Many businessmen had also attended the after-party. As Christopher and I did a few rounds around the hall, some greeted him as if they were close friends. It was then I realized Christopher had worked in Anglandur before. He had even helped the Lane family closed a few business deals.
No wonder Julia was eager to hand over all the businesses under the Lane family to Christopher. I saw him negotiating casually within the group as though he’s the one in charge. He was really good with words and without giving his audience a chance to interrupt, he managed to bag a business deal within a short period. He was made to thrive in the business world.
Suddenly, my smile froze on my face. My gaze had landed on a woman in a fiery red dress. I was baffled and stood rooted in place.
The lady in red was poised. She had an elegant smile on her face. Accompanied by a gentleman, they slowly approached the hall. They were laughing and talking as though they were a perfect couple.
The lady was Isabelle Anderson, my mother. I was convinced the lady I saw three days ago was her.
After a few words with Remington, Christopher turned and noticed my expression. As he followed my line of sight and saw Isabelle, he asked, “She is the one?”
I closed my eyes, unable to explain my feelings at that moment. She’s my mother, yet I don’t even know the man by her side. She’s just right there, but I don’t have to courage to walk over there and greet her. How sad is this…
“Chris, let’s go.”
“Sure.” Without asking me anything, he tugged me toward the exit. Maybe Isabelle didn’t see me. She and her date was talking to a group of businessmen. There was only an independent woman’s astute and confidence on her face. It was completely different from the very gentle woman with a soft smile in my memory.
Maybe we were fated to meet. As we reached the exit, suddenly someone called out for Christopher. “Christopher, this couple here is also from Hawen. Maybe all of you know each other since they are also from Avenport.”
Isabelle and her date were trailing after the man. My gaze was bouncing everywhere other than Isabelle. When I didn’t get to see her, I dreamed of the day I could meet her. But I lost my voice and my steps were hesitant as I remembered the incident three days ago.
“It has been a while, Mr. Goldstein.” Christopher tighten his grip on my waist and patted my back comfortingly when he felt my body weakening.
“Ah, you are Christopher. Indeed, it has been quite some time. The last time I saw you was when I was still in Hawen. You were merely a small boy. I can’t believe you have grown up to be so big now.” Mark chuckled.
I raised my head immediately and stared at the man. He’s a Goldstein. He was the guy Dad had mentioned. The one who ran away with Mom. Mark Goldstein is the one who called all the shots within the Goldstein family.
So Dad didn’t lie to me. He was telling me the truth. Mom left with Mark. Did she ever think of me when she left?
My mind was blank yet going a million miles an hour. I couldn’t comprehend their words. When I snapped back from my thoughts, I was in the garden with Isabelle standing in front of me. Christopher had brought Mark away.
“How are you, Eve?” asked Isabelle after a long while. Her voice was the same as the one in my memory. It was still so gentle and soothing.
But it sounded sarcastic to my ears. “I don’t know you. I’m not comfortable with you calling my nickname.”
I didn’t look at her as I spoke. Instead, my gaze was on the flower bed. There were only roses in the garden during the winter season. Roses were cultivated massively in the Anglandur, especially the Blue Enchantress. There was blue in every corner of the garden. It was a beautiful sight under the moonlight. However, my words were full of spikes.
