10 When the Past Chased You Back

In the very back row of all the guests is a woman in scarlet red backless dress with a slit that reveals her slender and flawless legs.

She was purposefully moving in her white pointed-toe stiletto heels, slowly but gracefully, in order to catch Cameron's eye. And she was quietly amazed that she had succeeded.

Among the women at that party, her endearing beauty is certainly a highlight due to the fact that she is the only individual who isn't wearing a masquerade mask.

 Her smokey eyes complement her red lipstick in addition to being her first time flaunting a sophisticated and classy updo.

As their stares grew intense, Cameron couldn't help but mutter something to one of his personnel that almost instantly wondered.

"Eva…" 

After attracting the president's attention, she saw how Mara silently rushed in her direction as she spoke in German.

"I told you to wait for me."

"What took you so long? I wanted to leave now—"

"Wait, you wanted to leave already?" Mara questioned her. "Bitch, we just got here. And I haven't eaten anything yet."

"Well, go and start eating so that we can leave. The atmosphere in this room, where there are so many great pretenders, is unbearable for me," Eva said almost in a whisper.

Mara groaned. "Fine. I don't get why you're such a killjoy. I'll be right back."

Everyone then began singing Cameron the happy birthday song, the main reason Eva proceeded to leave the hall.

She toured the entire lower floor of the mansion where different framed paintings in the corridor she passed by likely cost millions of dollars.

However, they could also be fake.

"Eva, we met again." 

She saw Johnny approaching her while donning quite a formal outfit that was absolutely different from his usual one.

"My soul is ignited and my heart goes haywire by your stunning elegance." He was spellbounded as he gazed at her alluring figure.

Eva giggled at Johnny's bewildered remark, having a genuine smile on his face while being mesmerized by her.

"By the way, wasn't the dress code meant to be nearly white and slightly bright in colors?" he continued asking her.

"Scarlet red is a bright color, plus I am wearing white heels," she bragged, then immediately questioned. "How come I'm seeing you here?"

"I was unable to let you know that I received an invitation to the party. So, I guess… it's a surprise."

Johnny led and shared an awkward laugh with Eva before she casually went back to her resting bitch face.

"Very cute," she said, turning her gaze away from Johnny and returning it to the paintings. "Is there anything else you're not telling me? I don't care if it's a lie or the truth."

"I'm a professional gambler, Eva." 

She glanced at him again and the look on his face told how serious he was with his confession.

"Lie?" she asked.

"No. It's the truth," Johnny said.

The two of them exchanged silent glances for a short while, giving Eva a moment to consider the information she is hearing.

"How could someone like you question him if he's telling lies or shit?"

Their attention was drawn by a deep, natural voice. Their focus turned to Daniel, who was accompanied by Barron as he walked in their direction.

Eva couldn't help but be impressed by how much Daniel had changed. He appeared to be an entirely innocent man with a geeky and nerdy attitude the last time she saw him.

But he appears completely different now.

His nose, which is particularly prominent and straight, fits perfectly with his broad but small face and the reason why it stands out. 

"I'm sorry, but I think I'm talking to Johnny and not y—"

"Save your fuckin' sorry, Evangelia. The rest of the guys are not here yet to hear you spit those words on their faces," Daniel interrupted her, leaving her sighing in frustration.

"Guys, you can't be serious right now for insulting Eva just like that," Johnny told them.

"Just like that?" Barron said. "Well, she left us. Just like that."

"She may have her reasons—"

"Oh that's bullshit, Johnny!" Barron exclaimed, practically creating an echo in the mansion's corners.

Eva quickly made the decision to leave the argument as the level of tension became bothersome and anxious.

"What? So, you're leaving us again?" Daniel raised his voice as his focus followed her. Eva came to a stop, her breathing rapidly intensified.

Because she was being criticized and questioned about what she did that she believed was the right course of action to protect them, she became enraged.

She snapped out of her stupor when Edward drew her attention.

"Boss, where have you been? The board of directors are looking for you. You are immediately needed," he informed her.

She looked at Edward, who knew that she needed help from all of these unexpected events. She regretted shutting him out because no matter what happens, he will always be there for her.

Barron called Edward just as he was about to walk into the event hall together with Eva. They both stopped walking as they exchanged glances, and he gestured to Eva to continue walking away.

Edward returned and walked over to the other guys when the woman had completely left the area. He confronted them unfavorably with his fist clenched.

"Didn't I tell you to wait?" He was almost about to raise his voice at them. "Daniel, I thought you're better than this!"

"That is what I also believed. Edward, you know me. I don't get furious quite as often, but when I saw her, I didn't know how to control my rage."

Edward sighed. "I know you've been waiting to see her, but let me do my job—"

"All of this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't tolerated her initial decision to leave," Barron interrupted him while maintaining his calm.

Given that what Barron said was entirely true, Edward was left speechless. He knew he should share some of the blame.

"You are aware of how much everyone, including you, Edward, cared for her. When we learned that night that you two were missing, we were all frustrated," Barron continued.

"I'm sorry, but I had no choice."

"You actually have, but you decided against it." Barron gave him a long glance before deciding to leave with Daniel as they left the area.

Johnny and Edward exchanged silent glances as they attempted to understand one another. But Johnny decided to turn away from the secretary as well, averting his eyes.