Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1199 Lighthearted Banter

Lucy swiveled her head from side to side in refusal. "You're still the Gray Group's CEO at the end of the day. How can I ask you to help me with such trivialities?"

"No one really acknowledges me as the CEO, anyway. That title is just a façade."

A wry chuckle escaped Colin's lips as he continued, "Furthermore, contributing to this project alongside you gives me something to concentrate on. It's a welcome change from the monotony."

"Forcing me to face those two stern faces back in the company daily would send me over the edge!"

Lucy's brow furrowed in thought, her eyes narrowing slightly before she responded, "Suit yourself."

As scheduled, Violet's birthday party took place three days later.

The Yatesville Starlight Hotel shimmered with opulence, its lavish furnishings complemented by dazzling lighting that bathed the venue in a celestial glow.

Before Lucy arrived that afternoon, she preemptively swallowed a handful of painkillers to alleviate the discomfort gnawing at her stomach.

Standing in the heart of the hotel venue, Lucy was fully engrossed in coordinating logistics with the walkie-talkie pressed to her ear.

Standing in the periphery of the venue, Mandy stood beside Colin, a furrow on her brow. "Did she truly declare she won't be involved anymore after this project?"

nod. "That's precisely what she conveyed

replied softly, exhaling a heavy

harbored reservations about Lucy taking charge

despite her misgivings, Lucy

a distance, silently hoping that Lucy's

in a deep breath, Mandy retrieved her phone for the third occasion, dialing Cherise's

fateful night when Lucy had overindulged, three days had passed without Mandy seeing Cherise. According to Damien, Cherise had

ended abruptly, suggesting deliberate disconnection. "Ugh, just in

helplessness, "They're both insistent on not

smiled as he glanced over at Mandy. "What's the latest

away in her room all day, and hasn't seen anyone,"

gotten that's so terrible to the extent that she's unable to answer a

continued to fasten balloons to the

eyes, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Isn't every

Mandy reflected, were inherently more emotional than men, placing a higher premium on friendships and being more

Colin remarked

with a faint smile, he continued,

showing more assertiveness than the