Claire wanted to walk away. She didn't want to hear their conversation any longer, didn't want to see the tenderness in his expression. Yet, despite every warning her mind screamed at her, her feet remained rooted to the floor. And with every passing second, her heart sank further and further as their words reached her ears…
"…That's the situation. Sensui Group is highly renowned in Japan. If our brands collaborate internationally, we could push the Z&A label into Japan's major fashion districts in no time. That way, we wouldn't have to rely on Japanese distributors for Z&A boutiques, and we could eliminate the outrageous middleman fees… Yes… That's right… Huh? You want to visit me in Japan? Of course, I'd love that, but you know he'd never let you come… Haha, alright then… Yes, yes, I promise I'll call you more often. I'll be thinking of you… Okay, bye-bye."
Even after hanging up, the smile lingered on Blaine Jackson's lips.
Just from the way she spoke, he could tell Claire was doing well. More than well—she was happy. She might have been complaining about Lucas Zeller nonstop, but deep down, wasn't that just a sign of how much she loved him?
Lost in thought, Blaine's gaze drifted toward the sofa behind him. Then he froze.
His smile vanished instantly.
"Chloe?"
His eyes swept across the lounge, but there was no sign of her. A faint unease crept into his heart.
Damn it. He had been so absorbed in his conversation with Claire that he had completely forgotten about Chloe Grace. He hadn't even noticed when she left.
"Chloe?" He called out twice more, but the silence that answered him only deepened his frustration. Hastily gathering his makeup case, he rushed out of the lounge.
The fashion show had concluded flawlessly. Outside, the dark sky exploded into vibrant bursts of fireworks, painting the night in dazzling colors. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. But Blaine had no interest in the spectacle. His sharp gaze scoured the sea of people, searching for a familiar figure.
"Mr. Jackson, there you are."
A voice—somewhat familiar—called out from nearby.
Blaine turned to find a young woman approaching him, her dark eyes filled with amusement.
"You are…?"
"You really don't have a good memory, do you?" she teased. "I'm Kyoko, Chloe's friend."
Recognition flickered in his eyes, and he gave a slight nod. "Do you need something?"
Please don't tell me she's about to confess her feelings or ask me out. I don't care whose friend she is—I'll still say no.
"President Miyazawa would like you to attend the impromptu celebration party," Kyoko informed him with a smile.
Blaine exhaled sharply, then shook his head. "The show's over, so I assume I'm free to leave. Could you let him know for me?" His words were brisk, almost dismissive, as he turned back to his search.
"But Mr. Jackson, you were the highlight of the show! If you don't attend, everyone will be so disappointed." Kyoko persisted, then suddenly gasped. "Wait—where's Chloe? Isn't she with you?"
Blaine's fingers twitched. "I'm looking for her."
"There are over ten thousand people here tonight," Kyoko pointed out. "You'll never find her this way. Just call her."
Blaine shot her a sidelong glance before pulling out his phone. His brows furrowed slightly, irritated that he hadn't thought of something so simple sooner. He dialed Chloe's number, bringing the phone to his ear, waiting.
No answer.
His frown deepened.
Where the hell did that girl go?
"Mr. Jackson? She's not picking up?" Kyoko asked, lingering beside him.
Blaine nodded, his frustration evident.
Kyoko tilted her head, studying him. "Did something happen between you two?"
Blaine's gaze snapped to her. "Do I look like we just had an argument?"
Kyoko smirked. "I was just guessing. But Chloe likes you a lot. If she's not answering, something's wrong."
He scoffed. "How would you know how much she likes me?" He redialed her number, jaw tightening.
"She told me about a crush she'd had for years. I never realized it was you. If I had, I wouldn't have made a fool of myself trying to get close to you that night."
Blaine's expression flickered. "And just because she's not picking up, you assume she's upset with me?" He shook his head. "That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?"
Kyoko only grinned playfully. "I never said I was certain." Then, before he could protest further, she pulled out her own phone and called Chloe.
Blaine watched her coldly, ready to make a sarcastic remark.
And then—
"Chloe? Where are you? You—oh… I see… Okay, okay. I'll come right away."
The moment she hung up, Kyoko shot Blaine a glare before turning on her heel and marching off.
What the hell? Why was she mad at him? He hadn't done anything to her.
Then a more pressing thought hit him: Chloe had answered Kyoko's call, but not his.
Did something really happen between them without him even realizing it?
"Kyoko!" he called after her, catching up in a few quick strides. "Where is she?"
Kyoko didn't even glance at him. "I don't know."
"Don't lie. I heard you calling her name just now." His voice hardened, growing impatient.
Kyoko finally turned to face him, her arms crossed. "Mr. Jackson, you insist that nothing's wrong, so tell me—why was Chloe crying when I called her?"
Blaine halted. His mind blanked for a second. "What?"
"She was crying," Kyoko repeated. "And not just a little—she sounded heartbroken."
Blaine's pulse quickened. "Are you sure?"
Kyoko rolled her eyes. "You're still playing dumb? You really don't know why she's upset?"
"I really don't," he admitted, completely at a loss.
Kyoko huffed and pushed past him. "Get out of my way. I never expected you to be the kind of man who does things and then refuses to own up to them."
"Wait! What exactly am I supposed to own up to?" Blaine followed her, his patience wearing thin. "Just tell me where she is."
"Chloe said she doesn't want to see you. Why would I tell you?" Kyoko shot him a scathing look.
"Kyoko, I swear, I didn't do anything!" Blaine insisted, exasperated. "Why are you all like this? Women get mad for the most baffling reasons!"
Kyoko strode toward a nearby traditional Japanese-style building. She didn't say she'd tell him, but she also didn't tell him to stop following her.