Chapter 146

I shook my head and looked at Frederick. "Let's go."

Frederick simply nodded. We acted as if nothing had happened, an unspoken agreement to avoid mentioning the earlier incident. He didn't ask why I chose him over Jonathan, and I didn't ask how he felt about it.

It wasn't long before he broke the silence. "Do you want to head back now, or stick to the original plan?"

"Let's stick to the plan," I told him. "We're already here. It'd be a waste to leave empty-handed."

He smiled slightly. "Got it. My earlier offer still stands. Do you want me to introduce you to some investors?"

I nodded and followed him. He helped introduce me to several investors, and I confidently presented my pitch, hoping to secure crucial funding. I pushed the earlier events from my mind.

Things were going smoothly. As Frederick had said, such events were perfect for networking. These investors were seasoned professionals; they could usually discern projects with real potential. Of course, nobody had a 100% success rate, but consistent success made them big players.

But Jonathan was different. His investment instincts were razor-sharp. Every project he backed proved profitable. Industry statistics indicated he'd never misjudged an investment—his accuracy was essentially perfect.

Still, nobody could claim to never lose money. Even with Jonathan's flawless track record, the future remained uncertain.

My thoughts drifted back to him.

Frederick noticed and gently took my arm, concerned. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine. The party's winding down. I'll help you and the investors back to the hotel."

He nodded, paused, and looked at me again. "Where are you planning to go?"

I thought for a moment. "I'll head back to the hotel with you."

Given the circumstances, I couldn't return to the Ford residence, and I definitely didn't want to face Jonathan. Keeping my distance was the only option.

Chapter 146

Once things calmed down, we could revisit what happened earlier. The truth was, in that critical moment when both Frederick and Jonathan were in danger, I chose Frederick without hesitation. It wasn't a conscious decision; my body reacted instinctively, saving him and completely forgetting about Jonathan.

Perhaps I didn't have the right to hold it against Jonathan for instinctively saving Alicia over me that time. I shook my head, clearing the chaos from my mind, and walked with Frederick to escort the investors. Just as I was about to get into the car, a familiar Cullinan pulled up.

The door opened, and Bob stepped out, his gaze fixed on me. "Ms. Sawyer, please get in the car."

I was surprised he'd come to pick me up. I instinctively glanced at Frederick, then turned to Bob. "Sorry, I'm not going back tonight."

"This..." Bob looked torn, instinctively glancing inside the car.

I followed his gaze and saw a familiar figure in the back seat. A wrist with a watch lifted slightly to tug at the collar of a white dress shirt; a couple of buttons were undone. The motion was casual, cool, and distant.

All I could see was Jonathan's sharply defined profile, his jawline chiseled and restrained. He didn't look at me, but I felt completely exposed, as if his silence alone weighed heavily upon me.