Chapter 148 Gala Opening

Amanda's POV

Three days later, I accompanied Ethan to the gala hosted by the Blackwood and Sterling families. As Ethan's assistant, I didn't wear formal attire but chose a clean, practical outfit for ease of movement. Ethan noticed my casual appearance and frowned.

"You're dressed like that?" His tone carried disapproval.

I smiled politely. "This is appropriate for an assistant, Mr. Blackwood. I'm not attending as a guest." He didn't press further, but his dissatisfaction remained visible.

The ballroom buzzed with conversation and energy. The Sterling family hadn't arrived yet, but Ethan immediately became the center of attention the moment we entered. A long line of people formed, each eager to speak with him, hoping to curry favor. Seeing this, I quietly stepped aside, using this opportunity to search for representatives from Weill Cornell Medicine. I'd specifically asked Diana for photos of Gregory Freeman's associates, hoping to identify them among the crowd.

While scanning the room, I accidentally bumped into someone. I immediately apologized, but the stranger responded with a familiar voice, asking if I was looking for someone.

Looking up, I found myself face-to-face with an attractive, tall man—Jonathan Scott. I was surprised to recognize him; it had been five years since we'd last met, and he'd transformed considerably from the chubby young man I once knew into this handsome figure before me.

"You actually remember me?" Jonathan laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Your bone structure hasn't changed. Just everything else." I found myself smiling naturally for the first time all evening.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Lost all that weight taking care of Angela during her illness. Stress diet, you could call it." Angela is his sister.

The memory of those three months at the Scott home came flooding back. The endless nights monitoring Angela's symptoms while Jonathan kept me company. The coffee he brought at 3 AM. The endless questions about my research.

"Angela's doing well now," he said, his face lighting up with brotherly pride. "Junior in college, about to start her internship. She still talks about you."

My cheeks warmed at the praise. Jonathan asked about my involvement with the collaboration.

"That makes sense. Your medical background makes you perfect for this." He leaned closer. "Angela would love to thank you in person sometime. Maybe coffee when you're free?"

The Scott family's donation had more than repaid any debt, but refusing seemed rude. We exchanged numbers just as Ethan approached. The temperature seemed to drop ten degrees.

"Scott family... Amanda, you're quite resourceful." His voice cut through the air like a knife. "Took this assistant position just to use me as a stepping stone to meet wealthy heirs?"

Heat rushed to my face. Jonathan stepped protectively in front of me. His posture stiffened as he told Ethan his words were inappropriate.

Ethan's eyes turned arctic. He grabbed my arm, pulling me toward him. "Amanda, I've underestimated you. Just a few minutes of acquaintance, and you've already got men defending you."

Jonathan continued defending me, emphasizing my valued status with the Scott family.

"Amanda, don't forget, just days ago, you were in my bed. Are you already looking to climb higher?" Ethan's grip tightened on my arm. "The Scott family may have influence abroad, but they're no match for the Blackwoods."

The words hung between us, shocking in their possessiveness. Jonathan tensed, his hands curling into fists. My heart hammered against my ribs.

"Ethan, please. Jonathan's sister was my patient years ago. I treated Angela for three months." My voice came out steadier than I felt. "He's simply expressing gratitude."

Understanding dawned in Ethan's eyes. His shoulders relaxed slightly. I took the opportunity to extract us from the situation.

When we were alone, I couldn't resist. "Mr. Blackwood, was it true when you called me your woman just now?" My heart hammered against my ribs as the words tumbled out.

His body tensed slightly. "That was simply something said in the heat of the moment." His eyes darted away from mine, a muscle twitching along his jaw.

Then his tone shifted to command mode. "You're my assistant now, and your primary duty is to stay with me!"

The possessiveness in his voice confirmed what I'd suspected. Somewhere beneath the memory loss, he still cared. A warm certainty bloomed within me, like sunshine breaking through storm clouds—his conscious mind might forget, but his heart remembered everything.

Robert Sterling's arrival finally dispersed some of Ethan's admirers. Sophia accompanied him in a royal blue gown. When she spotted me beside Ethan, her smile faltered momentarily before her social training kicked in.

Robert inquired about the Weill Cornell representatives. After sending Sophia away, his expression turned serious.

"One objective of this partnership is investigating Weill Cornell's operations. There are concerns about their activities over the years."

So that explained the partnership between Blackwood and Sterling. Without hesitation, I volunteered myself.

"Mr. Blackwood, if it's appropriate, I could enter Weill Cornell."

Ethan immediately objected, concern flashing across his face. "Too dangerous."

"Not if we do it openly," I countered. "With media awareness, they wouldn't dare harm me."

Robert nodded approvingly. "As Sarah Hope, your medical expertise makes you ideal for this. You'd represent Blackwood Group perfectly."

Ethan remained hesitant. His thumb rubbed against his forefinger repeatedly. "I'll need to consider this further."

When the Weill Cornell representatives finally arrived, it wasn't Gregory Freeman but his assistant. While the assistant discussed partnership details, I noticed Ethan accepting too many drinks.

"Would you like some water?" I asked quietly, touching his elbow. He nodded, so I left to find some.

I left to find water for Ethan. Who knew this brief separation would allow a conspiracy to unfold? As I left, Melissa Allen and Sophia Sterling huddled in a corner, plotting to use drugs to make Sophia become Ethan's wife and join the Blackwood family.

Across the room, Sophia sat down after completing her assigned task. A well-dressed woman approached.

"Why are you here, Miss Allen?" Sophia's tone immediately turned respectful.

The woman who appeared smirked coldly, turning toward Sophia. Her makeup was heavy, obscuring her true face, but the malice in her eyes shone clear as day.

"How else would I help you become Mrs. Blackwood?" Melissa said.

Sophia brightened, ambition flickering in her eyes. "You have a way?"

Melissa nodded, her voice laced with treachery. "I've had someone drug Ethan's drinks. He's been consuming strong alcohol. Soon, someone will escort him to room 303 upstairs. Go there and you can have him."

Sophia gasped, surprised by Melissa's directness. "You arranged everything?"

"Of course." Melissa laughed with absolute confidence.