Chapter 72
Isabel had weathered her share of downpours. Now, she was the cole holding the unbrella over Yvonne The gown was
deniably costly.
At that moment, Luther made his way toward Yvonne, drink in hardt, his intentions clear asnday “Ms Jamison, did you find yourself a new boyfriend? This gown is a remarkable pick.”
His words did more than probe. They stepped over the line of propriety.
Yvonne tucked her phone away, her smile fading as she turned to face hit “Mr. Feland, for someone like you to ansime a woman’s clothes are gifts from men suggests Feland Group isn’t a great place for women. I’m glad I never considered working there”
Luther immediately caught the sharp edge hi her tour.
ut you turned in
He answered with an easy smile, “Ms. Jamison, you misunderstood me. I’d actually picked out a gown for you, but down. Seeing you in such a stunning gown now, I can’t help feeling a little jealous “
His candor came off more like a tactical retreat, meant to soften er stance.
Yvonne’s smile remained cool. “We’re just casual acquaintances, Mr. Feland. Your jealousy seems misplaced. There’s no misunderstanding on my part. If anything, you might be the one misreading the situation.”
Even with Luther’s hint, she stood her ground, firm in her refusal,
“Point taken, Ms. Jamison. I’ll be more careful,” he replied. Yvonne’s dismissal stung, but he recovered quickly, masking his embarrassment with an intrigued smile.
Not far away, Jared stood watching, his gaze darkening as it fixed on Yvonne and Luther.
Was that gown she was wearing Luther’s gift? Did she think he couldn’t afford to buy her one? How could she accept something from another man?
In an instant, the jealousy Jared had been nursing all night burned bright in his eyes.
Across the crowded venue, Yvonne turned slightly toward Luther as she spoke, a gesture of politeness. But to Jared, it was the same detachment she reserved for others. Except now, it was meant for him.
She was out of his reach, and he couldn’t make out a word she murmured to Luther. The unfairness of it all cut deep. All the jealousy he’d hoped to provoke in her now twisted like a knife in his own gut.
Before Jared could stop himself, he was moving toward her.
“Mr. Ford!” Shirley gently tugged at his sleeve from behind, her voice sweet but insistent. “You told me to stay by your side, didn’t you? So I’m staying with you.”
This was her first chance to follow Jared around without hiding it. She even had to ward off other women who tried to get too close to him.
At Shirley’s touch, Jared snapped back to attention. He’d nearly let jealousy cloud his judgment. His goal tonight was to push Yvonne to the edge, to make her burn with envy. Now that she was here, he’d ensure she felt every bit of it.
Suddenly, Jared turned to Shirley and said softly, “Shirley, you should have a drink too.”
“Right,” she answered, signaling a walter to bring the wine.
Jared studied her closely, then gave her arm a deliberate nudge. The unexpected jolt caused her to lose hold of the glass, and she even bumped the waiter’s tray.
Several glasses tipped over, spilling wine onto the hem of her gown The piercing crash of shattering glass instantly drew everyone’s attention.
Chapter 72
Flustered, Shirley explained, “It wasn’t my fault…”
+28 BONUS
Her face flushed with humiliation in an instant, and she wished she could disappear right then and there Surrounded by judgmental whispers and mocking laughter, the evening’s magic dissolved into tease
Shirley ducked her head, clutching her gown as fears spilled over despite her struggle to hold them back. Her sobs cut sharply through the gala’s atmosphere.
Yvonne humed toward the commotion, no longer interested in corinning her conversation with Luther. She hadn’t expected Shirley to be at the center of it.
Catching Yvonne’s gaze, Jared stifled a smirk. This was his moment to step in.
Chapter 73
