Chapter 29
“This is scarlett Payne, CO of the Payne Group and my fiancée,” Cedric announced proudly, his face brimming with arrogance as he introduced Scarlett. The way he spoke made it clear he was showing her off like a prized possession.
Their former classmates looked stunned before nishing forward to offer their compliments.
“That’s not cool, Cedric Snagging such a catch and not even giving us a heads–up.”
“When’s the wedding? You’ve got to tell us so we can prepare gifts!”
The questions came rapid–fire, the group eager to gossip.
- t. all drinks are on me!”
Cedric waved them off with a smug grin. “We just made it official,” he said. “Since we ran into each other tonight,
Of course, as he said this, his eyes darted toward Scarlett. He had no intention of footing the bill himself–it would all come out of her pocket.
Scarlett kept a polite smile on her face, but watching Cedric, she couldn’t shake a strange feeling. He seemed different almost unrecognizable. He never used to enjoy these kinds of scenes.
“I’ll be right back,” Scarlett said, excusing herself. “I need to use the restroom.”
As soon as she left, the mood shifted.
“Cedric, your fiancée sure laws how to make an impression,” one of their classmates said, leaning in. “But isn’t she a bit stitt? We’re here to have fun what’s with the act?”
The others shook their heads in agreement, their voices tinged with judgment…
Cedric chuckled, waving off their comments. “She’s just getting used to it,” he said, his confidence unwavering. “Don’t be fooled by how she acts. She listens to everything I say.”
rawalter. “Bring your most expensive bottle of champagne,” he ordered, pulling out a black card and flashing it with a proud
To prove his point, he called over av smirk
The group around him looked at him with envy, their expressions full of admiration.
Scarlett was walking out of the restroom when she spotted Grace,
“Grace?” Scarlett asked, her tone surprised “What are you doing here?”
Grace, dressed in a sleek black dress that exuded confidence and allure, seemed equally taken aback
“Lettie? I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” she said with a small laugh. “I heard Leroy was coming to this bar tonight, so I came to find him.”
She twirled slightly, showing off her outfit, “What do you think? Do I look good enough to catch his eye?”
Scarlett froze for a moment, her thoughts racing. She hadn’t realized Grace would take her pursuit of Leroy so seriously.
“You said Leroy is here? Scarlett asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Grace smiled knowingly. “Come on, Lettle, you’re not into Leroy anymore, right? You wouldn’t mind me going after him, would you?”
Her teasing tone was light, but Scarlett felt a pang of bitterness in her chest. She couldn’t explain why, but Grace’s words stirred a faint sense of jealousy deep inside ber.
I’m just here with Cedric, Scarlett said quietly, giving a vague response before turning to leave.
Grace’s words lingered in her mind as she walked back toward the main room, Scarlett’s gaze drifted to the bar, where she noticed Leroy sitting alone. Under the dim, flickering lights, his expression was shadowed and brooding. His presence carried a quiet intensity that drew the attention of several women nearby
Scarlett froword when she noticed the glass of alcohol in his hand. She started to move toward him, but Cedric’s eyes followed hers and landed on Leroy. His mood soured immediately.
Cedric appeared before she could reach the bar.
“Well, if it isn’t Dr. Olson, Cedric sneered as he approached the bar. “Let me guess. You heard Lettie was here and came running to try and win her back?”
e smirked as he grabbed Leroy’s drink right off the bar.
Leroy frowned, his gaze cold and steady. “I didn’t know Scarlett was here,” he said flatly. “I’m just here for a drink.
His eyes licked over Cedric dismissively. “Not everyone feels the need to orbit around Scarlett.”
