**TITLE: A Promise Hidden in the Quiet Rain by Adrian Hale**
**Chapter 366: The Bruise Tells All**
The moment was charged with an unexpected warmth, a spontaneous expression of affection that could easily be misconstrued. To the untrained eye, it might have appeared rather forward for a young child to reach out and tenderly caress the face of an elder, kissing his forehead with such innocent familiarity. It bordered on the audacious, a gesture some might deem overly intimate.
Madilyn felt the urge to chastise the child for such boldness, but before she could voice her thoughts, Charles intervened. His tone was gentle, infused with a warmth that seemed to envelop the room. “Alright. Whatever my dear boy says. I will be good and listen.”
Robert’s face lit up with a bright smile, his excitement palpable. He turned his gaze toward Chloe, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Your turn, Mommy!” he declared, his voice ringing with enthusiasm.
Chloe’s lips curled into a soft, affectionate smile. She took a moment to observe the bustling scene on the stage, her attention flickering momentarily to Eugene. He met her gaze with a subtle, almost imperceptible nod, a silent reassurance that bolstered her resolve.
Without any further hesitation, Chloe pivoted gracefully, her heart racing under the scrutiny of the entire assembly. She ascended the steps to the stage with a calm determination, walking directly toward her father, Scott.
Once face-to-face with him, she chose to disregard Monique and Carolyn, who stood beside him like shadows. “My apologies,” she stated, her voice steady and clear, cutting through the tension in the air. “There was an accident on the road. The car is a total loss. Fortunately, I ran into Lawrence and his party and was able to ride with them.”
Scott’s expression shifted dramatically as he processed her words. The mention of a “car accident” drained the color from his face. “What?” he gasped, concern flooding his features. “Are you alright? Were you hurt?”
Chloe managed to keep her tone light, though the weight of her words hung heavily in the air. “It would seem someone didn’t want me at this banquet,” she replied, her voice echoing through the now silent hall, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.
A low murmur rippled through the crowd, a collective realization dawning upon them. This was not an act of arrogance or a simple snub; Chloe had indeed been involved in a serious accident. The notion of a totaled car conjured images of a catastrophic crash, sending shivers down the spines of those present.
Chloe held her father’s gaze, unwavering. “Mr. Lewis, I hope my delay hasn’t interfered with your plans.”
All of Scott’s earlier frustration evaporated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief. “Not at all. You’re right on time. Chloe, I’m just so glad you’re here.”
With a subtle nod, Chloe moved to stand beside Scott, their connection palpable.
In that moment, Monique and Carolyn were instantly overshadowed. In terms of height, grace, and sheer presence, Carolyn seemed to shrink beside Chloe.
Chloe was breathtakingly beautiful. Her presence commanded attention, regal and unforgettable. The dress she wore was exquisite—what designer had crafted such a masterpiece? No one in the room could recall ever having seen anything quite like it.
The men were captivated, utterly spellbound by her allure and the quiet authority she exuded. Even the women found themselves glancing back, unable to resist the magnetic pull she radiated.


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