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.

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

halt before her.

speechless, utterly taken aback by

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

nudged her did Crystal snap back to reality, her mind returning from its temporary wanderings.

a faint chuckle escaped Henry’s lips.

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

gift, his movements marked

his voice imbued with tender warmth.

occasion.

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

appears ill-suited for such words to be spoken between us. Nevertheless, now that

nod before gracefully moving on to socializing with the

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

was nothing short of

alone bore the weight of her fragility, concealed beneath a tapestry of countless vulnerabilities

to a close. Once inside, she subjected her face to a bracing cascade of cold water.

wall outside, Pete nonchalantly played with his phone as he waited for her. Seizing the moment, he couldn’t resist making a playful dig at the woman. “Ever since that

frigid

your business!”

a disdainful snort as he followed closely behind her. “I’m not saying I want to meddle, but seeing you act like this, it just makes me think you’re being spineless… Tell me, have you

too afraid to let yourself feel anything? Living like a nun at the

halt, her

Dang it!

saw through the labyrinth 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

own perception, she wasn’t as carefree as she

hail a taxi. As she descended

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

unabated. However, Crystal found herself unable to withstand his

furrow appeared on his brow as he inquired, “Where is Pete? Why

aside, keeping her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing musical fountain

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

frozen in place by

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 do I have? You’re saying you love me now,

“So, let’s just leave it

pulled up, she opened the door and climbed inside

embrace of the night as

than scaling the heavens. and

returned to her

refused to let Henry occupy her thoughts any longer, resolving to

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

returned home for the doorbell to ring. Approaching the door with curiosity, she

door behind her and prepared a cup of water for

seat on

They were acquaintances at best, and it was only through their association with Madison that they grew closer and had the opportunity to

revealed in