Chapter 267 - Playing With Fire (2/2)

Emily's brows knitted in confusion. ”Okaaay?”

”He probably did that to put Fiona in her place. He didn't need to, but I was bitching about it the other day. So… my wish is his command.”

Emily tried her best not to squeal, but her feet rhythmically tapped under the table. ”Sooo we'll be hearing an announcement soon?”

”I don't know. I feel like I'm ready but not ready. Do you know what I mean?”

”Take the leap of faith, Livi. That way you won't have any regrets.”

Emily and Olivia's conversation was cut short when the ceremony kicked off with a welcome speech by King Alistair.

The entire night, food, wine, and entertainment kept the guests hyped until the highlight of the event. During their bathroom break, Ava peered at Olivia through her reflection in the mirror.

”Livi? I forgot to ask why are you sitting with Emily? The organizers must have mixed up the sitting,” Ava expressed her thoughts.

”Or? I almost forgot!” Emily clapped her hands. ”Unless you're an award recipient this year? Are you?” Ava c.o.c.ked her head to the right, unsure of the chances that Olivia might be nominated for such a prestigious award.

”Not sure about that. I didn't receive any letter.”

”Well, you're not supposed to because it's a surprise. But most of the time, those who did are seated with the Suis,” Ava explained, puckering her lips after applying a light shade of cherry.

”I don't want to think about it. I just want this night to end. ”

Muttering under her breath, Olivia cursed, ”Freaking bells.”

Meanwhile, outside the ladies' room, Maxen was waiting for the trio to come out. Earlier, he spotted the trio walking towards that direction that was why he followed them, in the hopes of stealing a few minutes with Olivia.

Just as he arrived by the cordoned area, he heard the bells that almost cost him the love of his life. ”F.u.c.k it,” he cursed in his head, but his mouth was quicker to say it. He made a mental note to ban bells in the country just so incidents like this won't happen again.

To Maxen, the effect of those damned bells had worn off a long time ago, but he couldn't erase the fact that he was caught red-handed by Olivia before. And if she sees those bells in close range to him, who knew what else could run in Olivia's head?

”Hi, Maxen,” Fiona greeted with much familiarity, her crimson lips curved in a seductive smile.

”Ms. Chung,” Maxen responded with a curt nod and quickly averted his gaze to the phone in his hands.

”Some guests prepared an after-party at the penthouse suite later, Your Highness. Your presence will surely add more spice to it… Just like the old times.”

Fiona saw an opportunity to check if she still had the effect on Maxen. If she did, well, maybe she could lure him back into her arms.

After all, there was no harm in playing with fire, correct?

”Your Highness?” Another flick of her hair. Another round of chiming bells.

Instead of saying another word, Maxen responded with a small smile and gestured towards the ladies' room as if telling Fiona Chung to go ahead and leave him alone. He was about to retreat when he saw Olivia stepping out of the ladies' room with a sinister smile on her face.