Chapter 556

“Hey, how about joining the celebration dinner tonight?” Ivan’s voice came from beside her.

Elizabeth turned to see Ivan grinning at her, his eyes twinkling. For a moment, Elizabeth was lost in thought as she looked at him. The guys she’d been dealing with lately all left different impressions; each one had his own quirks. But Ivan always had this genuine vibe about him. He seemed like a college kid, untouched by the business world’s grime. If Ivan said he was into her, Elizabeth would totally buy it.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Ivan took a couple of steps forward, bent down a bit, and looked closely at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth turned her head slightly, dodging his gaze. Ivan’s eyes were beautiful and clear. But looking at him, she couldn’t help but think of Alexander from her college days. Back then, Alexander was like a golden boy, always looking at Elizabeth with that same gaze. And Elizabeth really thought Alexander’s eyes were filled with love when he looked at her a few times. But she was overthinking it. Those gazes were just accidental eye contact, with no hint of affection.

“Elizabeth, would you like me if I pursued you?” Ivan’s voice rang out again.

Elizabeth looked up and finally met his gaze. Their eyes met, and Ivan’s eyes were full of anticipation. ‘Would she?’ Ivan wondered.

Elizabeth smiled and unintentionally changed the subject. “Ivan, you’re too young.”

“I’m only a few months younger than you,” Ivan spread his hands, clearly annoyed.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and said, “I have a thing for men who are older than me.”

Ivan fell silent. Elizabeth just smiled and stopped teasing him. She looked into the distance, her body lightly leaning on the high stool. Ivan looked at Elizabeth’s profile, his gaze deepening. Her avoidance was also an answer to his question. She wouldn’t like him. Nor would she agree to let him pursue her. But Ivan would try hard. He hoped Elizabeth would come to like him.

“Elizabeth, I’m really going to pursue you,” Ivan whispered in her ear.

Elizabeth’s grip on her glass tightened.

“I’m serious,” Ivan said.

Elizabeth looked at him. They were very close, and Ivan’s eyes were full of seriousness, not joking at all. In fact, ever since Ivan met Elizabeth, every word he said was serious. Elizabeth pursed her lips, then took a sip of water, saying nothing.

“Are you coming to the celebration dinner tonight?” he asked again.

Elizabeth thought for a moment. Ivan said, “I’ll be waiting for you.” There was an opening dance tonight, and Ivan hoped Elizabeth would be his dance partner. After saying this, he went off to attend to his duties. He was the protagonist of today’s exhibition, and he had already given a lot of time to Elizabeth. Now, he had to socialize. Many specially invited guests were already quite displeased with him. Yet, when Ivan joined them, a single sentence from him turned the mood around and made everyone happy.

He said, “Sorry, I’ve been neglecting everyone because I’m pursuing a girl. My apologies. I’ll drink three glasses as a penalty at the celebration dinner tonight!”

Several old men were astonished. “What? You’re pursuing a girl? Who is she?” they asked incredulously.

“Haha, it’s Elizabeth from the Percy Family,” Ivan replied.