The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 108

Owen strolled over and stopped beside her. “Petty, don’t forget, you’re here with me tonight. If you keep running off to chat with other guys, I might start getting jealous.”

He held out his arm for her, and she rested her hand lightly on it as they headed inside. She let out a little scoff. “A sidekick should know their place.”

Owen grinned, brushing it off. “Saying things like that, aren’t you afraid you’ll break my heart? And what about Franco? You’re not worried about embarrassing him by bringing me here so openly?”

Petty looked at him like he’d just told the world’s funniest joke. “Oh, so it’s okay for him but not for me? Besides, you’re my brother-in-law. We’re family. What are people even going to say?”

Owen gave her a look, his eyes a little playful. “You know, the way you said that is actually kind of interesting.”

He leaned in closer, dropping his voice near her ear. “But honestly, I still like you better when you’re single.”

Petty rolled her eyes and used her clutch to push his face away. “Even if I were single, you’d be at the very bottom of the list.”

The venue was warm and buzzing with people. Petty slipped off her shawl, and Owen, doing his gentleman routine, took it and handed it to a nearby waiter.

Tonight’s auction was hosted by the White family, so as soon as she stepped inside, Petty spotted a few of their elders mingling. She hadn’t expected to see Nanette there.

“Nanette,” she called.

Nanette’s eyes lit up as she looked at Petty. “Petty, you look gorgeous tonight.”

“Thanks,” Petty said, smiling.

Nanette turned to Owen. “I have something to discuss with you.”

Petty got the hint and let go of Owen’s arm. She wandered over to the dessert table, picking up a small plate of sweets to kill some time.

As she made her way toward the lounge, she kept glancing back, scanning the room for Franco. If he was alone, she’d have a chance to catch him.

She nodded and stepped aside for him. “Please, go ahead.”

He walked past her, his gaze lingering for just a moment before he moved on.

Petty found a spot on a nearby sofa and pulled her folded interview notes from her clutch, skimming them quickly. She wanted everything to be perfect—no mistakes, nothing Franco could criticize.

As she was reading, there was a loud snap. Suddenly, the entire room went pitch black.

She stuffed the notes back into her bag and stood, fumbling for her phone to use as a flashlight.

Before she could turn it on, someone bumped into her in the dark. Her phone slipped from her hand and hit the floor.

A cool hand landed on her bare shoulder, steadying her. Petty lost her balance for a second and fell against a solid chest.