Chapter 432 Don't Be Afraid, I'm Here
I tried to shake off the daze from earlier, walked over, knelt down, and gently patted Skylar's head. "Hey, sweetie, this dinner is for grown-ups to talk about helping more people. It's not really for kids. When your mom and I get back, we'll tell you all about the fun stuff that happened, and then we'll do our own little 'kindness project,' okay?"
Skylar's eyes lit up, and she sniffled a bit before hesitantly agreeing, "Okay, but you have to promise."
"I promise." Edward patted Skylar's head and gently set her down.
"I'll wait for you in the car. Once you're ready, come down. Tonight, I want everyone to see my princess."
Edward gave me a light kiss on the forehead and walked out the door.
Even though it was just a light kiss, it felt like it carried immense weight. It was like a key that quietly unlocked a tightly shut door, letting a flood of past emotions rush in.
I felt both delighted and a bit flustered: delighted by his tenderness and deep affection, but flustered by the sudden intimacy, unsure how to respond.
My cheeks instantly grew warm, and my fingers unconsciously touched the spot on my forehead where he had kissed me, feeling the lingering warmth that sent a tingle through my whole body.
At the same time, I found myself looking forward to the charity dinner more and more. It seemed like tonight's event was not just a social gathering but a new beginning for our relationship.
I longed to stand by his side at the dinner, showing the world our happiness, and hoped that through this, we could rediscover the pure and passionate feelings we once had.
On the way there, Edward held my hand tightly. The warmth from his palm seeped through my skin, making me feel secure yet causing my heart to race.
He occasionally glanced at me with eyes full of tenderness and softly asked, "Diana, are you nervous?"
I shook my head slightly and gave a small smile. "Not really."
He gently squeezed my hand, as if to give me strength.
Soon, we arrived at the hotel where the dinner was being held.
The entrance was brightly lit, with luxury cars gathered and elegantly dressed guests chatting and laughing as they entered the venue. Edward chivalrously opened the car door for me, extending his arm with an encouraging look in his eyes. "Ready, my princess?"
I took his arm, took a deep breath, straightened my back, and walked with him into the grand hall.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by the sound of melodious music, cheerful laughter, and dazzling lights. The place was lavishly decorated, with enormous crystal chandeliers casting a soft, radiant glow. Priceless artworks adorned the walls, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the space.
We hadn't walked far when a middle-aged woman in an elegant gown spotted us and hurried over, her face beaming with enthusiasm. "Diana, it's been so long! I've missed you terribly. You look absolutely stunning tonight! That dress is just perfect for you!"
I smiled back. "It's been a while. You look as fabulous as ever."
The woman's gaze shifted to Edward, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "And this is...?"
Before I could introduce him, Edward extended his hand graciously. "Hi, I'm Diana's friend, Edward Howard."
The woman quickly shook his hand, a knowing look on her face. "A young talent. You and Diana make a great pair."
Before we could chat further, a young man approached us, smiling broadly. "Ms. Cooper, I was so inspired by your speech at the industry conference. It really opened my eyes. I adjusted our plans based on your ideas, and the results have been remarkable."
I responded politely with a smile. "I'm glad to hear that. The industry is changing fast. How's your business holding up?"
The man nodded eagerly. "Thanks to you, it's been steady."
Soon, more people came up to greet me, acknowledging my achievements at work or sharing the latest industry news.
Edward stood by my side, initially wearing a polite smile as he watched me interact with everyone. But as more people approached, and the attention remained on me, his smile began to wane.
Sensing his feelings, I turned to the man I had been speaking with and said with a smile, "This is Edward Howard, my friend. He's accomplished in technology, finance, and real estate, especially in tech innovation. You should chat with him."
Edward handed over his business card, and the man took it, glancing at it politely.
As Edward began to speak, his engaging storytelling drew people in, and soon, they were asking him questions. Edward answered each one calmly and thoroughly.
The man nodded in admiration. "Mr. Howard, your insights are eye-opening. I didn't know much about you before, but I see now that was my oversight. We should definitely connect more. There might be opportunities for our companies to collaborate."
Others around us also looked at Edward with newfound respect, acknowledging his expertise. The atmosphere became lively. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a familiar figure—Jeffrey. He stood not far away, surrounded by a group of well-dressed people who were fawning over him, chattering animatedly. Jeffrey wore his usual insincere smile, his eyes betraying a hint of boredom as he nodded along.
When our eyes met, his smile froze for a split second before he quickly regained his composure, though his gaze held a complex mix of emotions.
My heart tightened, and I instinctively gripped Edward's arm. Edward, sensing my tension, followed my gaze and spotted Jeffrey. His eyes sharpened, and his demeanor grew more intense, but his years of business experience allowed him to quickly regain his composure.
He subtly pulled me closer, looked at me with concern, his eyes softening, and gently patted my hand. "Don't worry, I'm here."
Edward led me around the venue, seizing every opportunity to network with potential partners. I listened quietly by his side, maintaining a polite smile and nodding in agreement at the right moments.
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