CHAPTER 57: Let Me Explain
<p>George</p>
<p>My fists clench at my sides, and I can feel the blood rushing to my temples as the image of Ella and Elijah burns into my mind. I tear my eyes away from them, not wanting to witness any more of that damn kiss. As I walk out of the garden, trying to shake the image from my mind, I bump into someone. Charlotte.</p>
<p>"There you are, George!" she exclaims, grabbing my arm. "Where've you run off to? You've been disappearing all night."</p>
<p>I find an excuse and reply to Charlotte casually, "Several company chairmen were vying to meet you just now." Charlotte enjoys these occasions for the opportunity to network with high society figures, but I feel even more drained than usual at the prospect of having to deal with them. My gaze wanders to the brightly lit hall in the distance, where people from all walks of life mingle and toast each other. Taking Charlotte by the arm, I lead her toward the banquet hall.</p>