Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 83 Not Coming Home for the Night

"Hold up!" I yelled, my voice cracking with urgency.

Jason yanked the car to the other side of the street.

Lacey was rocking a totally different vibe tonight. She ditched her work clothes for a tight evening gown that hugged her curves just right. Her hair was down in loose waves, giving off this sultry, seductive aura.

But that wasn't the kicker. The real kicker was that the dress she was wearing was the same one I saw in Ethan's office. So, yeah, it was just my wishful thinking. That dress was never meant for me.

Lacey tucked her hair behind her ear, clutching a small purse, and walked in like she owned the place.

The dress looked like it was made for her. If it were me, I'd look like a total mess trying to pull off that kind of elegance.

I was so clueless, thinking Ethan got that dress for me. A sharp pain twisted in my chest.

Just then, a Maybach screeched to a halt at the hotel entrance. Out stepped Ethan.

Ethan was still rocking his white shirt and suit pants, no fancy stuff. But even so, he instantly grabbed everyone's attention.

He strode towards the hotel, one hand in his pocket, the other waving at people like he was in a great mood.

"Today's Skyline International Corporation's sixth anniversary. It's no small feat for Ethan to have grown Skyline to this size over the past few years. His success isn't just luck. Emily, you're lucky to have met the already successful Ethan," Jason's words slowly sank in.

He probably noticed how bummed I was.

I finally tore my eyes away and gave him a weak smile. "Really? I don't think so. If I could've seen him grow, it might've been better."

"Want to go in? Check out the big celebration for Skyline's anniversary. If you don't want Ethan to see you, we can sneak in," Jason said, like he could read my mind.

I was all set to leave quietly, but his suggestion got to me.

So, Jason found a parking spot and parked the car.

By now, all the guests were probably inside, and the outside was pretty much deserted.

As we walked in, I glanced down at my outfit. I hadn't planned on crashing their anniversary party, so I was still in my T-shirt and jeans, super casual. "Let's go," Jason said.

I looked at him nervously. "Let's just watch from a distance, don't let anyone notice us."

me a knowing

five-star hotel in Starlight City, decked out

throwing their anniversary bash here? Yeah,

his hand. Once we got inside, he suddenly grabbed my

hidden staircase to the

Jason brought me here. It was the perfect spot to spy on the party downstairs without being

called Ethan up to speak, and

strolled onto the stage, one hand in his pocket, the

a quick rundown of the company's wins over the past year, gave props to the employees, and

speech was short and sweet. Then, other department heads took the stage, including Lacey,

smiled on stage, looking

and a bit of self-doubt. Back then, I couldn't imagine having a moment like this. And when that day finally came, it wasn't about gaining something but losing something. But that's a story for another time. The party officially kicked off with Ethan popping the champagne, and the

sound system started playing some smooth dance tunes, and everyone began

hand, making

set her glass down, extended her hand, and Ethan took it, leading her to

moved gracefully, swaying to the music. I couldn't stand watching, especially with Lacey's

cleared the dance floor, giving them space. After a while, they were

thought Ethan and Lacey were a perfect match. "Let's go

at me and nodded.

out of the hotel without anyone

to stand out. No one would ever guess that someone

Jason tried to cheer me up. "Emily, don't sweat it. Dancing

bugging me. I forced a smile. "I'm

a long look and then sighed. "Maybe I messed up today. Shouldn't have

smile. "Nah, it was good to see

and got ready for bed, but the room felt too empty and

are they doing now? Still dancing? One dance after another? Or are they drinking and chatting? Their dance moves were so close, with his hand on her curvy waist-how could he not feel anything? And me? I can't even dance. Compared to the stylish and savvy Lacey, I'm

grabbed two cans of beer to take back to my

usually lounged on, and struggled to

on the two empty beer cans on

a faint smile. "Couldn't sleep. Didn't you have a party tonight? Why are you

it. He wasn't surprised I knew about the

lifted my chin and kissed me, his voice

his was red wine, easy to tell apart. Besides the red wine, he also had a noticeable scent of women's perfume on him. My heart ached, and I turned my head away, dodging his kiss. Ethan didn't get why I was pissed. He grabbed my chin again, grinning like a rogue. "What's wrong? I came back