She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 1000

Helena nodded and didn't press the issue. But for the rest of the meal, Swain checked his phone constantly. A faint, lingering smile hovered on his lips, carrying a sense of relaxation and joy he didn't even seem to realize he was displaying.

His blind date, Molly Nash, had indeed unexpectedly become his point of contact for a project last week. Her company was hosting a massive annual gala, bringing in live bands and celebrities, and they needed top-tier production value.

Molly had recommended Swain as the lighting director, and the deal had gone through smoothly.

Because of that favor, Swain felt it would be rude to keep Molly at a distance. Besides, they genuinely needed to coordinate on the project, so their communication naturally spiked.

While chatting, he found her to be incredibly witty and charming. Compared to Helena, who always seemed so guarded and aloof lately, Molly was a breath of fresh air.

Without realizing it, he found himself texting her more and more. Occasionally, he'd even vent to Molly about how his girlfriend completely lacked empathy for his situation, how she constantly pressured him and gave him the cold shoulder.

Molly played the role of the sweet, understanding confidante perfectly. She constantly validated him, agreeing that he was absolutely right to prioritize his parents and his family. She gently pointed out that since a girlfriend wasn't yet family, she shouldn't try to supersede his parents' authority, warning that if he went against them, it could tear his family apart.

Swain found himself utterly captivated by Molly's perspective.

Yet, in his mind, texting closely and sharing mundane daily updates was harmless. Meanwhile, his conversations with Helena had dwindled to nothing more than brief 'goodnights.'

It wasn't until a joint networking party between their companies that the fragile illusion shattered completely.

The private lounge was bathed in dim, ambient lighting, the air thick with the scent of alcohol, expensive perfume, and rich food.

Swain sat next to Molly. After being egged on by her coworkers to down several shots, a flush crept up his neck, and his ears burned hot.

Molly's colleagues playfully teased that the two of them looked like the perfect couple. Someone pulled up a Truth or Dare app on their phone. After a few rounds, the spinner landed squarely on Swain.

"Pick one! Truth or Dare!" the whole table chanted, pounding their fists. Even the project managers were joining in.

Swain hesitated. Molly reached over, lightly tugging his sleeve, and leaned in close. "Pick Dare," she whispered. "The Truth questions might be way too awkward."

She was so close her hair brushed against his arm, carrying the sweet, clean scent of her shampoo.

Swain's Adam's apple bobbed. He nodded.

When the crowd roared the Dare, whatever alcohol was buzzing in his veins instantly evaporated.

The afterparty dragged on until 1 AM. Helena had too much to drink. When she stood up to head to the restroom, she stumbled, and Yelena quickly grabbed her arm.

"Sit down. I'm calling a car for you," Yelena said, eyeing her flushed face. "Where do you live? I'll have my driver take you."

Helena waved her off and mumbled an address. Yelena frowned, about to make the call, when Morris Lonsdale's name flashed on her screen.

"Is Helena with you?" Morris demanded directly.

Yelena glanced at Helena slumped against the sofa. "Yeah."

"Send me the location. I'm on my way."

Yelena smirked. "Worried I can't keep her safe? Seeing the untouchable Morris Lonsdale acting like a lovestruck fool is definitely a first."

Morris didn't bother replying. He hung up, grabbed his car keys from his desk, and walked out.

When he arrived at the venue's underground parking garage, he noticed another car parked in a spot not too far away.