Chapter 4 Come Here

Allison glanced at her colleagues who just mocked her. They were not bad in appearance but lacked competence in providing professional dance classes. "You are here in search of backers, aren't you?"

These few women didn't expect Allison to retort defiantly after breaking up with Ethan. At a loss for words, they responded by glaring at her.

Meanwhile, the room's attention shifted toward Allison.

Before Allison's arrival, these few hostile women were considered pretty. However, Allison's presence soon effortlessly captivated all gaze with her striking beauty, overshadowing other women.

Just then, the door swung open. "Sorry, I was held up with some matters and got delayed..."

As Allison turned, her eyes met Ethan's as he entered.

Ethan was a figure none of these attendees dared cross. As he walked in, the room rose, greeting him with smiles. "There's still over 10 minutes to the scheduled time. We guys just arrived early."

It was common knowledge that Allison and Ethan had parted ways. Their breakup was the reason these people felt emboldened to mock Allison moments earlier.

Now, as Ethan showed up, curious eyes flickered between Ethan and Allison.

Without a glance at Allison, Ethan proceeded to the central seat, signaling to all that he would no longer be her protector. The onlookers, aware of this shift, quietly acknowledged the change in their dynamics.

They were grinning smugly, yet Allison was utterly indifferent to their gloating.

"This is the first time Miss Roberts has joined us. I always thought those rumors about her were just tall tales, but seeing her now, I must admit she truly is breathtakingly beautiful! Her beauty knows no bounds!"

"Miss Roberts, you're the first person Shawn has ever praised like this. Why don't you honor him with a toast?" Hannah Simpson, a colleague of Allison's, suggested, glancing over at Ethan.

Ethan showed no sign of displeasure, much to Hannah's relief.

After all, aside from Ethan, Shawn was the major financier of the dance center.

Unfortunately, it wasn't ideal for Allison to catch the eye of someone with Shawn's unsavory reputation.

"It's only a toast. What's the harm? Miss Roberts, surely you wouldn't refuse," Shawn chimed in, narrowing his lewd eyes, which were small and nearly lost in his plump face.

Shawn's eyes turned even smaller as he narrowed them.

The sight was so comical that Allison couldn't help but laugh.

Everyone in the room understood that mocking Shawn was off-limits. Yet, here was Allison, poking fun at him, drawing everyone's attention. They were certain she would regret her actions by the end of the night.

"Are you really mocking Shawn, Allison?" Hannah asked.

The crowd watched Allison with a mix of scorn, envy, and heightened curiosity. It was clear they were trying to provoke Shawn into forcing Allison to drink as a punishment.

Unruffled, Allison retorted, "What makes you think I'm laughing at Shawn, not at all of you?"

Hannah was taken aback. Until Allison's arrival, she had been the center of attention. Frustrated by being stolen the spotlight, she uttered those words, intending to make things difficult for Allison.

"The food's going cold. Aren't you hungry?" Ethan finally spoke up.

"Indeed, I'm starving," someone chimed in after he spoke.

This episode passed like this, yet beneath the surface, there was whispered speculation. Was Ethan's intervention his way of protecting Allison?

Unsure of Ethan's feelings for Allison after the recent breakup, the onlookers decided not to target Allison. Even Hannah, however frustrated, held her tongue.

After a few bites, the group started offering toasts, primarily in honor of Ethan.

Ethan graciously accepted each toast, revitalizing the lively atmosphere in the room.

Allison, however, found little joy in such chaotic social gatherings. She excused herself and made her way down the corridor to the restroom.

Just as Allison entered, Ethan burst through the door behind her. His expression stern, he cornered her against the wall.

Allison resisted and questioned, "Ethan, what are you trying to do?"

He pressed a hand firmly against her to prevent her escape and then turned to lock the door.

Trapped in the cramped space, Allison failed to push Ethan away. She stared at Ethan, her gaze icy with scorn and resentment.

"Hadn't you already hooked up with Dominic? Why did you show up at an event like this? He's a man beyond your control. He doesn't love you in the slightest!" Ethan said emotionally.

"That's none of your concern, Mr. Hopkins," Allison retorted sharply.

Ethan declared with a stubborn edge to his voice, "I refuse to believe you have no feelings for me. You don't really like Dominic. It's me you care about!"

Allison felt a wave of disgust upon hearing this. Her grip tightened on her handbag, which she hurled at Ethan's face. "You're despicable, Ethan! I can't stand shameless men like you. I've been with Dominic several times and I've completely moved on from you!"

Allison's attack caught Ethan off guard. By the time he reacted and wanted to stop her from leaving, she had already flung the door open and dashed out.

Allison hurried outside, her heart pounding with the fear that Ethan might follow.

"Allison?" a voice called out.

Turning after halting abruptly, Allison saw Dominic under the dim light, his features obscured. He appeared as though he had just come from a business dinner, his tie loosened and the top two buttons of his shirt undone. His expression was unreadable.

Allison was slightly baffled. Last time at Glamour, Dominic had made his stance clear to her. She thought they were over.

Allison just stared at Dominic, hesitant to walk over, which visibly tried Dominic's patience. He snapped, "Why are you just standing there? Come here."

Allison was a bit stunned. Just moments before, as she confronted Ethan, she had decided to react self-destructively if he dared to do anything to her. Yet, the thought of her father, still confined to a hospital bed, spurred her to flee the scene.

Allison hadn't anticipated running into Dominic, especially after the commotion she had caused moments earlier, leading her to wonder whether he had heard their exchange.

Dominic's gaze pierced through Allison, leaving her flustered and unsure where to look.

Dominic's tone was firm as he asked, "Do I need to bring you to my side myself?"