Chapter 31
I was caught off guard by York’s sudden display of intimacy, leaving me completely at a loss. As I instinctively frowned, a commotion erupted from the main hall
Do you even know how expensive this dress is? You couldn’t afford to pay for it even if you worked as a waitress your whole life!” A woman’s sharp voice cut through the noise.
Following the source, I saw Skylar standing in the crowd, her face flushed with anger. Her white evening gown had a glaring red wine stain on the chest, clearly the result of an unfortunate spill.
A young waitress stood before her, pale faced and trembling, repeatedly apologizing. I’m so sorry… I’ll find a way to clean it
“Clean it! Do you have any idea that these luxury gowns can’t be cleaned?” Skylar snapped, her tone dripping with disdain. Then, with no warning, she slapped the waitress hard across the face.
The waitress looked barely out of her teens, and as the sound of the slap echoed, tears welled up in her eyes before she broke into sobs.
The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, but no one stepped forward to help.
I was about to intervene when York stopped me, lowering his voice with a calm smile. This isn’t a situation where you should get involved. Let me handle it.”
Without waiting for a response, he strode confidently into the hall. York handed the waitress a tissue before turning to Skylar with a polite smile. “I’ll cover the cost of the dress”
Skylar glared at him, visibly annoyed. “And who are you to butt into this?” she snapped, her irritation clear.
Before she could continue, Mike, the man at her side, shot her a warning glance and offered York a handshake, his tone suddenly deferential. “You must be Mr. Smith from Maple Media. It’s an honor to meet you! Here’s my card.”
Mike’s respectful demeanor and the mention of “Maple Media” caused the crowd to stir. Conversations turned to whispers and all eyes were on York.
Even I froze for a moment. Maple Media? That’s a media giant on par with Madden Group in terms of influence and assets.
Up until now, I’d only known York as the head of a small subsidiary under Maple Media. It never occurred to me that he was someone this significant. No wonder no one in the room had recognized him–he had only recently returned to the country.
York didn’t accept the business card. Instead, he turned to Skylar his tone calm but firm. “Ms. Hinton, will you allow me to resolve this matter?”
Though his words were gentle, there was an unmistakable weight behind them. Skylar, visibly shaken by his presence, stammered, “Since Mr. Smith insists, I’ll let it go.”
“Thank you for being so understanding. York replied with a faint smile. “Now, please apologize to the young lady.”
The waitress, still clutching her face, widened her eyes in disbelief.
Skylar’s face twisted in disbelief. “Mr. Smith, are you serious? You want me to apologize to a waitress?”
She had been spoiled rotten since rejoining the Hinton family, and it was clear she wasn’t used to being put in her place. She bir her lip, stubbornly refusing to back down.
York raised a brow, his tone suddenly laced with menace “Or, if you prefer, I could arrange for her to return the slap
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Chapter 31
Mike leaned in to whisper urgently in Skylar’s ear. Whatever he said made her face turn pale,
Skylar reluctantly turned to the waitress and hissed through gritted teeth, T’m sorry
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Mike’s arm and stormed out of the gala in embarrassment.
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Watching the scene unfold. I couldn’t help but stare at York in amazement. When he turned to meet my gaze, his narrow, fox–like eyes glimmered with amusement.
I froze, thinking back to his odd behavior earlier. Something about him felt off, like he was up to something.
I was startled out of my thoughts by a firm grip on my waist. Looking up, I met Quinn’s stormy expression.
His dark eyes locked onto mine as he asked coldly, “How long have you been cozying up to York?” Before I could respond, he tightened his grip and pulled me along, leading us out of the g
“Natalia” he sneered as we walked, his voice dripping with anger You really have no shame, do you? Isn’t one man enough? First Aiden, and now you’re flirting with York right in front of me?”
Infuriated, I snapped back: “Who I flirt with is none of your business! Don’t forget–we’re done!”
Quinn’s face darkened even further, his tone dangerously low. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time, Natalia.” Without another word, he scooped me up into his arms and tossed me into the back seat of his Bentley.
I assumed he would get in the driver’s seat, but to my surprise, he climbed in after me and slammed the door. We were
now sitting face–to–face in the confined space.
Before I could move, he pushed me down onto the seat, his broad frame hovering over me and making escape impossible.
“What the hell are you doing. Quinn?” I panicked, glancing at the nearby windows. The gala wasn’t over, and there were plenty of people outside. Surely, he wasn’t planning to-
“What do you think I’m doing?” His dark eyes narrowed, and he gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his intense gaze. “Don’t forget why I brought you here tonight. If you can’t act like my wife properly, I’ll find another way to convince
everyone.
I could just imagine the headline for tomorrow’s newspapers: [Madden Power Couple Caught in Car Sex at Charity Event).
Quinn was unpredictable, and I had no doubt he meant what he said.
“I know how important tonight is,” I said quickly, trying to calm him down. “And for the record, I’ve only met York twice!”
“Twice,” he scoffed, his voice icy. “And somehow, that’s enough for him to touch your head and defend you against Skylar! Do you really think I’m that stupid?”
I shivered under his gaze, finally piecing it together. York had done it all on purpose–to provoke Quinn.
Realization dawned on me, and I blurted out, “York must be trying to stir things up between us
Quinn’s eyes darkened. “Stir things up between us? What exactly do we have to sti
How could be not figure this out?
Frustrated, I replied, “Our marriage! He’s trying to make us fight
Quinn stared at me for a long moment before finally releasing me with a deep sigh.
“Drive us home,” he muttered, straightening his clothes as if nothing had happened.
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Chapter 31
Relieved, I climbed into the glriver’s seat and started the car. By the time we reached the mansion, the rain had intensified. pounding against the windows in rhythmic sheets.
As I pulled into the driveway, à figure suddenly darted in front of the car, forcing me to slam on the brakes.
Stepping into the headlights was Diana, soaked to the bone in a thin dress. Her hair clung to her face as she stood frozen. staring directly at us.
Quinn flung the door open and rushed toward her.
I hesitated before following, grabbing an umbrella on the way. By the time I reached them, Diana was clinging to Quinn, her voice barely audible as she sobbed, “Quinn, I’m sorry! I’ll never do it again. Please don’t send me away. I can’t live without you–I’d rather die.”
Before she could finish, she collapsed into his arms.
SEND GIFT
