Chapter 199

Chapter 199

Edward stepped out of the car, giving a quick look around before heading straight inside.

The event organizer, spotting him, lit up with a big smile. "Mr. Mellon, we've got a special seat for you, please follow me."

Edward didn't even acknowledge him and walked away, clearly in a bad mood.

The organizer, feeling snubbed, looked to Edward's assistant for some insight.

The assistant hesitated, glancing at Edward's retreating figure. "Mr. Mellon's been busy looking for someone lately. He hasn't found her yet, so he's been pretty upset."

It wasn't just the organizer; the assistant had also been having a rough time these past few days.

In fact, the assistant was even more desperate than Edward to find Bella, hoping she would return soon and put an end to Edward's madness.

The party was a drag, at least for Edward.

The only thing that caught his interest was the wine the organizer had sent over to please her.

Edward's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed a mouthful of the rich, full-bodied wine. The alcohol slightly numbed his nerves, turning the sharp pain in his heart into a dull ache.

For months, he had been searching for Bella.

But where had she gone?

A stunning actress approached him, her face adorned with a seductive smile. "Mr. Mellon..."

Edward furrowed his brow and coldly spat out a single word, "Leave."

The actress's smile faltered.

She had thought her looks were good enough to approach him, but Edward didn't even give her a second glance.

The assistant arrived just in time to shoo her away. "Sorry, Mr. Mellon would like you to leave."

The actress had no choice but to stomp away in frustration.

The assistant breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Edward's icy expression and thinking it was a good thing he had arrived quickly.

Meanwhile, Bella hadn't noticed Edward.

Soon, Simon returned, satisfied with the autograph he had gotten.

They sat through the rest of the event, leaving only when it ended.

However, Simon couldn't leave just yet. The organizer had called him over, interested in having him sing for a show they were investing in.

Bella had to head back to the car alone.

The venue's entrance was crowded with cars. Bella scanned the area and finally fixed her gaze on a black car.

She walked over and noticed the door was ajar, which surprised her—she remembered she had closed her car door—but she didn't think much of it.

At that moment, Edward was inside, rubbing his temples and resting his eyes.

Suddenly, he heard someone at his car door.

Edward squinted, ready to tell the intruder to get lost as soon as he saw their face.

But in the next second, his eyes widened. "Bella?"

Edward's voice was inexplicably hoarse, filled with the joy and caution of a long-awaited reunion.

Before Bella could react, she was enveloped in a warm, wine-scented embrace.

Her heart raced, and she kept her head down, afraid Edward would recognize her.

"Sir, you've got the wrong person."

Edward held her wrist, his gaze intense. "Impossible."

He couldn't possibly mistake Bella.

Bella smelled the intoxicating scent of alcohol on Edward as he drew closer.

Then, she felt his soft, cool lips press against hers.

Edward held the back of her head, kissing her deeply, as if he wanted to devour her. His large hand slid down her soft waistline.

As Edward's actions became more excessive, Bella, in a panic, grabbed her bag and hit him on the head.

Edward grunted and let go of her.

Bella pushed the door open and bolted.

Just then, Simon showed up, catching the flustered Bella. "Where'd you go?"

Seeing Simon's confused face, Bella took a deep breath. "I'm fine. I'll explain later."

Simon wasn't one to pry. Since Bella didn't want to talk, he didn't press her and called for the driver.

It wasn't until she was in the car that Bella felt she had truly escaped Edward.

She had almost been caught. She would have to be more careful in the future.

Bella returned very late, even later than Hatty, who had been out socializing.

Bella reported the events of the evening to Hatty. "The organizer wants Simon to sing an OST for their historical drama."

A faint smile spread across Hatty's face.

"That's great news."

She had only intended for Simon to make an appearance at the event, but now they had an unexpected opportunity.

Hatty didn't forget to check on her employee. "By the way, nothing happened at the party, right?"

Bella immediately thought of the kiss with Edward after getting into the wrong car.

The heat from that kiss still lingered on her lips.

Bella composed herself. "No, nothing happened."

Bella stayed at the studio for a while longer, working late into the night before heading home.

To her surprise, Scarlett had also just returned. The two overworked women exchanged a knowing and exhausted smile.

Scarlett sighed and sat on the couch. "I got stuck with an idiot at a social event. He wouldn't let me leave, so I had to wait him out. What about you? Why are you back so late?"

Bella forced a smile. "Pretty much the same."

Seeing Scarlett's inquisitive look, Bella reluctantly recounted her encounter with Edward, omitting the kiss.

Scarlett sat up, her eyes wide with amazement and disbelief. "Are you two magnets or something? Always running into each other."

Bella fell silent.

Scarlett's expression turned serious. "Do you think he might forget what happened if he was drunk?"

Bella froze, suddenly understanding her point.

If Edward remembered what happened tonight, he would know Bella was in Oceancrest City.

Bella was so anxious she barely slept that night.

It wasn't until the faint light of dawn seeped through the window that she finally drifted off.

The next day, Bella sat at her desk, yawning repeatedly.

Someone placed a cup of coffee on her desk. "Just bought this. Have some, you look exhausted."

Bella thanked him and took a sip to wake herself up.

Today, Simon was going to record the OST.

The composer was the famous Benjamin Sanders, who also wrote the lyrics. The quality was guaranteed; they just needed a singer.

Since Hatty had other business to attend to, Bella would accompany Simon.

Before they left, Hatty handed Bella a box of throat lozenges. "If Simon's throat feels uncomfortable, give him one of these."

Seeing Hatty's worried expression, Bella reassured her.

"Don't worry, Hatty."

Hatty trusted Bella and quickly stopped fussing.

Bella and Simon took a car to the recording studio prepared by the company.

Simon went in to record the OST.

As his temporary assistant, Bella could only wait outside.

Not far away, another female singer was waiting to record her OST, scheduled after Simon.

The singer seemed displeased with the order, sneering as she glanced at Bella.

"A major historical drama, and they let a newcomer sing the opening theme while I only get the ending theme. What were the investors thinking?"