Chapter 9 Have We Met Before?

• After delivering the pastries, Lisette went in search of the man who had asked her to buy them. "Sir, the pastries are here."
• The man, holding a glass of wine, appraised her closely. Her long hair, gathered in a loose bun, had unraveled somewhat, with strands falling around her face.
• She wore no makeup, and her small, sun-kissed face and bright eyes stood out against her simple attire of a loose T-shirt, jeans, and canvas sneakers—there was nothing particularly noteworthy about her.
• What distinguished her was her freshness, though this was largely due to her modest background.
• "Good, I'm pleased. Just wait a moment," he said.
• He went to fetch Chris.
• A woman who captured a friend's interest deserved an introduction.
• Lisette didn't know what the man was asking her to wait for but guessed he might be planning to reward her for her service, so she stood by, anticipating.
• The man approached Chris, pointing out Lisette, who seemed out of place amid the party's revelry. "Here's the woman you're interested in."
• Since Chris couldn't remember where he had seen her before, he stopped thinking about it.
• He had been preoccupied with a call girl and was kissing her. When he heard his friend, he immediately let go of her and shifted his focus to Lisette.
• However, she wasn't facing him, leaving him only able to view her profile.
• Chris immediately walked to her.
• The call girl, looking displeased, called out, "Mr. Turner!"
• She attempted to follow but was stopped by the man. "Hey, little temptress, Mr. Turner seems more interested in that older lady now. How about keeping me company?"
• The call girl pouted playfully. "Sure."
• While they flirted, Chris reached Lisette and examined her intently.
• Lisette was taken aback when someone suddenly appeared in front of her. "What—"
• "Have we met before?"
• Chris interrupted, studying Lisette closely.
• Lisette shook her head quickly. "Sir, I don't think we've met."
• The man in front of her was tall and slim, not particularly handsome but exuding an air of wealth.
• The only wealthy person she knew was William.
• "I need to return to work now," she said, lowering her gaze. "Excuse me."
• She noticed the party guests in the corner—some were kissing openly, while others engaged in more explicit activities. This was not a place she wished to linger.
• She had to leave promptly.
• Lisette turned and walked away.
• As Chris watched her leave, a sudden realization struck him. He clapped his hands loudly, saying, "I remember now!"
• The sudden noise startled those around him. Ignoring their curious looks, he pulled out his phone and hurried outside.
• In a studio's makeup room.
• Mabel sat in a chair, sipping lemonade.
• Nearby, a man in a black shirt with the top buttons undone leaned casually against the vanity, his roguish charm evident in his smirk and crossed legs.
• "Mabel, as your close friend, I'm genuinely worried about you."
• Mabel, impeccably made up in the latest haute couture and preparing for a runway show set to start in ten minutes, fixed him with a cold stare.
• She was a model and a designer—a darling of the fashion world.
• "Your presence only adds to my concerns."
• "Ah, is it because of William?" The man's eyes glinted with a chilling light.
• Mabel sneered. "Neil, I've made my position clear. If you keep this up, we might not even remain friends."
• She turned and walked away.
• Neil Gardner watched her retreating figure with a widening smile. "Mabel, as a friend, I must warn you—this woman has fled with the child of the man you love. And remember, she's been with William for a year, doing things with him you never did.
• "Moreover, it's possible William deliberately let her go. With his resources and connections, how could he not track down one woman?"
• Mabel clenched her fists in frustration.
• Neil leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Mabel, remember, relationships between men and women are fleeting. Think about it."
• Neil left, leaving Mabel's emotions in turmoil.
• Since learning about the pregnancy, she felt as though her heart had been pierced by an unremovable thorn!
• Neil got into his car and started the engine. His phone rang.
• He pressed the Bluetooth button and turned the steering wheel. "Hello."
• "Neil, it's me, Chris. I saw that woman today!"
• "Which woman?"
• "William's wife!"