Chapter 1013 The Engagement Banquet Conspiracy
Hannah nervously clutched the hem of her dress, her palms sweaty. "I think the heels on the shoes I wore earlier were too high, and my feet hurt a bit, so I went to the dressing room to change into a pair with lower heels."
"Okay!" Stella nodded, feeling that there was something different about Hannah. She looked Hannah up and down, leaned in closer, and suspiciously said, "I just feel like there's something different about you."
But she couldn't pinpoint exactly what was different.
It just felt strange.
Hannah suppressed her guilt and anxiety, took Stella's arm, and said, "I'm still me! What's different? Come on, let's go back! The engagement party is about to start."
Stella glanced at Hannah's hand on her arm.
For some reason, she felt a bit repulsed and wanted to pull her hand away.
Seeing her hesitation, Hannah curiously asked, "What's wrong?"
Stella immediately shook her head, dismissing the sudden inexplicable thought. "Nothing! Let's go inside!"
"Alright!" Hannah nodded. As they left, she turned back and took a deep look at the women's restroom.
Back in the hall, Charles was still surrounded by people and couldn't get away.
The two of them went to the buffet area to get some food.
Lassie looked around the hall, saw Austin but not Violet, and couldn't help but ask, "Where's Violet? Didn't she say she was coming with you?"
Austin was sitting alone in the lounge area with a glass of red wine.
Not one for crowds, he seemed out of place in such an environment.
He stared blankly at the hall, lost in thought. Hearing Lassie's voice, he looked up and said, "She changed her mind when we were about to leave. She said she didn't want to see the man she loves marry another woman, afraid she couldn't handle it, so she didn't come."
Lassie sighed and sat down next to him. "It's just as well she didn't come! In this situation, it's really not suitable for her to be here! Charles would definitely be upset if he knew I brought her out without permission. After the engagement party, I'll explain to him personally."
Austin swirled his wine glass, the glass reflecting a shimmering light under the chandelier.
He stared thoughtfully at the liquid in the glass and said, "Mom, I don't like crowds. I don't fit in this environment! I'll be heading back to Country D soon."
Lassie widened her eyes in surprise. "So soon?"
Austin nodded. "The lab is very busy. I don't want to waste time here! Please let Dad know later."
Lassie looked at him with concern. "I know Hannah was once your fiancée! But matters of the heart can't be forced! You're so outstanding, and I believe you'll find a woman who loves you in the future."
Austin smiled faintly. "It's okay. It's all in the past. I've already moved on."
Lassie patted his shoulder. "It's good that you've moved on! I know you're stubborn and it's hard for you to change your mind once you've decided on something. Persistence is a good thing! But in some aspects, you need to learn to let go."
Austin nodded and didn't continue the topic.
Knowing he was a man of few words and didn't want to talk about it, Lassie changed the subject. "What time is your flight?"
Austin replied, "Two in the afternoon."
Lassie looked at the time displayed on the screen at the back of the stage. "It's already ten o'clock! Stay a little longer and then you should go, so you don't miss your flight."
After a pause, she remembered something and said, "In that case, why don't you take Violet with you?"
Austin looked at her in surprise.
Lassie explained, "Charles and Hannah will be at Sunset Bay for the next few days. It's not suitable for them to stay in the same city. Your father and I have decided to send her to study in Country H. Time might heal everything! Once she's completely over her feelings for Charles, we'll bring her back. The school has already been contacted, and she can start as soon as the term begins."
Austin hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "I'll change my ticket and take her directly to Country H! Once you and Dad are done here, come to Country H to find me! I'll help her get familiar with the place first."
"What about your lab?"
Austin said, "Our school is planning an academic seminar in Country H. I'll apply to my professor for a transfer."
Hearing this, Lassie smiled happily. "If that's the case, that's perfect! With you looking after her, I'll be much more at ease!"
Austin nodded and fell silent again.
He had always been quiet and reserved, and Lassie was used to it, so she didn't find it awkward.
They sat together quietly.
Suddenly, Austin asked, "Mom, if one day you found out I did something wrong, would you forgive me?"
Without thinking, Lassie replied, "No matter what you did, you're my son. How could I blame you!"
Hearing this, Austin didn't feel happy; instead, a sense of bitterness spread in his heart.
Austin thought, 'But, if you know I took your beloved daughter away from you, will you still not blame me?'
He didn't dare to say this out loud, only dared to ask in his heart.
He loved Violet and also loved this family.
He didn't want to lose either and wanted to hold on tightly to both.
Austin suppressed the bitterness in his heart and asked, "Where's Shirley?"
Lassie replied, "She ran off as soon as we got here, saying she wanted to find Ryan's son Tyler to play with. She originally wanted to find Hannah, but I told her Hannah would be very busy today and not to bother her. After a long talk, she reluctantly agreed."
"Okay." Austin responded lightly and fell silent again.
After a while, he took out his phone and checked the time. "Mom, I have to go. I need to go home and get my luggage! The traffic has been a bit heavy these days, so I need to leave early to avoid being late."
Lassie immediately stood up. "I'll walk you to the door."
Austin refused, "No need. My car is in the underground garage. I'll just take the elevator down! Please let Dad know later."
Lassie didn't insist, nodded, and saw him out of the banquet hall.
As Austin was leaving, Hannah seemed to sense something and subconsciously looked over.
Catching her gaze, Stella teased, "What? You're engaged to Charles, but still can't let go of your ex? Are you having second thoughts?"
Hannah rolled her eyes at her. "What are you talking about? Just looking doesn't mean I can't let go!"
Stella retorted, "Isn't it?"
Hannah's face turned red. "I just happened to look over there! Since being with Charles, I hardly have any contact with Austin."
Stella laughed heartily. "I'm just teasing you! I don't trust others, but I trust you!"
Hannah glared at her and said no more.
Stella looked at Martin and Charles, who were surrounded by people flattering them, and pouted, "Charles has such good manners. So many people around him for so long, but he hasn't lost his temper. If it were me, I would've snapped at them by now."
Hannah blushed and lowered her head. "Yes, he's indeed excellent in every way."
Stella nudged her shoulder playfully. "So, how are you going to thank me? If it weren't for me, you two wouldn't even know each other!"
Hannah smiled. "I'll treat you to something delicious when we get back to school."
Stella also smiled. "I'll be waiting!"
Stella protected Hannah well, not letting any guests other than relatives approach her, blocking them all.
Time passed by the minute.
The time had come.
The people surrounding Charles finally dispersed.
Charles walked slowly over to Hannah.
As he got close to Hannah, he frowned.
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