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.

of their lives, adorned with radiant countenances, they locked eyes across the bustling throng. In that fleeting moment, it was as if the entire world melted away, and all the clamor of voices

before her. With

speechless, utterly taken aback by Henry’s unexpected

standing beside her, couldn’t conceal his growing discontent as he observed the unfolding spectacle. Hmph! Clearly, she hasn’t truly let

he gently nudged her did Crystal snap back to reality, her mind

faint chuckle escaped Henry’s lips.

couldn’t deny her undeniable allure to his physical appearance. The telltale glimmer in her eyes had inadvertently unveiled the depths of

extended a gift, his movements marked by

tender warmth.

occasion.

in preserving her poise, mindful of the multitude of curious eyes

voice, “Please, Mr. Miller, the nature of our relationship appears ill-suited for such words to be spoken between us. Nevertheless, now

nod before gracefully moving on to socializing with the other guests,

remained transfixed, his eyes locked on her as she 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 her attention elsewhere and

was nothing short

deep within, she alone bore the weight of her fragility,

way to the restroom as the evening drew to a close. Once inside, she subjected her face to a bracing cascade

the woman. “Ever since that

turning frigid as she asserted, “My personal affairs are not

your business!”

“I’m not saying I want to meddle, but seeing you act like this, it just makes me think you’re being

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

halt, her body tensing

Dang it!

of her innermost feelings. Indeed, after her encounter with Henry, Crystal had become paralyzed by the fear of love. While everyone had anticipated her heart being swayed by Seth,

perception, she wasn’t as carefree as she had hoped

hail a taxi. As she descended to the bustling street below, her gaze was drawn to a

cigarette. His mind was seemingly occupied by his

his radiance unabated. However,

a taxi and waited, Henry extinguished his cigarette and approached her. A faint furrow appeared on his brow as he

keeping her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing musical

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 it again! Regardless of your current intentions, no matter how genuine they may be… I simply cannot bear the

frozen in place by the sudden change in

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 do I have? You’re saying you love me now, but why should I believe you?”

deep breath, Crystal concluded, “So,

she opened the door

standing alone in the embrace of the night as

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

returned to her condominium with

occupy her thoughts any longer,

with no calls or appearances. outside her condominium. Crystal believed they had finally turned a new chapter

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

behind her and prepared a cup of water for him. “What’s wrong? Did

a seat on

at best, and it was only through their association with Madison that they grew closer and had

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