Love’s Unexpected Arrival The Bride Who Came Knocking by Rochelle

Chapter 22 Experience Wins?

Maria and Hawk garnered considerable attention as they walked together, drawing the curiosity of the upper-class attendees, many of whom were acquainted with Hawk. Hawk led Maria to greet individuals he knew, while Maria charmed them with her bright and gentle smile. From a distance, Chris couldn’t help stealing glances at Maria. Her radiant smile seemed to irk him. “Are your feet hurting?” Hawk inquired softly, tilting his head towards Maria. “I’m fine,” Maria replied with a smile, carrying a glass of red wine as she engaged in conversation alongside Hawk. “Hang in there for a moment. It’ll be over soon,” assured Hawk. “Okay,” she nodded. “Mr. Cullen!” Carl Dylan’s voice rang out, accompanied by the appearance of his daughter, Nell Dylan, who linked her arm with his. Nell, clad in a captivating low-cut blue gown with her hair elegantly styled, greeted Hawk with alluring eyes, “Long time no see, Mr. Cullen!” Hawk responded coolly, fully aware of Nell’s intentions. However, he had no interest in women who threw themselves at him. After Carl’s failed scheme, he harbored a deep animosity towards the Dylan family. “Mr. Cullen, you’ve become the exclusive supplier of construction materials for the White Group. Congratulations!” Carl raised his glass with a typical businessman’s smile, concealing his resentment. In Carl’s estimation, had it not been for Hawk’s intervention, he might have secured the position as the supplier, even without resorting to drugging Hawk. Even if he didn’t attain exclusivity, it would have still greatly benefitted him. Unbeknownst to Carl, Hawk had disrupted his plans for an $80 million loan, exposed the Dylan Group’s insolvency, and begun to gather funds himself. If Carl had known, he would have been seething. “Thanks,” replied Hawk, maintaining his customary cold demeanor, which didn’t offend Carl. After exchanging farewells, Carl whispered to Nell, “Nell, you are my last hope!” Nell nodded, fixing her gaze on Hawk’s retreating figure, asserting confidently, “Dad, I’ll make him take responsibility. You’re astute. You not only cleared my name but also obliterated the evidence. I’m just curious about who the fortunate woman is.” Carl’s eyes glistened with determination. Glancing at Hawk’s back, he remarked significantly, “It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that he doesn’t know I drugged him!” He smiled, “In any case, experience prevails. Despite Hawk being hailed as an up-and-coming, resolute, and cold figure, he is still too young. If he hasn’t uncovered my plot, he won’t succeed. I overestimated him. I shouldn’t have been anxious all this while.” “But Dad, are you certain he doesn’t know?” Nell furrowed her brow. “Silly girl, do you think he would be this amicable to me if he knew I drugged him? He would have suppressed us!” Carl was convinced that Hawk was oblivious to his scheme, feeling relieved. Although the Dylan Group had encountered setbacks, as long as it wasn’t Hawk’s doing, he wasn’t worried. After introducing Maria to several individuals, Hawk turned to her and stated, “I’ll drop you home.” Maria declined with a smile, saying, “No need. I can manage on my own.” Unwavering, Hawk insisted, “I’ll be worried. Let’s go!” Maria was about to refuse, but Hawk strode towards the exit. She hastened to follow in her high heels, exclaiming, “Wait, I need to use the bathroom.” Pausing with a smile, Hawk turned around, catching a glimpse of her anxious expression. “I’ll be waiting in the car,” he declared. “Okay!” Maria responded, lifting her gown as she hurried toward the bathroom. Seated in the back of the car, Hawk perused news about the Dylan Group, occasionally glancing out the window. Five minutes elapsed, and then 15 minutes. She had yet to emerge!