Chapter 97: A Meeting with the Past
Alaric smoothly introduced Galatea to various business tycoons throughout the evening. Despite her time away from this world for the past six or seven years, Galatea handled it with remarkable ease. Her grace, poise, and impeccable etiquette made her shine in the presence of such powerful figures, leaving Alaric surprised at how effortlessly she fit into the social circles he had been a part of for years.
The soft jazz music in the background began to play, signaling the start of the dance. Without hesitation, Alaric placed his arm around Galatea’s waist, and she naturally rested her hand on his shoulder. The two moved in perfect synchronization, as though they had been dancing together for years. The elegance of their movements seemed to captivate those around them.
“You did well just now,” Alaric praised, his voice soft yet full of admiration. “Do you often attend these kinds of events?”
Galatea shook her head slightly. “Not really. My father used to take me to these kinds of occasions when he was still alive.”
Her words were soft but carried a weight of loss. Alaric’s curiosity deepened. “I’m curious about your family,” he said, but his tone remained gentle, as if not wanting to press her too much.
Galatea hesitated for a moment, then gave a light laugh. “You wouldn’t want me to talk about it in this kind of setting.”
The atmosphere between them shifted slightly as Alaric tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. It was a gesture of comfort, and yet, as he whispered in her ear, “No, I’ll let you tell me when you’re ready. Slowly… in the future.”
Her body reacted to his voice, a light shiver passing over her, though she kept her composure and continued to dance with him, her movements as fluid as before.
Alaric, however, was deeply intrigued by her, and as the evening went on, he found himself growing more and more fascinated by the layers of mystery that surrounded her. He was certain that the more he got to know Galatea, the more it would only ignite his curiosity about her past.
Just as the two of them were lost in the music and each other’s company, the whispers of admiration from the entrance reached Galatea’s ears.
“Isn’t that Mr. Gavin from Far East International? I heard that Far East International has a new construction company, and their first project was Mr. Alaric’s entertainment city. That’s impressive.”
“I’ve heard a lot about Mr. Ambrose’s reputation,” another voice added. “In just five or six years, he became the deputy director of Far East International. He’s truly a legend in the business world.”
“Yes, he’s even more impressive in person. Very elegant.”
At first, Galatea paid little attention to these murmurs; she had heard many similar compliments over the years. However, when she heard the unmistakable voice that followed, everything changed.
“You’re too kind. The construction company under Far East International is new in Arizona, and I’m still getting used to it. I hope the senior figures here can offer me some guidance.”
That voice… her heart skipped a beat, and before she could stop herself, her movements faltered. Her foot landed on Alaric’s, and she immediately let out an apologetic gasp.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Galatea quickly muttered, trying to regain her composure. She hurriedly lowered her gaze, hoping that Ambrose—if he had noticed—wouldn’t focus on her reaction. Still, her heart was racing, and she felt a strange unease bubble up.
Seven years had passed since she last saw him. She had never expected their reunion to happen under such circumstances. How had he ended up here? Hadn’t the people just now mentioned that he was now Alaric’s business partner? Was this all just a coincidence?
“Galatea? Galatea?”
The sound of Alaric’s voice brought her back to the present. She looked up, trying to mask her inner turmoil. “What’s wrong? What is it?” she asked, her voice betraying nothing of the storm raging inside.
Alaric’s gaze was sharp as he studied her. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, his concern evident.
Galatea forced a smile. “Nothing… nothing,” she lied, her words almost too quick. She fell silent, her mind racing.
Alaric’s gaze shifted to Ambrose, his eyes narrowing as he observed Galatea’s reaction to the man.
Ambrose. Of course. The man who had once meant so much to her, yet left without a word. Now he stood here, alongside Alaric, and her emotions were tangled in a knot she could hardly untangle.
“Galatea,” Alaric said, breaking the silence, “Let me introduce you to my business partner.”
Galatea’s body froze. A sense of reluctance washed over her, but she fought to push it aside. Alaric had already noticed her hesitation, and with a slight tilt of his head, he pressed, “What’s wrong? You don’t want to go?”
“No,” Galatea replied firmly, though her heart was still unsettled. She had to face this, just as Alaric had once told her. The past could not remain hidden forever.
With a soft smile, Galatea took Alaric’s arm. “Let’s go.”
When they reached Ambrose, the crowd around him began to disperse, giving Alaric and Galatea the opportunity to approach.
“CEO Ambrose is a little late today,” Alaric commented smoothly, his tone easygoing. Ambrose, who had been chatting with a few others, turned toward them at the mention of his name.
“There were some car issues on the way. I hope Mr. Alaric doesn’t mind,” Ambrose said, offering a polite apology.
Alaric waved it off casually. “No need to apologize.” He then turned to Galatea, taking her hand and leading her toward Ambrose. “Let me introduce you both,” he said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “This is my fiancée, Galatea. And Ambrose, this is my business partner, CEO of Far East Construction.”
Galatea could feel her pulse quicken, and when Ambrose’s eyes locked onto hers, she could see the flash of recognition in his gaze—though it was fleeting, it was there. His composure quickly returned, and he smiled warmly.
“Hello, CEO Ambrose,” Galatea greeted, her tone calm but her heart pounding. She kept her posture graceful, her composure intact, but inside, everything felt like it was unraveling. “My name is Galatea.”
Ambrose extended his hand toward her with a gentleman’s smile. “Hello, I’m Gavin Ambrose.”
She shook his hand, her fingers cold despite the warmth of the room, and then quickly retracted it. She couldn’t help but wonder—was he pretending not to recognize her? Or had time truly erased the past?
“Mr. Alaric’s fiancée is quite beautiful,” Ambrose commented smoothly.
Alaric’s response was immediate and confident. “Of course. The woman I choose must be beautiful.”
Galatea met Ambrose’s gaze, but there was something unsettling in his calmness. She knew that behind his mask, something deeper lingered—something he hadn’t said yet. And as the evening wore on, she could feel his eyes on her, though he said little.
She stayed by Alaric’s side, listening intently as he spoke, but her thoughts were elsewhere, caught in the storm of the past that had just walked back into her life.