THE BILLIONAIRE IS INFATUATED WITH HIS EX-LOVER
Chapter 27: Fateful meeting

One year later...

"The party hosted by the owner of Sunshine Company will surely draw many wealthy figures from the business world, so remember not to miss this opportunity," a young woman in a dazzling evening gown whispered to her friend. They were visibly excited, their eyes scanning the crowd for potential targets.

"Of course, there must be men, but one mustn't indiscriminately engage. I refuse to pay attention to anyone who doesn't deserve it," the woman beside her said, lightly swirling her wine glass, her eyes alight with a haughty defiance that bespoke her selective nature.

"Isn't that a bit ambitious?" her companion, her lips pursed in mock reproach. "You can wait for the man of your dreams, but what about your creditors? If you want to live well, better latch onto a wealthy man and have him empty his wallet for you, otherwise...?" she trailed off, the insinuation clear that her friend was 'too poor to be picky.'

"Don't underestimate me, or you'll regret it when I turn my fortunes around and then see what becomes of our friendship," she retorted.

With that, they moved together towards a group of middle-aged men deep in animated conversation. The women's usual targets were young and successful men. However, such men were rare, whereas older, wealthy men eager for something novel were plentiful. Social gatherings like these were often arenas where the righteous sought companionship and the unscrupulous preyed on the vulnerable.

Meanwhile, another young woman had been quietly observing all their movements. With a disdainful smirk, she muttered, "Lacking in grace."

Jee Carter, dressed in a red feather-trimmed gown that accentuated her sultry figure, had seen her fair share of people ready to trade their bodies and conscience for money since entering the entertainment industry. Despite the complex environment, she had never once lost sight of who she was.

Reflecting on her initial months in the industry, she remembered the advances of numerous wealthy men she had turned down, making them more eager to pursue and conquer her. She refused to be merely an item men sought when needed and discarded when bored.

The path she had chosen was fraught with difficulties, but she had never forgotten why she had chosen it.

Suddenly, a chorus of excited cheers from a crowd, mostly women, made her turn her head. A man, impeccably dressed in a suit, entered, flanked by a personal assistant and surrounded by a dozen bodyguards.

Leon's demeanor and presence had only improved over time, never diminishing. His calm face always looked straight ahead, ignoring all the admiring glances as he approached Mr. Jonhny Richard, the party's host.

"I apologize for my lateness. I had an important business trip abroad and came straight here," he said, his voice both strong and warm, giving nothing away.

"It makes me very happy to see you. We have been collaborating for many years, yet seldom do we get to meet like this," Mr. Jonhny Richard signaled his assistant to take a gift from Leon, clapped him on the shoulder, and invited him to sit. Behind them, a multitude of girls continued to buzz excitedly about him.

"Do you think he likes someone like me?"

"So tell me, what do you have that could attract him?"

"How will you know if you don't try?"

"I'm going to make sure he notices me today."

Mr. Jonhny Richard glanced around and teased.

"How can you stay single amidst such a garden of fragrant flowers and exotic grass?"

Leon, unflustered, replied.

"Because the flowers aren't fragrant enough, and the grass not exotic enough."

"Your tastes are indeed unique. But those who set high standards often fall for someone who isn't you're required."

"Are you speaking of yourself?"

Mr. Jonhny Richard, who had been speaking, suddenly fell silent, gently placing his wine glass down.

"I'm warning you, I'm not the one with demands for standards."

Leon sipped his wine, a smile tugging at his lips.

"I was only joking, but rules are rules; no one has ever changed them."

Suddenly, a woman approached from behind and unexpectedly tripped over her long skirt, spilling her drink on Leon. She was flustered, hurriedly explaining.

"I'm so sorry; that was so clumsy for me. Let me wipe that off for you." She then carefully dabbed at the stain with a paper towel. Mr. Jonhny Richard chuckled meaningfully and walked away, leaving Leon to understand the implication. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," she murmured in an almost timid voice, which only annoyed Leon. He stood up and walked away without another glance at her. Faced with his indifferent dismissal, the woman could only mutter, "A fish leaps to your mouth, and you don't eat, truly a fool who doesn't know good from bad."

Stepping away from the noisy crowd, Leon quietly admired the cityscape from above. The sea breeze carried sporadic droplets of moisture, and suddenly, the image of a headstrong, beautiful girl surfaced in his mind. Leon thought to himself, "I wonder where she is now? Is she doing well?"

Time had passed, but the heart of this wealthy CEO still harbored the unresolved pain of the past, especially the hurt from not seeing her one last time before they parted. Over the years, he had searched quietly everywhere but to no avail. He couldn't believe that a person of flesh and blood could vanish into thin air.

The breeze was gentle, and Leon closed his eyes, savoring comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. Suddenly, he heard a woman's voice from behind.

"What kind of place is this? They told me just to come for the chat, and there was no need to drink, but..."

Muttering to herself, the woman approached the railing, unaware that someone was watching her intently. His icy gaze seemed to convey a depth of unspoken thoughts. Startled, she stepped back. The man quickly grabbed her shoulder. "Sara! Sara!"

Jee was alarmed, unsure if he was sane. She struggled and shouted.

"Let go of me! Or I'll call security."

The man seemed to realize something was amiss and loosened his grip, but his questioning remained intense.

"Are you Sara? Why do you always avoid me?"

"I... I... am not..."

Seizing a moment when his attention faltered, she forcefully broke free and turned to run. Watching her petite figure disappear into the crowd, Leon felt regretful. He rubbed his eyes, wondering if the alcohol had caused him to hallucinate. He couldn't understand how there could be someone in the world who looked exactly like her.