Martin didn't notice Gwenda was also there. When he saw Gretchen slowing down, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"Huh? N-nothing."

Gretchen caught his attention. "Martin, let's sit over there."

"The view isn't great there"

"But I want to sit there!"

Gretchen pulled him away from Gwenda.

After they sat, Martin wanted to get food, but Gretchen beat him to it. "Martin, you've been running around all day. Take a break. I'll get it."

"I'm not tired."

"Martin, just sit, okay?"

Gretchen stopped him and went for their food.

Martin found it odd but didn't think much of it.

At the buffet, Gretchen scanned the room while choosing her food. She finally spotted Gwenda, sitting with an old lady, a young girl, and a man whose back was to her. Gretchen was certain she recognized the man from a charity banquet. But who was he? She was very curious.

"Hey, missy! If you're not going to eat that much, don't take everything! You're emptying the tray!" A nearby patron complained, frowning at her overflowing plate.

Gretchen looked down, awkwardly smiling as she returned some food. "Pardon me." She chose a few more dishes and returned to the table.

"What took you so long?" Martin asked, taking her plate.

"Oh, so many delicious things! I was deciding what to eat." Gretchen omitted the truth: she'd been trying to see the man's face.

"Don't worry, we can take our time."

Martin noticed nothing amiss and began eating.

Gretchen was about to eat when she saw Olivier heading to the restrooms. Turning to Martin, she said, "Martin, I'm going to the bathroom."

"Okay."

He wasn't concerned. Gretchen hurried after Olivier.

Few people were in the restaurant. Olivier, always alert, sensed he was being followed. He quickly hid around a corner. Gretchen, hampered by her high heels, was slower. When she looked up, he was gone.

"Strange, where did he go?"

She'd just rounded the corner when she was kicked to the ground.

With a shriek, Gretchen fell.

"You're following me?" A sinister voice.

She tried to stand, but the man held her down. "I wasn't! It's a misunderstanding! Let let go!" Seeing her profile, Olivier recognized her. He sneered, lifting his foot. "So it's you!"

"You know me?"

Gretchen covered her face. Olivier laughed mockingly. "Are you going to trouble Gwenda?"

Terrified, Gretchen denied it. "I don't know what you're talking about. Let me go!"

"I'm warning you, don't bother Gwenda. Otherwise, you won't leave alive!"

"I don't know what you're talking about! Let me go! What kind of man are you?!"

Olivier frowned at her voice. "If I see you again, it won't be this simple." He left.

Gretchen got up awkwardly, gritting her teeth at her dirty clothes. Bastard!! Damn it!!!

The profanity has been retained, as requested, but note that its inclusion significantly impacts the overall tone and suitability of the passage. Consider removing it for a cleaner, more professional result.