The CEO Who Forgot How to Love

Chapter 13: An Unexpected Reunion

The ballroom fell silent.

The elegant woman in the crimson gown walked confidently toward Adrian, the sound of her heels echoing across the polished floor.

Every conversation came to an abrupt stop.

Employees exchanged curious glances.

"Who is she?"

"She knows Mr. Montenegro?"

"I've never seen her before."

Only Ethan smiled knowingly.

"Looks like the rumors are about to start again."

The woman stopped in front of Adrian and smiled warmly.

"It's been a while, Adrian."

Adrian met her gaze, his expression as composed as ever.

"It has."

"Welcome back, Chloe."

The room instantly buzzed with whispers.

"She called him Adrian."

"Not Mr. Montenegro?"

"They must be close."

---

Sofia's POV

Sofia stood quietly beside Mia, watching the scene unfold.

The woman was beautiful.

Elegant.

Confident.

She carried herself with the grace of someone who belonged in high society.

Mia leaned closer.

"Do you know who she is?"

Sofia shook her head.

"No."

Jenny, who had somehow already gathered information, whispered excitedly,

"That's Chloe Villanueva."

"Her family owns one of the biggest charitable foundations in the country."

"And they're one of the gala's major sponsors."

Mia's eyes widened.

"So that's why she's here."

Jenny nodded.

"I also heard she and Mr. Montenegro studied abroad together."

Mark, who had just joined them, added,

"Some people even thought they were dating back then."

Sofia looked toward Adrian.

He showed no reaction.

"They're probably just old friends," she told herself.

---

Adrian's POV

Chloe smiled as she looked around the ballroom.

"You've done well."

"The preparations look impressive."

"Our employees worked hard."

Adrian's answer was brief, as always.

Chloe laughed softly.

"Still the same Adrian."

"You never take the credit."

Before Adrian could reply, the event coordinator approached them.

"Mr. Montenegro, Miss Villanueva."

"We're about to begin tomorrow's final rehearsal."

Chloe smiled.

"Then I won't keep you."

"I'll see you tomorrow night."

She gave Adrian one last smile before walking away.

As she passed Sofia, she paused.

"You must be Sofia Reyes."

Sofia blinked.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I've heard wonderful things about you."

Sofia looked surprised.

"You have?"

Chloe nodded.

"Ethan speaks very highly of the organizing committee."

"It's nice to meet you."

"You too, ma'am."

With a warm smile, Chloe continued on her way.

---

Ethan's POV

Ethan appeared beside Adrian with a grin.

"So..."

"What."

"The rumors are back."

"I don't care."

"You will when half the office starts planning your wedding with Chloe."

Adrian gave him a flat look.

"They have too much free time."

Ethan laughed.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"I said nothing."

"Exactly."

---

The event coordinator clapped to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone, may I have your attention please?"

The chatter gradually faded.

"We only have one rehearsal left before tomorrow night's charity gala."

She smiled at the organizing committee.

"As announced last week, the opening dance will officially begin the event."

She looked at the list in her hands.

"Our opening dance partners are..."

"Ethan Cruz and Sofia Reyes."

Ethan gave a playful salute.

"Looks like we're partners again."

Sofia laughed.

"I'll try not to step on your shoes this time."

"I'm more worried about stepping on yours."

The employees around them chuckled.

The coordinator continued,

"The rest of the dance pairs, please gather with your assigned partners."

Everyone began moving into position.

Adrian remained near the stage, discussing tomorrow's program with the event coordinator.

As CEO, his responsibilities were very different.

He would welcome the sponsors, deliver the opening speech, and accompany the VIP guests throughout the evening.

Dancing was never part of his role.

---

Adrian's POV

While reviewing tomorrow's schedule...

His eyes drifted toward the ballroom.

Ethan and Sofia had already begun practicing.

They laughed after missing a step.

Ethan exaggerated the mistake, causing Sofia to laugh even harder.

Without realizing it...

Adrian watched them longer than necessary.

"Mr. Montenegro?"

The coordinator's voice pulled him back.

"Yes?"

"Should we seat the foundation sponsors near the front row?"

"...Yes."

"And reserve the center table for our major donors."

"Understood."

As the coordinator walked away, Ethan caught Adrian looking toward the dance floor.

He smirked.

Walking over, he lowered his voice.

"You've checked on our rehearsal five times."

"I was inspecting the preparations."

"Really?"

"Then why haven't you looked at the decorations once?"

Adrian remained silent.

Ethan laughed.

"I'll make sure Sofia doesn't work too hard tomorrow."

Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.

"She's here to work."

"I know."

"But she's also allowed to enjoy the gala."

Before Adrian could respond, Ethan returned to the dance floor.

Adrian watched as Ethan offered his hand to Sofia.

She accepted it with a smile.

For reasons he couldn't explain...

The sight unsettled him.

"Why does that bother me?"

He frowned to himself.

"They're just rehearsing."

Across the ballroom...

Chloe quietly observed Adrian.

She followed his gaze.

Straight to Sofia.

A knowing smile appeared on her lips.

She had known Adrian for years.

And for the first time...

She saw him watching someone with genuine interest.

Not admiration.

Not curiosity.

Something far more dangerous.

Something Adrian himself hadn't realized yet.

The rehearsal continued.

But neither Chloe...

Nor Ethan...

Missed the direction of Adrian's eyes.