Chapter 3 None Of My Business

Dominic's smile was faint, barely reaching his eyes. "Miss Roberts, I make it a point not to mix business with pleasure."

He confessed his attraction to Allison, yet that was the extent of his interest. He had no intention of offering anything more.

Dominic's words, sharp and cutting, left Allison feeling small. Nonetheless, she raised her head and persisted. "Mr. Clark, I ended things with Ethan, but he won't leave me alone..."

Dominic cut her off with a dismissive wave. "Hmm, I see. But that's not my concern."

With that, he dressed and left the room abruptly.

Allison remained on the bed, stunned, her complexion ghostly. She questioned whether it had been a mistake to try and use Dominic as leverage. Yet, in all of Zenvale, she could think of no other influential figure but him.

With a sense of resignation, Allison dressed and hurried after him, only to find he had already disappeared into the corridor.

Left with no options, she exited Glamour, overwhelmed by frustration.

From that day on, Allison had no updates about Dominic. Caught up in her work, she didn't have the focus to follow up, dedicating herself entirely to her clients.

Ethan had deliberately spread the word of their breakup throughout Allison's workplace.

Consequently, the staff believed Allison had somehow offended Ethan, leading them to treat her unfairly.

Initially, Allison's role was solely instructional at the training center, but the head teacher soon informed her of reduced resources, assigning her additional duties as an admin to liaise with clients. Moreover, she was compelled to attend a dinner party thrown by sponsors.

The financial burden of transferring Charlie to the sanatorium was substantial, making it impossible for Allison to afford to lose her job. Reluctantly, she attended the sponsored dinner party for the sake of financial necessity.

Upon entering the private room, Allison discovered that most attendees were strangers, with only a handful from the training center.

She found an empty chair and sat down, only to be confronted by a woman across from her. "Why are you here, Allison? I thought you despised these types of social events."

Allison's other colleagues joined in, mocking her, "We always assumed your backer preferred you not to attend such events. Oops! Sorry. We forgot Mr. Hopkins has parted ways with you."

Allison glanced at them, knowing they weren't skilled instructors but relied on their looks to get by.

"You are here in search of backers, aren't you?" Allison's sharp retort caught them off guard, their faces turning to glares.

Meanwhile, the rest of the room sized Allison up.

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.

The door swung open once more. "Sorry, I'm late..." Ethan announced as he walked in.

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 ended their relationship, which emboldened some women to take jabs at Allison.

Now, with Ethan's arrival, curious glances bounced between Allison and him.

Ethan, however, headed straight for the head seat, barely acknowledging Allison.

The onlookers quickly picked up on the signal that Ethan would no longer be Allison's ally.

Smirks of malicious delight spread across their faces, but Allison remained indifferent.

"Miss Roberts, this is your first time at our dinner party. I must admit, the rumors did you no justice. You are truly stunning. I'm in awe. Allow me to toast to your beauty!"

Shawn Edwards raised his glass. As the second major benefactor of the training center with Ethan being the first, Shawn was notorious for his lustful ways.

Allison eyed the full glass with a frown, doubting she could easily leave the private room if she indulged.

"Come on. It's just one drink, Miss Roberts. Are you really going to refuse?" Shawn squinted his eyes, a stern warning in his gaze.

Hannah Simpson, ever the envious type, couldn't resist stirring the pot. "Allison, what are you waiting for? Mr. Edwards is raising his glass for a toast. Come on! Drink up!"

The crowd turned to Allison, their eyes flickering with mockery and envy, enjoying the spectacle unfolding.

Ethan, with a light-hearted interjection, said, "The food's going cold, isn't it? Aren't you all hungry?"

Someone quickly agreed. "Yeah, I'm starving."

Prompted by this, everyone began to eat, forcing Shawn to reluctantly set down his glass, his displeasure evident.

Whispers circulated, speculating whether Ethan had intentionally stepped in to rescue Allison from the brewing storm.

For the time being, Allison was left alone, and even Hannah, despite her reluctance, didn't dare cause further trouble.

Only a few truly savored their meal. After a few bites, they resumed toasting, most eager to clink glasses with Ethan.

Ethan, gracious as ever, didn't turn anyone down, and soon the room buzzed with energy once more.

Allison, who had little taste for such chaotic events, slipped out of the private box and headed toward the ladies' room at the end of the hallway.

No sooner had Allison entered than Ethan came in after her, promptly pushing her against the wall with a look of frustration etched across his face.

Allison struggled. "What do you want from me?"

Ethan caught her flailing hands and swiftly locked the door from the inside.

The restroom was too cramped for two. Despite her efforts, Allison couldn't break free, and she glared at Ethan, her eyes shimmering with scorn and contempt.

Ethan snapped through clenched teeth, "Haven't you hooked up with Dominic? Why did he allow you to go to a dinner party like this? You can't handle a man like that. He'll never love you."

"That's really not your concern, Mr. Hopkins." Allison rolled her eyes.

Ethan insisted, his voice firm. "Allison, just admit it. You still love me. You don't care about Dominic. I'm the only one you love!"

His words repulsed Allison. Clutching her handbag tightly, she swung it hard, striking Ethan across the face. "Ethan Hopkins, you're a despicable jerk. You disgust me. I've been with him, and I cherished every moment. I've long since forgotten you."

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Ethan barely had time to react. By the time he reached out to stop her, Allison had already flung the door open and escaped.

Panting with fear of being followed, Allison dashed through the doorway.

After a few strides, Dominic's familiar voice echoed in her ears. "Allison?"