Chapter 49 You Are Mine
At that moment, the woman had transformed into a captivating presence, drawing everyone's attention. She proudly held her head high, flaunting Jack by her side. He was undoubtedly the most outstanding man in the room, his handsome features combined with a mature charm that drove the women wild.
Jack ignored the crowd and calmly walked to the front of the event, standing shoulder to shoulder with his date. His appearance sparked curiosity among the attendees, as he had left YD three years ago and had never attended any of their events since. Now, he was suddenly here.
His arrival felt like a movie trailer, hinting at Jack's imminent return to YD. When Alison saw Jack, she finally understood Aidan's intention—he wanted her to face Jack head-on.
She couldn't avoid it now; running away would only show her guilt. She decided to blend into the crowd, hoping Jack wouldn't notice her.
The event began, with the host first inviting Aidan to give the opening speech, followed by his presentation. Aidan and Jack looked remarkably similar, both equally handsome and drawing the attention of the women present. Despite having dates, their single status still gave other women hope.
Alison mingled with the guests while keeping an eye on Jack's movements.
Her heart was racing, fearing that Jack might turn around and walk towards her at any moment, leaving her unsure of how to react.
The event proceeded smoothly, with waiters weaving through the crowd carrying trays. But this time, they weren't serving drinks; instead, they handed out small slips of paper, announcing that two lucky winners would be drawn at the end of the event.
Alison didn't even look at her slip, stuffing it into her purse. She thought, with so many people here, the chances of being one of the two lucky winners were slim.
She planned to slip out through a side door as soon as the event ended, avoiding any encounter with Jack.
Soon, it was time for the final activity—the drawing of the lucky winners. At this moment, Alexander Winston, a key figure at YD, finally appeared on stage.
The host announced that the two lucky winners would be drawn personally by YD's chairman, Mr. Alexander.
In the audience, many people clasped their hands together, praying to be chosen, as being a lucky winner was believed to bring a year of good fortune.
Everyone loves a bit of luck.
Alexander reached into the box containing the numbers and began drawing.
One, two... When the host held the two slips of paper, the room fell silent, everyone anxiously awaiting the announcement.
The host began to reveal the winners.
The first lucky winner was number fifty-eight—Jack.
The second lucky winner was number ninety-nine, but despite calling out several times, no one responded.
The crowd started murmuring. Alison, who was about to sneak away, instinctively checked the slip in her purse. To her surprise, it was number ninety-nine!
She quickly clenched the slip in her hand, feeling a surge of anxiety.
Alison wanted to run. She knew that if she was discovered as number ninety-nine, she would have to go on stage and stand next to Jack.
She even suspected this was Aidan's doing. How else could it be such a coincidence that both she and Jack were chosen?
She quietly stepped back, trying to leave the scene.
One step, two steps, she headed towards the restroom, thinking she could escape through the window.
She considered leaving through the main door, but that would be too conspicuous. Walking towards the main door would draw everyone's attention.
"Alison, where are you going?" the foreign trade manager asked as she passed by.
"To the restroom," she replied, forcing a smile.
"Oh, be quick. You still need to escort the guests back to the hotel after the event."
"Got it," she agreed, planning to figure out an escape once the guests left.
She continued towards the restroom, feeling uneasy as everyone she passed seemed to glance at her, as if she were on display.
Behind her, the host's voice echoed again: "Staff, please verify who has number ninety-nine. This lucky winner gets a free trip to Paris!"
Oh my God, a free trip to Paris? If she was found out, she'd have to go to Paris with Jack!
Alison quickened her pace, feeling like the restroom was her sanctuary.
But just then, a waiter walked straight towards her.
Alison stopped. She realized that if this was Aidan's plan, hiding was pointless.
Aidan must have known she had number ninety-nine all along.
"Miss Fairchild, please show your number," the waiter said.
The slip was still clenched in her hand. She really didn't want to show it.
"Miss Fairchild, please show your number," the waiter insisted.
Alison glanced back at the stage, where Aidan was smiling brightly at her, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
That scoundrel, she had fallen into his trap.
"No need to look further, it's me," she said in a low voice. Instantly, all eyes in the hall turned towards her.
So, Alison was the second lucky winner drawn by YD's chairman.
The host excitedly announced into the microphone, "Today's second lucky winner is Alison!"
"Alison, please turn around and come up to the stage. Our chairman will personally present you with the free trip to Paris."
There was no escaping now. She couldn't disappear under all those watchful eyes.
She slowly turned, her long dress swaying gently. As she looked up at the stage, Jack was watching her with keen interest.
At that moment, their eyes met, familiar yet strange...
Alison walked towards the stage, her heart heavy yet excited, pounding like a drum.
His gaze made her feel flustered, and all the surrounding sounds seemed to fade away. She could see and hear nothing but him.
Memories of the past flashed through her mind. She wanted to rush up and tell him that she was the one who had pretended to be Emily and had given birth to his twins.
But when she finally stood before him, she saw only disdain in his eyes.
Despite this, she couldn't tear her gaze away from him.