an impact. Gale and Sam’s closeness seemed to have left her feeling unsettled.
Shawn walked past Gale without even sparing her a glance. He entered the venue, his focus solely on the event ahead.
Sam, watching this, turned to Gale with disbelief. “How could Shawn show up with another woman and leave you here all alone?”
“I’ll be fine,” Gale replied, trying to keep the conversation light.
“No! I’m going to find him!” Sam insisted.
“Sam!” Gale caught his arm, stopping him. “Don’t cause a scene! I’m fine. Let’s just go inside.”
Sam looked at her, stunned. “Gale, how can you stand it? How can you put up with Shawn?”