An unexpected encounter
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Chapter 21
Sharlene’s POV
The celebration continued as music filled the grand hall.
Business leaders, celebrities, and wealthy families filled the luxurious venue, but I barely paid attention to any of them.
After spending so much time abroad, being surrounded by familiar faces felt strange.
But seeing Nathalie and Daniela again made everything feel right.
“I still can’t believe you came back,” Daniela said, looking at me.
I smiled.
“I missed you both. Besides, I needed a break from my father’s endless plans.”
Nathalie looked at me curiously.
“Your father is still forcing that marriage?”
I sighed.
“Unfortunately.”
Daniela frowned.
“Sharlene, you can’t seriously allow him to choose your husband.”
“I’m trying not to.”
I took a sip of my drink.
“He thinks marriage is another business transaction. He wants me to marry someone whose family can strengthen our company’s position.”
Nathalie reached for my hand.
“You deserve someone who chooses you because of who you are, not because of your family name.”
I smiled warmly.
“That is exactly why I missed you.”
She squeezed my hand.
“You know we’ll always support you.”
“I know.”
For a moment, I felt completely at peace.
Then the music became louder, and several people began moving toward the dance floor.
“I need some fresh air,” I announced.
“Don’t disappear,” Daniela warned.
“I won’t.”
I smiled before walking toward the terrace.
The cool night air immediately hit my face.
I leaned against the railing and looked at the city lights.
For the first time in months, I felt free.
No father telling me what to do.
No marriage arrangements.
No business meetings.
Just me.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
Then I turned around and accidentally bumped into someone.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Again?”
I froze.
That voice.
I looked up.
Greyson.
I recognized him immediately.
“You.”
He smiled.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
He laughed.
“That’s fair.”
I studied him.
The last time we’d met, our conversation had been brief, but apparently memorable enough for him to recognize me.
“You remember me?”
“How could I forget?”
He smiled.
“And you’re Sharlene.”
“I know.”
He chuckled.
“Who wouldn’t know the sole heir to the Norton Group?”
I narrowed my eyes.
“Is that supposed to impress me?”
“Not at all.”
He leaned casually against the railing.
“I’m simply saying that Sharlene Norton isn’t exactly someone people forget.”
I smiled faintly.
“Then you know too much.”
“Maybe I just pay attention.”
I laughed softly.
“Everyone probably pays attention because of my family.”
“Perhaps.”
He looked at me.
“But I’m interested in the woman, not the surname.”
For some reason, that answer caught me off guard.
Most men who approached me knew exactly who I was.
The sole heir to the Norton Group.
My father’s only child.
The woman who would eventually inherit one of the most powerful business empires in the country.
Some wanted connections.
Some wanted money.
Some wanted the Norton name.
But Greyson didn’t seem impressed by any of it.
“So,” he asked, “how long are you staying?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“That’s mysterious.”
“Maybe I like being mysterious.”
He nodded.
“I think I like that about you.”
I looked at him.
“Careful.”
“Why?”
“You might actually start liking me.”
His smile widened.
“Maybe I already do.”
My heart skipped for a second.
I quickly looked away.
“You’re very confident.”
“I’m just being honest.”
Before I could respond, I heard Daniela calling my name from inside.
“Sharlene!”
I turned toward the hall.
“I should go.”
Greyson nodded.
“Will I see you again?”
I smiled.
“Maybe.”
I walked away before he could say anything else.
But as I entered the hall, I couldn’t stop the smile forming on my face.
Maybe coming back home wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
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