Lost Me Gained Regret

Chapter 895
II
In the end, Christine decided against wearing the blazer.
As she walked into the ballroom, there was no doubt she captured everyone's attention.
First, she was a new face in Cliffside Town.
Second, while her outfit didn't outshine the hosts, it was so perfectly suited to her that it made everyone stop and stare.
Some were eager to approach her.
But when they saw the man with his arm around her waist, they hesitated.
"Isn't she with the young master of the Clarkson family?"
"Absolutely, his possessiveness is legendary. Besides, he hasn't been seen with any woman for years. This is definitely a show
of sovereignty, marking her as the official lady."
"Is it Libby? I heard he's here with Libby this time, and there's talk of an alliance between the families."
"No, I've met Libby before."
"Haven't you heard? Mr. Clarkson is smitten with a woman who has no background. I think her name is Jiang..."
"Christine."

"Yes, Christine!"
The person who spoke turned to see who answered, quickly bowing.
"Mr... Mr. Hawthorne."
Quentin gave a slight nod and strode over to Dailey, offering him a drink.
"Not flying solo this time, I see. Congratulations."

Dailey handed the drink to Christine, shielding her back with his half-turned body as he made introductions.
"Quentin."
Christine had the drink almost to her lips but lowered it at the mention of the name.
She gasped, "Quentin? The Quentin?"
Quentin's lips curled slightly, but his eyes remained inscrutable. His handsome face carried the weight of authority that came
from years in high places.
Christine's awe quickly turned to embarrassment; she realized she was in the presence of someone she would never meet on
her own merit, even if he was a friend of Dailey's. She hurried to apologize.
"Mr. Hawthorne, I'm sorry for my rudeness."
Quentin's gaze held a hint of amusement as he glanced at Dailey. "No need to be formal, my dear sister-in-law. Dailey and I go
way back, we're like family. Joking around is perfectly fine."
Christine began to explain, but Dailey interrupted, "She's here in Cliffside Town to research cultural heritage. Didn't you mention

plans to expand that in the future?" fo
Quentin nodded, "Indeed."
"If she wants to handle it, let's entrust it to her. Family can be trusted more easily."
Talking about work eased Christine's nerves. "Mr. Hawthorne, I have an old classmate who's more experienced in this area. I
think he could assist."
Quentin's eyes showed a trace of interest. "A classmate, huh?"
Dailey gritted his teeth, shooting Quentin a frosty glare.
Quentin's smile deepened. "An experienced insider is always welcome."
"Then let's do it together."
Dailey: "..."

Christine was thrilled and quickly stepped aside to call Duke Northwood.
Duke Northwood had been eagerly waiting and answered immediately, "Hey, junior."
Christine joked about his formal attire, "Looking sharp, aren't we?"
"Of course, can't have you embarrassed."
Christine introduced him, "This is Mr. Hawthorne, Quentin."
Duke Northwood froze, stammering, "What?"
Christine gave him a playful nudge, "Keep it together, it's exactly who you think it
is."
Duke Northwood was overwhelmed, fumbling over his words.
"He, I, you..."
Christine shot him a look and then apologized to Quentin, "Please excuse him, my senior is a bit shy."
Quentin watched their easy banter, then took a glass of strong liquor from a waiter and handed it to Dailey.