Luana felt a bit out of place. After all, this was Calvert's company. Attending the celebration in this capacity made her felt rather awkward.
Calvert sensed her discomfort and whispered in her ear, "You've been working on this project with me for a while. It's natural for you to be here as my date. You've earned it."
After hearing his words, Luana slightly turned her head, creating a bit of distance between them.
This subtle movement didn't go unnoticed by Calvert, who found it somewhat jarring.
However, he didn't show it. After guiding her to the main table, he called over a waiter and ordered a glass of milk for her.
"Drink this," he said.
He handed it to Luana.
This gesture was a habit he had developed over time, just like Clarissa.
They always gave Luana the food before eating.
Albion, in particular, had always prioritized her needs, ensuring she ate first no matter the situation.
Back when they were poor and Luana had to spend a lot on her heart medication, Albion worked multiple jobs while studying, giving her all the money he earned.
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She often teased him for being silly, but he would gently pat her head and say, "Luana, I can't let you go hungry while you're with me."
His kindness had spoiled her, making her somewhat willful and prone to throwing tantrums over trivial matters.
If she hadn't thrown a tantrum that day, Albion wouldn't have been hit by a car trying to save her, and they wouldn't be in this situation now.
Thinking of these past events, Luana's eyes filled with tears unconsciously.
Worried that Calvert would see, she quickly lowered her head and began sipping the milk slowly.
Calvert watched Luana eat. A smile appeared on his face.
She hadn't refused him this time and was obediently drinking what he offered. Did this mean she didn't actually dislike him?
He gazed at her intently, his eyes never leaving her, as if he were looking at someone he truly cared for.
[$]
He became so engrossed that he didn't notice until she finished the last bit of milk. Reluctantly, he shifted his gaze, took a napkin, and gently wiped the corners of her mouth.
Even though the banquet hall was dimly lit, the others present could sense the affection in Calvert's eyes.
Initially, everyone had thought Miss Hammond was just his date, but now it seemed she was someone he truly admired.
Some attendees took out their phones and captured the moment.
Calvert's action of wiping her mouth made Luana feel uncomfortable.
She wanted to push him away, but considering the audience, she didn't want to embarrass him, so she endured it.
Seeing that she still didn't reject him, the smile on Calvert's face deepened.
After cleaning her mouth, he leaned down and softly asked, "Miss Hammond, have you ever met my brother?"
He suspected that Luana's resistance to him must have something to do with his brother. He needed to clarify this to eliminate any prejudice she might have against him.
Luana furrowed her brows and asked, "You have a brother?"
Calvert nodded. "Yes, his name is Manfred. He was the former CEO of Coburn Group. You don't know him?"
Luana shook her head. She had never paid attention to any news related to Coburn Group, so how could she know Manfred?
Calvert's thick eyebrows furrowed.
If Luana didn't know Manfred, it meant he hadn't approached her.
But there was another possibility—Manfred might have targeted Luana in his name, which could explain her prejudice against him.
Thinking of this, Calvert asked, "Five years ago, did I ever do anything bad to you?"
Luana thought he was testing her again and felt annoyed. She replied impatiently, "No."
Her answer was so quick and decisive that Calvert's expression froze.
If Manfred hadn't targeted her in his name, then it could only mean one thing... She simply didn't love him anymore...
Just the thought of this possibility caused Calvert's heart to ache uncontrollably.
What would happen if he regained his memory?
Luana didn't notice Calvert's strange behavior and stood up, saying, "I'm going to the restroom."
She had barely drunk a little milk, yet she couldn't control her physiological needs, which was a sign of how poor her health had become.
Seeing that Calvert seemed lost in thought, she didn't wait for his response and walked out of the banquet hall.
The restroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel was spacious and very upscale, with several artistic, three-dimensional mirrors placed in the center.
Luana glanced at her reflection in the mirror—her heavily made-up face made her look more and more like Runa.
She disliked seeing herself like this and quickly averted her gaze as she walked further in.
When she came out to wash her hands, the restroom door suddenly slammed shut with a loud "bang," followed by the sound of it being locked from the inside.