The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 179

The award ceremony was a massive success. Lavinia held her phone up the entire time, snapping photos of Saul looking sharp on stage from every conceivable angle.

Once Saul came down, he shoved the plaque into Lavinia's hands. "Thank God that's over. I'm starving. Let's go grab some late-night food."

He looked around. "Lavinia, where's your boss?"

"I think I saw President Chandler earlier. He might have pulled her aside," Charley offered.

"President Chandler?"

"Warren Chandler, the head of the Blossom Federation of Industry and Commerce. Jocelyn's father," Charley explained.

"Oh, so she's an heiress," Saul remarked, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. "I need a smoke. I'll head out and wait for her while I'm at it."

With that, he turned and headed out of the banquet hall.

Stepping out onto the terrace, Saul was just about to light up when he overheard an argument.

"Dad, I told you I'm not going on that arranged date. I already like someone."

It was Jocelyn. Saul instinctively stopped in his tracks.

"Where is this guy you like? Does he even like you back? You're not getting any younger, stop playing these ridiculous one-sided crush games."

"Who said it was one-sided?"

"You're still hung up on that one guy, aren't you? Does he even give you the time of day? Listen to me, this setup is with the son of the chairman of Nix City's premium furniture group. He's taking over the business in two years."

"You mean that balding guy? I wanted to throw up just looking at his picture," Jocelyn said in utter disgust.

"Pfft." Eavesdropping, Saul couldn't help but let out a very uncharitable laugh.

The sound echoed clearly down the empty corridor. Realizing he'd been caught, Saul spun around to make a quick escape.

"Saul!" Jocelyn called out.

Saul froze.

Without waiting for an answer, Jocelyn kept her grip on Saul's arm and dragged him away.

Saul maintained a perfectly composed, mature smile the entire time. "Mr. Chandler, I'll properly visit you at home soon. I'd love to learn a few things from you."

Thoroughly pleased, Warren waved them off with a smile. "Go on, go on."

Once they were out of earshot, Jocelyn dropped Saul's arm and muttered, "Old dinosaur."

Saul chuckled. "Your dad cares about you."

Jocelyn spoke softly, "Sorry about that. I hope I didn't cause you too much trouble."

"Not at all," Saul grinned. "My acting wasn't half bad, was it?"

"Ten out of ten." Jocelyn smiled back.

The two of them returned to the hall, met up with Lavinia and Charley, and headed to the Simmer Quarter for late-night food.