He suspected Domenic had kept many secrets from Lindsey, perhaps even the reason for their breakup was Domenic’s new rtionship with a prominent star.


    Sumner had always doubted Domenic’s sincerity towards Lindsey.


    He gently held Lindsey’s hand, offeringfort, and expressed his concern.


    “Are you really okay?”


    With a reassuring smile, Lindsey replied, “I’m fine, let’s go.”


    Without further conversation, Sumner pressed his lips together, nodded, and Lindsey began pushing him toward the venue.


    Meanwhile, Nancy was taken aback to learn that Domenic was the CEO of the Vitality Group and acquainted with Mercer.


    However, escaping the swarm of reporters currently took precedence, prompting her to quickly follow the others.


    Domenic watched Lindsey until she was out of sight.


    He noticed how Sumner held her hand and the bright smile she gave Sumner.


    It was a smile that once was meant for him.


    The closeness between Lindsey and Sumner visibly hurt him.


    It felt like a tight grip on his heart and made his breathing heavy.


    ..


    Library


    He looked over at Mercer, who was still dealing with reporters, before turning to enter the building by himself.


    Twenty minutester, Mercer finally escaped the reporters.


    Surprised by the reporters’ presence at the filming venue, he regretted not using the back entrance.


    Mercer approached the backstage and took a deep breath before heading towards his exclusive VIP lounge.


    As he passed by a room, he caught snippets of familiar voices leaking from behind the door.


    ALL of a sudden, he stopped in his tracks.


    “Linds, what is he doing here? Who exactly is your boyfriend? Mercer drove him here.


    He must be someone significant… Sumner, trust me, he’s nothing but a jerk!”


    Hearing Nancy’s voice made Mercer curious, prompting him to knock on the door.


    Overwhelmed by the conversation inside, Lindsey felt a surge of relief at the sound of the knock.


    She quickly opened the door, desperate for an interruption.


    There stood Mercer, casually leaning against the doorframe.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she searched behind him; Domenic was nowhere to be seen.


    It was only then that her anxiety began to subside.


    However, a Lingering sense of loss washed over her.


    Lindsey greeted Mercer with a bright, forced smile.


    “It’s been a while.


    What brings you here today?”


    Upon seeing Lindsey, Mercer was taken aback.


    Domenic had not only sponsored the event but had also made an unexpected appearance.


    Was all this for Lindsey?


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Mercer entered the room with purpose.


    “I overheard someone mentioning my name at the door, so I thought I’d check it out.”


    He then nced toward Nancy.


    Nancy bit her lip and averted her gaze.


    Sensing the tension between them, Lindsey quickly intervened, positioning herself between Nancy and Mercer while offering a friendly smile.


    “We saw the crowd of reporters around you earlier and couldn’t help but specte.


    You wouldn’t take offense to a little gossip, would you, Mr.


    Aston?”