Chapter 18: An Unexpected Observation
260 Words
The private farewell party was lavish, packed with industry insiders and even celebrities—rumors swirled of a “VIP guest.” Dora mingled with Manager Qu before joining Mr. Dell for a dance and a toast.
“Welcome back anytime, Mr. Dell. I hope we collaborate again,” she said.
“You’re talented, Nicole. Still not considering my offer to work in Berlin?” he asked, disappointed.
“Thank you, but I can’t leave—not yet. I have responsibilities here,” Dora replied gently. They clinked glasses, laughter echoing around them.
Jasper Qi’s attention was drawn to that laughter. Glancing over, he spotted Dora in a sleek black mermaid gown, her silhouette striking against the crowd. “Who’s she?” he asked his assistant, Jason Jiang.
Jason checked with the venue manager, then reported: “Mr. Dell’s friend—Dora Ni, a translator. She graduated from Grove University.”
“Dora Ni?” Jasper raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Pity.”
Jason pieced it together—Jasper and Simon Qi (no relation) were once fierce rivals, dubbed the “Twin Legends of Talent Row” for dominating Grove and Thorne Universities respectively.
Simon had famously chosen Dora over countless socialites, a decision that raised eyebrows back then. Jasper preferred younger women, so Dora—around his age—was never on his radar. Yet here he was, fixated on her.
“So she’s Simon Qi's ex?” Jason whispered. Jasper didn’t answer, his gaze lingering on Dora as she laughed with Mr. Dell.
- Writer
