Chapter 266 His Body Is Very Good
Ambrose's tone made it sound as if there had never been any rift between them. Scarlett thought back to his earlier behavior and realized he was trying to use this gentle approach to downplay the conflict between them.
She feigned indifference and didn't respond to his words.
Seeing she hadn't objected, hope ignited again in Ambrose's heart. With the two children's help, getting her to forgive him seemed just around the corner.
He didn't push further, instead saying, "Hand me my clothes."
Scarlett withdrew her gaze from the window and turned her head. His chest muscles suddenly came into view, and for a moment, she couldn't look away, her gaze drifting downward.
He had a great physique—she'd known that for a while. It was just that before, when they were in bed together, she'd never taken the time to appreciate it properly.
Now, seeing it so suddenly, she couldn't help but marvel inwardly. His six-pack abs were clearly defined, each one distinct, and his pecs were firm and sculpted—practically a treasure among quality male physiques.
But how did he maintain this body? After all, she'd never seen him work out.
"Want to touch it?" Ambrose noticed her staring at his abs in a daze. He leaned closer with a roguish, teasing grin.
Scarlett looked away, not wanting to engage with him. She didn't take the bait, instead turning to grab the clothes she'd found and tossing them onto his chest.
"Put them on."
Ambrose grabbed her wrist and pressed it directly against his chest muscles.
"Touch it. It's so sad it's practically throbbing."
Scarlett's cool hand made contact with his warm muscles. The sensation was firm and solid. Her heart began to pound, and a rush of heat surged through her body that she couldn't suppress. Her face flushed red.
He'd managed to stir up those feelings in her.
She didn't turn her head, but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, forcibly pushing down that surge of heat. Then she turned to glare at him. "Could you not?"
At this outburst, Ambrose didn't seem bothered at all. He actually wanted to provoke a reaction from her. When she ignored him, she remained calm and rational, thinking everything through and leaving him no opening whatsoever.
He deliberately misunderstood. "I don't mind anything about you."
Scarlett had no energy to argue with him about this, because once they started, he'd definitely launch into some sob story and put on a performance begging for forgiveness.
Afraid she might soften, she pretended to be cold and snapped at him, "Just get dressed already."
Seeing this, Ambrose's lips curved upward. He picked up the fresh shirt and began putting it on.
Scarlett stared out the car window in silence. Realizing their current dynamic couldn't continue, she spoke up.
"Have you talked to Octavia about this?"
Ambrose kept his head down as he buttoned his collar, his tone flat, "Not yet, but I mentioned having her do a paternity test. She'll probably lie low for a while."
Now wasn't the time to let the Mitchell family know about this, but a timely warning could prevent Octavia from causing interference.
Scarlett turned her head, her expression serious and her words stern. "When are you planning to confront her? If I hadn't been there today when she tried to give Hayden that drink, I would've exposed her right then and there!"
Ambrose looked up and saw her indignant expression. Understanding her concern, he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"After this warning, she probably won't show up in front of us for a while."
"That's not necessarily true. What if she says the Mitchell family wants Hayden to come over for dinner again? What if her parents want to see Hayden?" Scarlett was particularly sensitive when it came to the children. The thought of the Mitchell family coming to bother Hayden made her emotions spiral into uncontrollable irritation.
She didn't even register Ambrose's touch.
"Last time they wanted Hayden to come for dinner, they'd already arrived at the restaurant, but didn't they still fail in the end?"
"That was an accident. If I hadn't run into them, Hayden would have gone." Scarlett refused to yield an inch.
Last time, Scarlett had been having dinner with Caspian when she happened to run into Hayden, about to eat with the Mitchell family. Hayden had thrown a tantrum, insisting on eating with her instead, so the Mitchell family's plan had failed.
Scarlett's attitude was clear: she wouldn't let the Mitchell family get within a step of Hayden. Ambrose could see that when it came to the children, she truly wouldn't compromise.
He could understand it. She'd lost Hayden for so long, and now that she'd found him, she would only protect him fiercely.
He nodded.
"If Hayden doesn't refuse, I'll refuse for him. I absolutely won't let the Mitchell family get near him again."
Scarlett looked at him coldly for a long moment before finally saying, "Remember what you said."
The Bentley stopped in front of Culinary Haven. As they got out, Scarlett looked up at the building.
He used to take her to private restaurants. He only came here for business dinners. Today was unusual—he'd brought her here instead.
But she didn't think much of it and followed him inside.
As soon as they stepped through the main entrance, the lobby manager immediately came forward to greet them. "Mr. Boleyn, how many in your party?"
Ambrose replied coolly, "Just two."
The lobby manager understood instantly and nodded.
"This way, please."
Ambrose didn't need reservations. His face was his pass—wherever he went, there was always a table available.
Just as the three of them were about to step into the elevator, an urgent voice called out from behind.
"Ambrose!"
Ambrose stepped into the elevator and turned to see the Sforza father and daughter, hurrying over. His expression remained cool, but he still acknowledged them.
"Mr. Sforza."
Rhett Sforza and his daughter Sabrina Sforza also entered the elevator. After the doors closed, Rhett said with a smile, "Ambrose, are you here for dinner with your girlfriend?"
The Sforza family had some dealings with the Boleyn family.
Ambrose smiled faintly and nodded. "Are you here for dinner as well, Mr. Sforza?"
The other man nodded in confirmation, then continued.
"Ambrose, the other night, Sabrina was being careless. When she was taking photos, she accidentally captured you in one and posted it online. If it caused you any trouble, I had her delete the post. Please don't hold it against her."
"Apologize to Ambrose!" Rhett scolded.
Sabrina, who'd been silent until now, glanced at Ambrose, then at Scarlett. Her face showed clear reluctance, but she still spoke.
"Ambrose, I just took a random photo. If you're bothered by it, I apologize."
Ambrose maintained his faint smile as he looked at her. "Whether I forgive you doesn't matter. What matters is whether my girlfriend forgives you."
With those words, everyone present understood clearly: Ambrose cared about Scarlett, and Scarlett was likely upset about this incident.
Scarlett had already pieced together about seventy to eighty percent of what had happened. The woman before her was the one who'd photographed Ambrose that night and posted about it online.
Had Ambrose done something to her that made her apologize the moment they met?
"Ms. Mellon, I just took a random photo. There's nothing between Ambrose and me. You're not going to be jealous over this, are you?" Sabrina looked at Scarlett with displeasure.
Just then, the elevator chimed—they'd arrived.
But everyone's attention remained on Scarlett. The elevator doors opened, but no one stepped out. They were clearly waiting for her response.
Scarlett looked at Ambrose, then at Sabrina. After a few seconds of consideration, she replied, "He's attractive, and plenty of people like him. If I got jealous over every single one, would I even be able to live my life?"
Sabrina looked at her skeptically without speaking. It was Rhett who responded, "It's good that Ms. Mellon doesn't mind. We were overthinking it."
"Since you're not jealous, then Ambrose, you can't target my family anymore. I've been targeted by you for days for no reason, as if I'd committed some unforgivable crime." Sabrina huffed indignantly, as though she'd suffered some great injustice.