Chapter 267 The Boundaries a Man Should Have, He Must Keep
After hearing Sabrina's words, Scarlett looked at Ambrose. His face remained expressionless, appearing calm and untroubled, and then she heard him say, "If you take photos with me this time, someone else will next time. What about my reputation?"
Scarlett froze; everyone fell silent.It was unprecedented for a man like Ambrose to emphasize that his reputation was being damaged by a woman's actions.The crowd was left speechless.
As the atmosphere grew tense, the restaurant manager stepped in with a smile to smooth things over. "Mr. Boleyn sets an example we should all follow."
He then turned to Scarlett with a deferential tone. "Ms. Mellon, you're truly fortunate to have such a capable and considerate boyfriend."
While the words seemed to flatter Scarlett, they were actually meant to praise Ambrose.
Ambrose seemed satisfied, his gaze shifting to Scarlett, but she remained expressionless.
Scarlett figured that since Ambrose hadn't pushed the blame onto her—even if his words were a bit exaggerated—she wouldn't make an issue of it.
However, the restaurant manager's attempt to curry favor with Ambrose by targeting her triggered an immediate rebellious response within her.
She lifted her eyes and regarded the manager coolly. "Is that what qualifies as being fortunate? Isn't having boundaries the bare minimum for a boyfriend?" Or are you saying men's sense of boundaries is so low that women should be grateful and tearful when treated with basic respect?"
The manager's smile instantly stiffened. This Ms. Mellon was no pushover—she had her own strong personality and opinions. No wonder she could handle someone like Ambrose.
He quickly tried to recover. "Ms. Mellon is absolutely right. That should be the baseline for any man."
Sabrina, standing nearby, was irritated with both Ambrose and Scarlett. Now, watching the manager fawn over Scarlett only fueled her desire to shatter this peaceful facade.
Scarlett could only speak so boldly because Ambrose indulged her!
With that thought, Sabrina let out a mocking laugh. "Indeed, it's different when someone's got you covered. But Ms. Mellon, you'd better hope your good fortune lasts!"
The sarcasm in her tone was unmistakable. Scarlett immediately recognized it—Sabrina was just acting out of sour grapes. She responded with breezy nonchalance.
"Fortune is something you create for yourself. Relying entirely on a man? That's not realistic."
Having been lectured by Ambrose and now rebuked by Scarlett, Sabrina's resentment toward both of them deepened. She felt indignant but couldn't afford to offend Ambrose, so she could only stew in silent frustration.
What methods had Scarlett used to make Ambrose so devoted, so faithful, that he wouldn't even let another woman near him?
Scarlett naturally noticed her stare and met it head-on. Their gazes clashed in midair, neither backing down.
Seeing this, Rhett quickly intervened. "The elevator's here."
As he spoke, he tugged at Sabrina's arm and headed toward the elevator.
Sabrina reluctantly withdrew her gaze. Ambrose and Scarlett also exited the elevator and bid farewell to the Sforza father and daughter at the entrance.
"Mr. Sforza, let's have dinner together sometime."
"Sounds good. Just let me know when you're free."
After the farewells, Ambrose led Scarlett as they followed the hotel manager to their private dining room.
Still standing where they were, the Sforza father and daughter watched the couple's retreating figures. Sabrina stamped her foot in frustration.
"I only took a photo with him, and that somehow damages his reputation? He's a man talking to me, a woman, about reputation? How can someone be so dramatic?"
Rhett withdrew his gaze and glared at Sabrina. "Don't you see? He's using this incident to warn all women not to get any ideas about him."
Sabrina remained unconvinced. "Dad, I just don't understand what's so great about that woman. Why is he so devoted to her? I think Octavia is a hundred times better, and she's loved Ambrose for so many years. Why can't he see that?"
Hearing this, Rhett finally understood why Sabrina had offended people. Furious, he pointed at her. "You're being foolish! Who do you think you are, fighting someone else's battles?"
He looked at her with exasperation, genuinely wondering what was going on in her head.
Sabrina pouted dismissively. "Octavia and I are friends. It's only right that I help her out."
Rhett was so angry he raised his hand as if to strike her, but couldn't bring himself to do it. Finally, he said sternly, "Don't meddle in other people's affairs. Otherwise, you'll find yourself in even bigger trouble than today. Starting now, you're staying home to reflect on your actions."
With that, he strode forward, leaving Sabrina behind, stomping her foot in defiance.
Sitting in the elegant private dining room, Scarlett and Ambrose watched as the hotel manager arranged the menu and left. Once they were alone, Scarlett finally found her chance to warn him. "In the future, don't drag me into messes you create outside."
Ambrose's lips curved into a smile. "I just wanted them to know I have a girlfriend, so they won't get any ideas."
Scarlett understood his intention. He was trying to show her he wasn't fooling around outside, and to demonstrate his commitment to her—a way of asking for her forgiveness. But that wasn't the real issue between them.
She lowered her head without responding. No matter how many times she said she wanted to break up, he would never agree.
Saying it too much would only irritate him. So she decided not to bring it up—she'd take things one step at a time. As long as she remained distant, eventually he'd lose interest.
What Ambrose said at Culinary Haven quickly spread, instantly causing a stir.
In their elite social circle, no one had such strong boundaries, and no one was completely faithful to their girlfriend.
Men in these circles had wives and mistresses on the side. When it came to girlfriends, they were surrounded by even more women.
But Ambrose's actions made all the socialites envious, jealous, and curious about what tactics Scarlett had used to make him so devoted.
Some even speculated that Scarlett must be skilled in bed, which was why Ambrose was so devoted to her.
While Ambrose and Scarlett were still eating, he received a message from Ruben—screenshots of people's comments.
He glanced at them and replied: [Nonsense.]
[Of course it's nonsense. If anyone's got skills, it's you. Otherwise, Ms. Mellon would've dumped you already,] Ruben teased cheekily.
Ambrose didn't deny it. He knew his own capabilities in that department.
"Ambrose, you've become the gold standard for socialites choosing partners now. And Scarlett's become the object of their jealousy," Ruben continued.
Ambrose didn't reply, acting as if he hadn't seen it.
Scarlett's phone on the table was also flashing with messages from her friend Briar, who'd heard about what happened and was happily gushing.
[Your Ambrose treats you so well, always thinking about his reputation.]
Scarlett replied: [That's a quality men should have anyway.]
[True, but not many men act like that these days. Ambrose is pretty great. When I saw those photos the other day, I was worried about you. Looks like I worried for nothing.]
Scarlett didn't tell Briar about their current situation, not wanting her to worry, and changed the subject.
As they were chatting, Ambrose's phone rang. He answered casually. "Mr. Mitchell."
Hearing that form of address, Scarlett looked up at him. She heard him say, "That depends on whether he's willing. Let me ask him first, then I'll get back to you."
Listening to his side of the conversation, Scarlett immediately guessed that Indigo wanted Hayden to visit the Mitchell family. So as soon as Ambrose hung up, she questioned him. "Is that how you refuse?"