Chapter 52: Miss Lawrence Has Nothing to Worry About

Beside Zack sat a young man in a white double-breasted jacket with a stand-up collar. He had fair skin and delicate, somewhat feminine, yet handsome features. A graduate of a prestigious foreign university, he ostensibly served as the company president for Malaya.

He knew why his aunt had sent him. Initially, the request to deliberately flirt with Cheyenne had been met with reluctance. Cheyenne was, after all, a notorious figure in Akloit—a divorced woman, the town's laughingstock after being abandoned by Kelvin. Only the promise of Cheyenne's millions in assets—a villa and a collection of antique calligraphy and paintings—had persuaded him to attend.

However, upon seeing Cheyenne, his preconceptions shifted. Despite her divorce, she possessed a surprising youthful aura. That day, she wore a purple one-shoulder gown, revealing a delicate collarbone. The asymmetrical chiffon sleeves hinted at fair arms. Her soft shoulders, slender neck, and loose curls complemented her delicate makeup, creating an ethereal look.

Cheyenne’s eyes briefly met the man's before quickly averting. A hint of disdain flickered through her mind. Malaya's "clever means" seemed to be nothing more than a honey trap. Compared to the men in her past, however, this man paled in comparison. Omari was elegant; Benson, gently handsome. The Todd brothers were strikingly handsome—one cold, the other cunning. And Kelvin… his beauty was reminiscent of moonlight on snow-capped mountains.

The thought of Kelvin jolted her. She silently reminded herself to dismiss him.

"Old Mr. Edwards! Long time no see! You're still as strong as ever!" Zack offered his hand to Layne, who responded with a lazy "Hmm," mirroring Cheyenne's disinterest; he didn't even raise his eyelids, let alone shake hands. Zack awkwardly retracted his hand, wiping it on his suit before sitting.

In Layne's eyes, Zack was a social climber who'd profited from his daughter—unworthy of a handshake. He blamed Malaya for Selah's worsening condition and eventual death, fueling his deep hatred for the Mitchell family.

"Long time no see, Zack. You look flushed. Too much heat, perhaps? Drink something cool," Layne remarked.

Zack's embarrassment stemmed not from heat, but from a late night with his young model girlfriend. Age, he mused, made such indulgences less comfortable.

Cheyenne smiled; her grandfather's sarcasm was far too subtle for Zack to grasp. George, a long-time Edwards family associate, also felt embarrassed, stammering, "Dad, you're getting old. Less late nights."

"Yes, yes, age makes sleep difficult," Zack replied.

Emmanuel openly appraised Cheyenne, his desire evident. His gaze lingered on her figure, a satisfied smile playing on his lips—a look that suggested he viewed her as a commodity. Had they been alone, Cheyenne would have dismissed him.

"Miss Lawrence is 21 this year, right?" Emmanuel asked.

"Yes. You're 27? Six years older," she replied with a charming smile, a smile he seemed too captivated by to notice.

"So, Miss Lawrence, where do you work? What industry?" he inquired, his approach resembling a matchmaking interview. This, however, was entirely his own interpretation. Before Cheyenne could answer, Nora interjected.

"Cousin, my sister married right after high school, and she's recently divorced and unemployed," Cheyenne stated.

Zack frowned. "How can you not study at your age? Unlike Nora, who's attending Akloit's top college and will be an artist." His words were a thinly veiled slight.

Layne wouldn't be outdone; they were mocking his granddaughter.

Cheyenne smiled slyly. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Mitchell and Nora. Even without studying or working, I won't starve. Grandpa's sole heir, you see. Selling a few antiques keeps me comfortable."

It was the truth. Despite the family's decline, their real estate alone ensured Cheyenne's financial security.

This blatant display of wealth only intensified Emmanuel's pursuit.

Layne chuckled, feigning a scolding. "No ambition! My granddaughter with no goals?"

Then, surprising everyone, he announced, "After you meet Master Iker of the Todd family, I'll arrange tutoring with Professor Yvonne."

The mention of Professor Yvonne—the president's former teacher, an ambassador, and renowned historian, linguist, diplomat, and translator—stunned everyone. She held a professorship at Qaco University, but rarely took on students.

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