Crystal's One Night of Love

Chapter 197 I Would Like To Meet You

After Joshua departed, Crystal remained alone for a long time. By the time she rejoined the banquet, she had managed to regain her composure.

Pete approached her, striding by her side. “Has that old man come looking for you again? Did he squander all of his money and now expects you to support him until his final days?”

As she lifted a glass of champagne, she admonished the man, “It’s not suitable to engage in gossip within such a formal setting.”

“I was just worried about you.” He snorted.

Crystal could easily discern his underlying thoughts; it was clear that he merely aimed to provoke conflict with Henry. She hadn’t deluded herself into thinking that a playboy like Pete would be infatuated with her to such an extent.

Alas, she had accepted Edward’s money and had no choice but to take care of the younger

Zelcest.

Crystal continued to accompany Pete as they socialized with the guests, displaying grace and elegance in her demeanor. Even the spirited young man behaved impeccably without any signs of unruliness.

Some distance away, two wealthy men were engrossed in a casual conversation.

“David, the twenty million I spent was well worth it. In just a little over a month, Pete has undergone such a remarkable transformation!” Edward remarked with a chuckle.

David concurred, “I must say, our dear Crystal has also matured quite a bit. It seems that when a young woman comes across someone younger than herself, that maternal instinct is often sparked, wouldn’t you agree?”

As his words hung in the air, David also let out a chuckle.

This caused Edward’s face to stiffen as he asked with an awkward smile, “Our dear Crystal?”

A flicker of surprise passed over David’s face as he responded, “Ed, aren’t you aware? Crystal and Henry were on the brink of getting married, but they encountered a minor conflict and are currently working through it together.”

Edward’s heart began to pound.

Crystal is truly remarkable, but can that son of mine contend with Henry? After all, he’s widely acknowledged in the legal field as a master of manipulation, capable of obtaining anything he desires.

Edward couldn’t help feeling worried for his son as that thought brewed in his mind.

Still mindful of his reputation and eager to maintain his image, he mustered a forced, cheerful laugh and raised his wine glass. “In matters of pursuing women,” he remarked, “it all boils down to one’s personal -skills and abilities!”

It was then the topic of their discussion, Henry, arrived.

The uninvited man’s presence, combined with his distinctive identity, captured the attention of everyone

around.

Henry came into Crystal’s field of sight as soon as she turned around. The man was wearing a classic black

suit, contrasting with her elegant white evening gown.

moment, it was as if the entire world melted away,

poised halt before her.

rendered speechless, utterly taken aback by

growing discontent as he observed the unfolding spectacle.

snap back to reality, her mind returning from its

a faint chuckle escaped Henry’s

held for him, Henry knew that Crystal couldn’t deny her undeniable allure to his physical appearance. The telltale glimmer in

gift, his movements

warmth. “Henceforth, I shall never miss

occasion.

crowd, Crystal was resolute in preserving her poise, mindful of the multitude of curious

Miller, the nature of our relationship appears ill-suited for such words to be spoken between us. Nevertheless, now that you’re here

him a subtle nod before gracefully moving on to socializing with the other guests, accompanied by Pete.

conversed, mingled with others, and even joined the guests in swaying to the rhythm of the music. Every now and then, their gazes would fleetingly intersect, only for her to swiftly redirect

behavior was nothing short

weight of her fragility, concealed beneath a tapestry

the evening drew to a close. Once inside, she

couldn’t resist making a playful dig at the woman. “Ever since that Miller guy showed up. your gaze has changed. What’s so remarkable about him? If

her voice turning frigid as she asserted, “My personal affairs are

your business!”

saying I want to meddle, but seeing you

deeply that you’re too afraid to let yourself feel anything? Living like a nun at the young age five? Please don’t tell me you plan on spending

woman came to an abrupt halt, her body tensing up

Dang it!

her innermost feelings. Indeed, after her encounter with Henry, Crystal had become paralyzed by the fear of love. While

as carefree

Pete’s offer to accompany her home, opting instead to hail a taxi. As she descended to

casually against his car, engrossed in a cigarette. His mind was seemingly

continued to dazzle, his radiance unabated. However, Crystal found herself unable to withstand his brilliance any longer.

Henry extinguished his cigarette and approached her. A faint furrow appeared

set her phone aside, keeping her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing musical fountain ahead.

you please just spare me? For someone like you, heartbreak might be as trivial as a mere stumble, leaving no lasting impact on your being. However, as an ordinary person, I cannot afford to go through

frozen in place by the sudden change in the

the engagement ring on the middle finger, and pretend to be fond of me when your love is clearly absent. If I were to truly marry you, it might take three to five years for me to realize that my husband doesn’t love me. At most, he merely likes me! You may fancy my physical appearance and my companionship, but how many more youthful years

breath, Crystal concluded, “So, let’s just

door and climbed inside without a second

was left standing alone in the embrace of the night as his heart

was indeed more arduous than scaling the heavens. and a growing sense of agitation gripped

Crystal returned to her condominium with newfound

let Henry occupy her thoughts any longer, resolving to

from any form of disruption, with no calls or appearances. outside her condominium. Crystal believed they had finally turned a

Saturday night descended, it didn’t take long after Crystal had returned home for the doorbell to ring. Approaching the door with curiosity, she opened it to find Charles standing on the other side, his countenance bearing the unmistakable marks of weariness and distress.

prepared a cup of water for him. “What’s wrong?

Charles took a seat

They were acquaintances at best, and it was only through their association with Madison that they grew closer and had the opportunity to share a couple of meals together.

the cup in his hands, the man revealed in a soft voice, “Madison is