Love's Change of Heart

When Aidan and Georgina showed up together at the charity dinner, the whole crowd fell eerily silent for a moment. Everyone knew that the Barnetts were just an empty shell—they knew that the entire charity dinner was just a gimmick for the Barnetts to get close to Gordon. Even though the Barnetts no longer had much to offer, they still had a good number of connections they had gathered from the past. After all, many of these people hoped to build rapport with the Pearsons.

Many of the people there knew that Gordon was just the face of the Pearson Group and that Aidan was the one who was actually in charge. But the situation had seen some changes since the Pearsons' marriage with the Barnetts. No one understood what was going on in Aidan's mind—they were shocked that he had decided to develop some resort in the outskirts during such a crucial moment. Aidan had handed Gordon the entire Pearson Group on a silver platter. Even though things were changing, Aidan's power and skills were not to be underestimated. Many people at the charity dinner seemed to be there to show support, but they were actually there to observe the situation.

None of them had expected Aidan to show up with the young lady of the Crossley Family. However, things were a lot clearer to them at that moment. The Barnetts, who were dying out, were no match for the Crossleys regardless of how many connections they had. After a moment of silence, everyone began to discuss the situation among themselves. Of course, everyone had their own opinions, but the only person who was genuinely happy for Georgina was probably Carly. Mr. Barnett's face darkened when he witnessed this scene, but he didn't voice out about it.

When Georgina walked over to him with her hand in Aidan's, Mr. Barnett simply gave her a slight nod. Mr. Barnett was used to Aidan's arrogant and haughty mannerisms, so he didn't bother to get petty with him. "We're honored that you'd attend the Barnett Group's charity dinner, President Pearson."

"There's no need for such courteous words, Mr. Barnett. I'm sure you know why I'm here," Aidan replied flatly. Mr. Barnett was a man of experience, so he wasn't tongue-tied after hearing what Aidan said. "What are you talking about, President Pearson? This is a charity dinner, so I'm sure everyone's here for charity. I can't think of any other reason you'd be here."

Aidan curled his lips into an icy smirk, but he didn't say anything else after that. Georgina took her opportunity to speak up then. "You're right, Mr. Barnett. We're all here for the charity auction, of course." Someone else came over to greet the Barnetts then, so she excused herself. "You can go ahead and host your guests, Mr. Barnett."

Once they left, Aidan pulled his arm out of Georgina's before getting himself a glass of champagne. "You're a pretty good actress," he muttered. Georgina didn't question his compliment—she simply took a glass of champagne for herself before clinking glasses with him. "The show has just started. Look at the people around you. They're all looking at us. It shows that our plan was a total success," she whispered into his ear.

Aidan turned away from her. There was an icy look on his face as he smiled. "Georgina!" Carly walked over with her pregnant belly. "Georgina!" Carly cried.

"Carly," Georgina replied. When Carly saw Aidan, she pouted for a moment before looking away and beaming while talking to Georgina. Carly didn't understand what the Pearson and Barnett Families were planning—she was simply looking out for a friend. Even though she wasn’t a huge fan of Aidan, she couldn't detail the significance of his position in Pearson Group. Furthermore, Georgina had fancied him for years.

"Georgina, I love the necklace that Lux Jewelry sent me, but…" Carly started. Georgina knew what Carly was hesitant about. She probably doesn't have enough money on her. "I can give it to you if you like it, Carly," Georgina said with a smile.

"No, no. Don't! I'm just telling you about it. After all, The Barnetts are the ones hosting this charity. I can't steal their spotlight. I'm just telling you that the necklace looks nice. Perhaps you can buy it for yourself if you like it," Carly said. Right then, the lights went dim in the hall. The emcee stepped on stage, and the charity auction officially started.

…

Leanna sneezed as a gust of cold wind surged through the air outside the hotel. She was searching for some tissues in her bag when she found a jewelry box. That was when she recalled what she had forgotten previously. Even though she couldn't attend the charity dinner, she had to deliver what she had promised her client. So, she wrapped her coat a little tighter around her before she walked to the hotel.

She went to the nearest waiter when she got out of the elevator. "Excuse me. Can you help me to look for Miss Crossley? There's something I'd like to pass to her." The waiter took a look at the main entrance behind him. He knew that there were a lot of VIPs that day, so he didn't want to dilly-dally around for too long. "Alright. Please hold on a second."

As the auction was going on, the waiter managed to find Georgina under the dim lights. The waiter told Georgina what Leanna was here for, and Georgina sent a glance toward the man beside her right after she heard the waiter's words. He was gazing at the stage—he wasn't paying attention to her at all. She whispered a few words to the waiter before turning to Aidan. "There's someone looking for me, Aidan. I'll leave for a while." He nodded without even looking at her.

Leanna had only been waiting outside the hall for a while when she saw Georgina walking toward her. "Miss Crossley," she greeted. Georgina smiled at Leanna as she stopped in front of her. "Why aren't you coming in since you're already here?"