Once Justin had pinpointed Connor’s location, he strolled over with a relaxed, almost leisurely air.
Just one look from him, and the scantily clad Bubbly Babes who’d been hanging on Connor’s arm quickly took the hint and moved aside.
Justin took the seat next to Connor without the slightest awkwardness, settling in as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The crowd, especially those who knew Justin well, could hardly believe what they were seeing.
Justin used to loathe Connor.
Forget sitting together–he’d go out of his way to avoid Connor at parties or gatherings. If he could skip seeing him, he would.
Was the sun about to rise in the west today?
Connor raised his champagne flute and arched a brow, honestly more surprised than anyone. He never imagined Justin would show up–he was the last person Connor expected.
Had Justin lost his mind tonight?
Justin had barely sat down and was reaching for the teapot when Thorpe beat him to it. “Mr. Hawksley, since you’ve graced us with your presence tonight, how could we possibly let you pour your own drink?”
Thorpe stood and started to pour for him.
Justin lifted a hand to stop him. “I’m driving, just tea for me.”
No one in their circle was big on pressuring others to drink, so Thorpe simply nodded and poured him a cup of tea.
Taking the tea, Justin turned to Connor. “You missed the toasts at my wedding, so tonight I’ll raise this cup of tea in your honor.”
Connor, a little baffled, clinked his glass with Justin’s, still trying to figure
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Chapter 147
out what was going on with him tonight.
Was this about the favor Connor had done for him regarding the Kearney situation?
But Justin had said he’d already settled the Kearney matter with
money–no need for anything else.
As Connor mulled it over, Justin took a sip of tea and his voice rose just enough to draw attention. “Connor, my wife was so happy on our
wedding day. Thank you.”
He put extra emphasis on the word “wife.”
And then it clicked for Connor–Justin was here to show off.
Honestly… how childish could he get?
Justin wasn’t usually one for small talk, which made his chattiness now all the more conspicuous.
“I heard you landed at Northcrest International Airport this afternoon,” Justin said, sounding casual but clearly on a roll. “If I’d known your schedule, I would have picked you up with my wife. Her cousin’s flight. arrived around the same time. Would’ve saved you from waiting around
for Henson at the airport.”
It sounded like idle conversation, but every word was really just Justin flaunting his wife.
Connor couldn’t help but laugh to himself. Was this really necessary?
But Connor was nothing if not contrary–if Justin wanted to show off, Connor was happy to push his buttons right back.
“If you and Edith had come to the airport, maybe Edith and I wouldn’t have run into each other,” Connor replied, not missing a beat. “I saw her today, you know. Still as adorable as ever–just like when we were kids.”
As if that weren’t enough, he added, “Actually, she’s changed quite a bit–she’s really grown into herself. There’s a real elegance about her
now.”
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At that, even Thorpe looked nervous. The tension between these two was like flint meeting steel.
Everyone knew Edith was Justin’s Achilles‘ heel, and yet here was Connor, either oblivious or just reckless, saying exactly what would rile Justin up. No wonder these two had never gotten along.
Just as everyone braced for Justin to lose his temper, he simply smiled, calm as ever. “Attorney Grant, thank you for the compliment. My wife is both lovely and charming.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.