Chapter 113,Coolest Girl in Town
“I heard we’ll be staying on the yacht overnight. It’ll dock tomorrow afternoon, so if you want to retire for the night, you can ask the waiter to give you the key card,” Alexander told Elise. Elise looked at the crowd. “I see.” And they got out of the car. Alexander held his elbow out, much to Elise’s surprise. “Hold my arm,” he said. Elise hesitated, but she eventually held his arm, and they went toward the yacht. “Alex!”
Even before they got to the yacht, Ashlyn was already waving at Alexander. Then, she came up to him quickly. “You’re finally here,” she said, as if they were close friends. “Yes. Thanks for the welcome, Miss Lawson,” Alexander answered indifferently. Ashlyn noticed his distant attitude, of course, but she didn’t mind. She had a big plan for the night, and the mere thought of that made her grin. She’d usually make snarky remarks at Elise, but not today. Her plan took precedence.
“Oh, you’re here too, Miss Sinclair. I hope you’ll enjoy the night.” Elise looked at her. “Thank you.” Ashlyn noticed her holding Alexander’s arm, but she ignored that. “I’ll take you guys inside.” “Please do, Miss Lawson.” Ashlyn led the way for them. “Uncle wanted it to be a quiet celebration at the residence, but I told him to hold the party on a yacht.
It’s more fun that way, don’t you think, Miss Sinclair?” Elise blinked at her, wondering why Ashlyn was being so nice today. “I bet the night view is going to be great on the yacht. You’ve thought this through.” Ashlyn’s smile broadened. “I have a special event arranged tonight, and I hope to see you there, Miss Sinclair.” She winked cheekily at Elise, as if she was just an innocent young lady. If it wasn’t because Elise nearly fell for her scheme in the past, Elise would have thought she was just a naive girl.
“I’m sure it’s an interesting event. Can’t wait for it,” Elise answered politely. Ashlyn gazed at her, the grin in her eyes twinkling. It was a huge yacht that could hold five hundred guests, and it was decked out with entertainment facilities, a banquet hall, dining room, and guest rooms. Anyone could stay on the yacht for a month and they still wouldn’t get bored. After they got on the yacht, Ashlyn led them to the banquet hall.
“My uncle’s at that corner. We should go and say hi.” It was common courtesy for the guests to greet the host, so Elise and Alexander went along. Donald was already a sixty-year-old man, but he didn’t look a day over forty. He looked as energetic and happy as a young lad. “Hello, Donald,” Alexander greeted him. Donald beamed when he saw Alexander. “Good to see you, Alexander. It’s been a while. You’ve grown a lot.”
“Yes, it has been years since we last met.” Donald thought highly of Alexander. Once upon a time, he wanted to match his daughter up with the lad, but alas, his daughter ended up with a pauper. It shook their circle, and Donald was still furious about it. After all, if he could become the Griffiths’ in-laws, it’d work wonders for his political career. “Still as energetic as ever, my lad. Griffith Group is going strong under your leadership, I see.
I’m sure it’ll get even better. Do come over if you’re free. The kids would love to see you. You’ve been friends since you were little.” “Of course, Donald,” Alexander answered. After that small talk, Alexander and Elise went to the hall. It was packed with guests but Elise didn’t like crowds, so she let go of Alexander’s arm. “You should socialize with the guests. I’ll get some fresh air on the deck,” she whispered. “It’s blustery out there. Be careful.”
Elise waved at him and went outside to the deck alone. Night had fallen upon the land, and stars twinkled brightly in the heavens, basking the earth in a silvery sheen. There were only a few people on the deck, chatting away the time. Elise stood alone at one side, leaning against the guardrail as she enjoyed the night breeze. All of a sudden, someone popped up and tapped her shoulder, giving her a shock.
When she turned around, she was surprised to see Zachary there. “Zachary? Why are you here?” Zachary’s eyes were twinkling as he gazed at her. He didn’t want to come in the first place, but his family thought it was time for him to make some connections of his own, so they took him along. He was bored when he came here, but to his surprise, he saw Elise in the hall. After she went to the deck, he followed along.
“Mr. Lawson is my father’s comrade. We’ve been friends for a long time now,” he explained. After a pause, he continued, “Didn’t think I’d see you here. I thought it would be a boring banquet, but now I got all interested.” Elise smiled, but she said nothing. “Did you come alone?” he asked. Elise shook her head. “No.”
Back then, she asked Alexander to act as her boyfriend so she could refuse Zachary’s courtship. It was a good thing that Alexander had played along, and that he was here now. Despite what Elise said, Zachary still thought she was alone. She’s just trying to look good in front of everyone. I saw her coming onto the deck alone.
He was delighted at the thought of that, for it was the perfect opportunity for him to know Elise better. “The entrance exam is five months away. What’s your dream college?”
