Chapter 881: Running Into Ashton
This scene felt strangely familiar to Mackenzie. Hadn't she played a similar role with Nathan at the Yeringham banquets? She hadn't expected to be so inconspicuous tonight.
As Nathan descended the uniquely designed staircase, casually greeting enthusiastic fans, she carefully observed him. He was nearly six feet tall, with a good physique, a trendy hairstyle, earrings, and a smile hinting at arrogance and indulgence. The slightly rebellious nobleman type was undeniably attractive to women.
However, she was surprised to see that such a prominent young heir had a cast and bandages on one hand, and bruises on his face, indicating a recent injury.
"M-Mr. Chapman!" Even the proud Duncan bowed, forced to greet Nathan.
Nathan's mouth curled into a mischievous smile. "Ms. Quillen is my esteemed guest. If you're sensible, you'll step aside. Otherwise, we'll do this the hard way. Understand?"
Beads of cold sweat broke out on Duncan's forehead as he nodded repeatedly and quickly stepped aside.
Mackenzie was shocked. Nathan's influence was clearly immense, even inspiring fear in noble heirs! However, she also felt uneasy. If he had ulterior motives toward her, she'd be in serious trouble.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're Miss Quillen?" Nathan smiled at her.
"Yes," she nodded expressionlessly.
"Haha. You deserve your reputation as Yeringham's most beautiful woman. Seeing you today hmm, perfect and flawless!" Nathan was as charming as rumored, openly scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Her lips curled slightly, not in a smile. "You flatter me, Mr. Chapman. Beautiful women are everywhere. Besides, all women share the same basic facial features and biology."
Mackenzie aimed to dispel his curiosity; she knew a man wouldn't like her if he wasn't intrigued.
"Haha, you're interesting, Ms. Quillen! Please come in!" Nathan immediately invited her upstairs.
As they were about to enter a room, a woman approached from the other end of the corridor.
Mackenzie was taken aback. The woman, seemingly annoyed, exclaimed, "Mackenzie, what are you doing here?"
Mackenzie's lips moved, but she remained silent. She didn't have a good relationship with Ashton and wasn't interested in her presence.
"Oh, you know each other?" Nathan, surprised, smiled at Ashton. "If you want to see her, you'll have to wait. She's with me now."
"Hmph, I'm not looking for her. Do as you please!" Ashton's attitude was unfriendly, and she walked past them without another word.
The Summertons and Chapmans were prominent Chanaean business families with connections; Ashton and Nathan had known each other since childhood. Although Ashton was beautiful, with long, shapely legs, he'd never pursued her. Not for lack of interest, but because he couldn't win. He'd been frequently beaten up by her as a child, making any romantic feelings impossible.