Chapter 3

Keaton went all out for Makenna's birthday. The party was extravagant, unforgettable.

Jonathan ran into Keaton and greeted him warmly.

Keaton gave him a quick once-over, glanced at me, and nodded coolly.

Later, everyone headed to the riverside for the fireworks show Keaton had arranged, lighting up the whole south side of the city, just for her.

Makenna and Keaton stood front and center, the perfect spot.

She was lost in the display. He was watching her with such softness, like he'd give her the moon if she asked.

Watching him now, tall, striking, I couldn't help but see the boy he used to be.

That day, when he said he'd help me, his decision changed everything for me.

Back then, my gambler father was dragging me out of school, trying to marry me off to some fifty-year-old widower to pay his debts.

That afternoon, he beat me right at the gate, and no one stepped in.

But Keaton did.

He said, "If I said I'd help you, I've got your back."

After that, with his support, I broke free from my father for good.

Thanks to the Robinson family's support, I finished school and got into my dream university.

From then on, my world finally started to light up.

I knew I was just a placeholder, someone to keep around until Makenna said yes.

But that boy who stepped into my nightmare was also the moon I could only admire from afar.

Now, watching the fireworks fade, I felt something inside me fading too.

Then everything went wrong at work. The venue Makenna was managing collapsed. Clients were almost hurt.

Suddenly, everyone wanted compensation, pulling out of deals.

AstraLink's reputation plummeted.

The Robinson Group headquarters demanded answers.

Keaton called me into his office. Makenna was in his arms, crying softly.

He hesitated, but when she tugged his shirt, he finally spoke, "Adeline, Makenna's new to this. It's normal to make mistakes. As the assistant manager, you should've been supporting her. Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened."

I almost laughed. Everyone in the Planning Department knew Makenna never listened to any of my suggestions.

Keaton added, "Makenna's reputation in the industry can't take a hit over one incident. She has a big future ahead and needs clients' trust. I can't let my dad think she's incompetent."

"But you've always had a solid reputation. Something like this won't hurt you much.

"So let's just say you were in charge. We'll tell the public and HQ it was you. I'll make it up to you later."

I listened without flinching. Honestly, I wasn't surprised.

It was just like when we were at school. I was always the one left holding the bag.

But I kept looking at Keaton, hoping for even a flicker of regret.

Yet, all I saw was him avoiding my eyes, focused only on comforting Makenna.

"Forget it. If Adeline won't take the blame, I'll just own up to it. I'll leave the country. No need to stay here and be humiliated," Makenna said, her voice breaking.

She tried to leave, but Keaton pulled her back. He frowned at me, "Adeline, is this really such a big deal? You're an expert at cleaning up messes. You're really not willing?"

I watched him, acting like it was only natural I'd agree, yet still looking annoyed.

I gave a bitter smile. "Fine."

Keaton let out a relieved breath. "It's settled. Don't worry, Makenna. Adeline's got this. The clients trust her most."

"Thanks, Adeline," Makenna said, flashing me a grateful smile.

I turned and walked out of his office.

I made my way to the headquarters.

David Robinson threw a stack of files at me, cursing.