Chapter 73
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Jared looked every bit the prince coming to Shirley’s rescue. Taking a fresh towel from a walter, he crouched gracefully and carefully dabbed at Shirley’s golm himself.
“It’s alright, Shirley,” he murmured.
“Mr. Ford… Jared.”
Shirley could only stare at him in disbelief, as if he’d pulled her back from the edge of despair.
“This was my gift to you. Tight, I won’t let anything dull your sne.” His touch was gentle, his voice nothing but warm.
The onlookers had been mocking Shirley’s mishap, never expecting it to turn into something so intimate
“They say she’s Mr. Ford’s new secretary, Imagine being pampered like that.”
“Mr. Ford is so handsome. Who’d think a man like him would stoop to do something so
sweet?‘
“I heard his ex is here tonight. I wonder how she’s handling this.”
Yvonne’s striking features made her easy to spot, and more than a few curious glances flickered her way, watching for a reaction. Yet, she stayed perfectly calm.
Luther studied her closely, his words measured. “I didn’t expect Me. Ford to be so open with his affections. Just yesterday, I saw him helping Ms. Ember pick out dresses. It seems he enjoys indulging her.”
It was a deliberate jab, meant to provoke a reaction. He assumed Yonne had once loved Jared deeply. Surely, she wouldn’t stay Indifferent when seeing such a scene. In his experience, women lost all reason when jealousy took over.
Yet, Yvonne was no longer looking at Shirley. Her gaze had already drifted past them, fixed on the staircase leading to the second floor.
Luther kept his eyes fixed on Yvonne as he said, “Ms. Jamison, you must know Mr. Ford is very interested in your reaction. In situations like this, I suggest you use me to your advantage.
“If you
storm over there alone, you’d just be playing into his hands But if you take my arm while approaching them, you’ll have the upper hand.”
unnecessary,
Yvonne answered with a faint, mocking smile that showed Luther she’d seen right through him. “Your concern is u Mr. Feland.”
Luther’s mouth twitched at yet another rejection. “Do you mean my advice is unnecessary, or I am?”
“Both.”
Luther was at a loss for words but still entertained her. “So, Ms. Jarison, are you going to put up with Mr. Ford and his new lover parading their relationship publicly alone?”
His curiosity only grew.
Jared, too, found himself intrigued. After cleaning Shirley’s gown, he rose and stole a subtle glance at Yvonne. Just as he’d anticipated, she was watching closely. He’d have to sell this even better.
“Don’t cry, Shirley. You’ll ruin your makeup,” Jared said, dabbing her tears with his handkerchiet.
“Jared, I’m so glad you’re here.”
Shirley’s heart pounded. She’d never felt such joy before. And the stares around them–once scornful–were now laced with envy, tilling her with triumph.
Jared stayed in character the whole time, fixing his focus on Yvonne. At last, she stepped away from Luther and started toward him.
Chapter 73
+25 BONUS
Jared’s breath caught. He’d known she wouldn’t be able to take it. She had to be jealous!
But then her eyes lit up with sudden recognition, and a faint smile puched her lips. She sped up and broke into a run, as if she couldn’t wait another second to reach him.
In an instant, Jared’s confidence surged back at the sight he’d been waiting for.
Lately, Yvonne had held complete sway over his emotions. Every time he lost control or made compromises for her, she responded with nothing but cold indifference.
It wasn’t fair, and it infuriated him. But now he finally understood that she was just angry. And anger could be soothed.
“Jared?”
Shirley suddenly realized his attention was no longer on her.
