Gladys smiled on seeing her best friend smile like that.
Except for Gladys, Sam, and a few others who seemed unbothered, most of the crowd couldn't hide their displeasure at the sight of Canary and Lisa dancing together.
Jenny and Richie exchanged sharp looks, muttering under their breath. "Unbelievable," Richie hissed. "What does he even see in her?"
Camilla, standing near the bar, gripped her glass tightly, her expression unreadable but her eyes dark with frustration.
Even some Andersons employees whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with judgment and envy. Yet, amidst the murmurs and disapproving glances, Canary and Lisa seemed oblivious.
Jenny and Richie suddenly noticed Camilla and the way she also angrily stared at Lisa and Canary.
" Wow ! I almost forgot that Camilla, The company flower is also here." Richie smirked,
" How about we have a chat with her ?" Jenny asked and both the girls walked to Camilla
"Camilla," Jenny began, her tone icy, "you really don't know when to quit, do you?"
Camilla turned slowly, her expression unreadable but her eyes betraying a flicker of annoyance.
"And what exactly are you accusing me of now?"
Richie stepped beside Jenny, her arms crossed.
"Oh, we're not accusing you of anything. We're just pointing out the obvious."
She gestured toward Lisa, who was still with Canary.
"You can't stand that Canary chose her tonight, can you?"
Camilla's smirk returned, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"Why would I care? If Canary wants to lower his standards, that's his choice."
Jenny's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Lower his standards? Is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night? Face it, Camilla, Canary picked Lisa over you, and that eats you alive."
Richie added with a sharp laugh, "The so-called 'queen' of Andersons Group got replaced by someone so fake like Lisa."
Camilla's smirk faltered."You have no idea what you're talking about," she hissed.
Jenny stepped closer, her voice dripping with mock sympathy.
"Oh, but we do. You're jealous because, despite everything your looks, your charm Canary didn't choose you. He chose her. And tonight, everyone sees it."
Camilla's composure cracked, her voice rising.
"If you think Lisa will last in his world, you're delusional. She will be dumped like trash soon or later ." Camilla said and walked away from their wrath.
Unbeknownst to them, Joel stood just near by listening intently. A sly grin tugged at his lips as he watched the exchange unfold.
" I think finally we have someone who can help us to fight Canary." Joel told his assistant.
The dance was still on but Lisa could still feel peoples gazed on her.
" They're staring at me," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the music.
Canary leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear.
"They're staring at us," he corrected with a reassuring smile.
"Because they can't believe how lucky I am to be dancing with someone like you."
Lisa shot him a skeptical look. "That's not it. They're judging me. Wondering who I am and why I'm with you."
His grip on her waist tightened protectively. "Let them wonder. It doesn't matter what they think. What matters is us, right here, right now."
Her heart softened at his words, but the unease remained.
A woman in a sleek black dress whispered something to her partner, her gaze fixed on Lisa.
Another man near the bar pointed in their direction.
Lisa suddenly pulled her hands from Canary.
"I should have stayed back," Lisa said, trying to step away.
Canary frowned, concern washing over his features. "Lisa, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry, but I… I feel so out of place," she admitted, avoiding his eyes.
"I can't stand the way they're looking at me. I need to step outside for a bit."
"Lisa," he began, reaching for her, but she shook her head.
"Please, just let me breathe," she said, her voice firmer this time. "I'll wait for you outside. I just… I need a moment."
Canary hesitated, his instincts urging him to follow, but he knew she needed space.
He nodded reluctantly. "Alright. I'll come find you in a few minutes. Just don't go too far."
Lisa offered a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I won't."
She turned and made her way through the crowd, feeling the weight of their stares on her back.
As she walked away Jenny and Richie noticed and followed after her with their angry faces.
The cool night air hit her as she stepped out onto the grand balcony overlooking the city.
The chatter and music faded behind her, replaced by the distant hum of traffic.
Lisa leaned on the balcony railing, the cool air calming her nerves.
Her moment of peace was interrupted by Jenny and Richie approaching, their eyes sharp.
"You must be proud of yourself," Jenny snapped.
Lisa frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
Richie crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb. Seducing Canary ? You think that makes you special?"
Lisa's stomach tightened. "I didn't—"
"Save it," Jenny cut her off. "You're just a distraction. You don't belong here, and everyone knows it.He deserves better ! "
" You better know and stop seducing Canary..!" Richie added in.
"Lisa isn't seducing anyone." Canary declared from behind embrassing Jenny and Richie.
They were shocked that he had just heard what they said.
Canary with his cold face walked over to Lisa and held her hand.
" That's because she my girlfriend, And I won't tolerate anyone disrespecting her. Do I make myself clear?"
Jenny and Richie stammered apologies and quickly riushed inside.
Canary turned to Lisa, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"
Her expression a mix of surprise and gratitude. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did," he said gently, stepping closer. "I won't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong. Not when you mean everything to me."
Her cheeks flushed, and she managed a small smile. "Thank you."
He held her hands pulling her close. "Always."