Chapter 289

Alston's intense gaze bore into Cecilia, his smirk unwarrantedly malicious, almost provocative. Cecilia's smile faltered, and even the atmosphere inside the private room turned eerie, the silence palpable. She knew that if she lingered here any longer, this banquet was likely to go downhill. Cecilia couldn't help but find it amusing. Alston must have been pleased to see Marian, yet somehow Cecilia managed to spoil his mood. Without needing to think, she knew Alston's thoughts were probably not in her favor right now. Awkwardly standing in the spacious room, Cecilia struggled to find the right words to ease the tension. Just then, the door swung open, and Brian entered wearing a crisp white suit. He approached Cecilia directly, touched his forehead lightly, and whispered, "Sorry I'm late." Cecilia sighed in relief. "Grand Hotel is so far from here. How did you manage to make it back?" "So what? It's a company event. No matter how far, I had to come," Brian replied casually as he poured