Chapter 197

Stealing a Kiss Seeing Stella and Liora standing side by side gave me a bad feeling. Meanwhile, the two men beside them chatted and laughed like close friends instead of rivals.

Just then, Stella smiled and raised her glass toward me. Loira also looked toward me, but she looked proud yet indifferent.

I scoffed and whispered to Lauren, “Thank goodness this is her family’s event. Otherwise, things would have gotten ugly. You were right when you said she holds grudges.”

Lauren sighed, “That’s because it was hard for the Thompsons to get involved in the Coles‘ business.

They’ve been planning this for years. Although Atticus was cautious, Loira had some tricks up her sleeve. Then, Keegan eventually entered the company.

“However, Atticus finally removed Keegan thanks to your actions. It wouldn’t be right if Loira weren’t mad at you.”

“I guess I can buy a lottery ticket just using my instincts,” I joked, then chuckled self–deprecatingly.

“You’re laughing about it? Lauren rolled her eyes at me. “You should be more carefull”

The formal part of the event began with Atticus giving an enthusiastic speech. I noticed Atlas in the distance, smiling mysteriously. Since everything proceeded as planned, I wanted to leave early, I saw Ryan conversing with several developers, so I didn’t want to interrupt. I took out my ringing phone and saw Ivanna’s name. I worried she might be in trouble, so I stepped outside because it was too crowded.

However, Ivanna said they were having a great time. I assured her I would return soon and hung up. As I was about to leave, someone pulled me back. I was about to scream when the person covered my mouth.

The person’s familiar scent put me at ease, and he kissed me. My head spun, but he released me after a while. He was charming as he raised an eyebrow, saying, “You look gorgeous.”

I pushed him away and whispered, “Are you crazy?”

“What’s wrong? You’re already mine, so why can’t I kiss you?” Atlas looked at me up and down. “I knew the gown would look perfect on you.”

Indeed, the gown was simple yet elegant. It highlighted my figure perfectly when I first put it on. I gasped in surprise when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time. Still, Atlas dared to kiss me when so many people were around. We’d be in trouble if someone saw us I was even more Arious because he had come here with Stella “Can you stop provoking me?”

Immediately after, I walked away.

Then I take you home later!” he declared.

“No! I’m leaving on my own!” I retorted.

“Don’t say no!” After that, he walked away.

As I left the terrace, I saw Matthew grinning. He handed me a glass of wine, saying, “Have a drink to calm your nerves.”

Although a little uneasy. I glanced at Matthew disdainfully, then turned to leave.

“Chloe, you’ve shown me how much you’ve changed. I underestimated you in the past. But if others discover what I just saw, it won’t be good for you. How about we make a deal?‘ he said as he leaned