Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 137

Chapter 137 A Moment of Rescue 

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Keith wore a smile, his eyes twinkling brightly. Ava looked genuinely stunning that night–so much so that his fingers itched. 

Laurent, by contrast, showed no expression at all. Aside from the subtle tension in his muscles, not a trace of emotion leaked out. 

However, Ava felt more pitiful than a monkey at the zoo. At least zoo monkeys stayed in cages, with people watching from behind glass. She, on the other hand, had been led around by Margaret the entire time. 

Though they were supposedly engaged in polite conversation with society ladies, those women couldn’t keep their hands to themselves–pinching and squeezing her as they talked. 

Ava felt like a roast about to come out of the oven, everyone eager to take a bite. The appraising looks, the gleam in their eyes, made her deeply uncomfortable. 

Just then, Margaret was called away. Just as she was about to arrange for someone to stay with Ava, Ava―already shaken by all the measuring stares–quickly said she wanted to find Jane. Only then did Margaret let her go. 

Ava felt drained and let out a small breath. Thankfully, the Morrens‘ standing spoke for itself. The guests still showed them respect, and for the moment, nothing outright embarrassing had happened. 

That said, Ava clearly forgot the kind of world this was. In a society where men far outnumbered women, the drive to secure a mate was far more intense than in the normal world. 

Margaret had barely stepped away when Ava realized she was being surrounded by men. Her expression nearly slipped–she was startled. 

“Ms. Ava, I’m Kieran DuPont. My mental power is Rank S, and my elemental power is earth…” 

“Ms. Ava, I’m Alphonso Jewell. Rank S mental power, elemental power metal…” 

“Ms. Ava, I’m Rhys Calder. Rank S mental power, elemental power water…” 

“Ms. Ava…” 

“Ms. Ava…” 

“Gentlemen, you’re frightening Ms. Ava,” Keith’s voice cut in sharply, exploding in everyone’s ears. As he spoke, he even winked at Ava. “Do try to keep a bit of gentlemanly decorum. This kind of behavior puts pressure on a young lady.” 

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Chapter 137 A Moment of Rescue 

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A vast surge of mental power spread outward. Everyone present felt the crushing suppression that came from a higher rank. They slowly turned their heads and saw Keith standing behind them, several others at his side. A metallic taste rose in their throats before being forcibly swallowed down. Heads lowered, and the men who’d been trying to strike up conversations quickly scattered. 

“Scared?” Keith asked. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and comfort her properly, but all he did was flex his fingers at his side. “Your face’s gone pale. If you don’t like this kind of event, it’s best not to wander off alone.” 

Ava took a deep breath. “Thank you…” 

She looked at the group and asked, “Did you all go out this afternoon? I didn’t see any of you at dinner.” 

Keith’s eyes lit up as he looked at her. “Are you worried about me, Ava? I’m delighted.” 

Laurent spoke next. “Yeah. We had something to take care of this afternoon and stepped out for a bit. We didn’t tell you–sorry for making you worry.” 

Mason crossed his arms and looked her over from head to toe. “Ava, you’re stunning.” 

D*mn it–too slow. So many people showed up. 

“You didn’t observe very carefully, Ava,” Ethan said with a smile. “I didn’t leave this afternoon.” 

Ryan frowned, his brows knotted together. “Neither did I.” 

“I just did a quick glance,” Ava said. “I didn’t really look closely–maybe I missed you.” 

The fact that these people were all standing together chatting was genuinely unexpected. After all, when Tylissa had tried to approach them earlier, she’d been met with nothing but cold indifference. Now that it was the Morren family’s young heiress, they were not only talking to her but holding an actual conversation. Truly, comparisons were infuriating. 

“Hey, they’re talking to Ms. Ava. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but wow–her pull is even stronger than the princess“.” 

“Do you think they’re interested in her? There are so many girls at this party, but I haven’t seen them approach anyone else—just Ms. Ava.” 

“No way. I watched the whole thing. Ms. Ava was alone and got surrounded by a bunch of guys –she was noticeably frightened. The Holcomb heir stepped in to help. Just because they spoke a few words, you’re already matchmaking them? You really missed your calling as a 

matchmaker.” 

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Chapter 137 A Moment of Rescue 

“Look–Jane’s coming over.” 

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Jane walked up to them. She’d only found out through someone else that her cousin had been cornered while alone and had rushed over immediately. 

“Ava, are you okay? I’m so sorry–I forgot to remind you earlier.” Jane hugged Ava gently. “Did they scare you?” 

“A little,” Ava admitted. “I didn’t expect them to be that direct.” 

Jane held her hand. “There, there—you’re okay. I’ll stay with you the whole time later. I won’t give anyone the slightest chance.” 

At that, Jane looked at the group. “Alright, I’ll take her to chat with some friends. You all enjoy yourselves.” 

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