Chapter 53
Anna’s POV:
1
Everyone’s eyes locked onto me. The people surrounding us seemed to tense up, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and
excitement.
Great. Apparently, the complicated history between Seth and me was common knowledge in his circle. Yet we now moved in entirely
different social worlds.
Before Seth could respond, a young woman practically leaped to her feet. She had been sitting close enough to Seth that his shoulder brushed against her thigh.
I studied her carefully: heavily made–up face, sharp, aggressive eyes, and flashy hot–pink fingernails.
She mimicked Seth’s earlier motion, smashing her glass right at my feet. Unlike Seth, though, her aim was worse–or maybe intentional and glass fragments scattered across my shoes.
Thankfully, I was wearing sneakers, not heels. I remained perfectly still, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.
She must have mistaken my composure for fear, because a smug smile spread across her face.
“No one leaves Seth’s party after just one drink,” she declared, her voice dripping with hostility as she stared me down.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed that neither Seth nor Blake had moved a muscle. Seth casually poured Blake a drink, and they sat there like old friends. Blake even had that indulgent smile playing at his lips, like he was watching Seth’s antics with
amusement.
Funny how they’d been at each other’s throats a few days ago, and now they were acting like best buddies. I guess there really are no permanent enemies in business–just temporary alliances and convenient truces.
Despite the woman’s loud voice, neither man looked our way. No rescue, not even a glance.
Their silence was practically a stamp of approval for whatever this woman was doing. She grew bolder, circling me like a predator, jealousy and calculation evident in her eyes.
I don’t even care about those two men anymore. Why should I give a damn about her?
I smiled at her and suddenly pushed past, heading for the door. The room went silent, someone audibly gasping.
“She’s Seth’s girlfriend! How dare you treat her like that!” someone called out.
I almost laughed. Seth had been surrounded by girls since elementary school, and I couldn’t remember a single one he’d ever publicly claimed as his girlfriend.
The woman blocked my path, forcing me to stop.
I raised an eyebrow. “You two make a good match,” I said, letting the words hang meaningfully in the air.
Seth finally stood up from behind her. “This is Samantha Davis, a rising star at my Horizon Films. I’m planning to promote her career. It’s a film company I recently acquired.”
At his words, Samantha’s face softened into girlish shyness.
I noticed that Seth’s eyes never landed on her as he spoke–interesting. So Seth had expanded beyond EcoMarine Group and bought
1/3
Chapter 53
Horizon Films? His business empire was growing while my knowledge of my childhood commit ans Bake
“You can’t even call her your girlfriend? I asked pointedly.
“Have you ever seen a rising star whose career survived a scandal? Are you trying to Brix my company’s item? Se seplies sharply.
Samantha quickly joined in. “That’s right, Seth and I are strictly professional. Please don’t misustentab
Yet as she spoke, she clung to Seth’s arm and rested her head on hit shoulder. The contradiction beter te wys ons couldn’t have been more obvious.
I could feel the hatred radiating from her–apparently being downgraded from “Seth’s friend to filing star had only intertes her animosity toward me.
“Anna,” she said, “I heard you wanted to thank our Seth. But do you think a simple thank you is enough to repay what he’s done for you?”
Her words precisely targeted Seth’s sore spot, referencing how I’d thanked Michael at the detention center but not Seth
I watched Seth’s expression darken instantly while Blake quietly chuckled and sipped his drink, content to watch the seemed to say, Beg me, Anna, and I’ll help you.
show. His eyes
The room fell silent.
I frowned slightly, avoiding Blake’s gaze. “Seth, how exactly would you like me to thank you?”
I hate owing people. Whatever reasonable request he makes, I’ll fulfill it and be done with this debt.
Seth’s expression remained heavy, his eyes lingering on me, but he said nothing.
Samantha jumped in before Seth could respond. “I remember Seth once made you drink two bottles of whiskey, but you got drunk and weaseled out of it. How about finishing those two bottles today?
I looked directly at Seth. “Is that what you want too?”
Seth took a heavy breath but gave no clear answer.
I turned to Blake. “Will these two bottles of whiskey be added to Mr. Wright’s tab as well?”
Blake remained silent.
Someone thrust a bottle into my hands–not even offering a glass. The disrespect was blatant.
“Fine. After I finish these two bottles, our debt is cleared. After that, we never have to see each other again,” I declared.
e had done First, I called Emily to arrange for her to pick me up. I wasn’t making the same mistake twice. Memories of whi after I got drunk last time rushed back, making my cheeks flush involuntarily. I quickly took a swig of whiskey t.de my embarrassment.
My alcohol tolerance was pathetic. After just a few gulps, I was already feeling lightheaded.
Samantha, seeing my struggle, doubled down on her mockery. “So presumptuous! With that pitiful tolerance, you dare to challenge our Seth? And that never see each other again‘ talk–don’t flatter yourself, who wants anything to do with you anyway?”
2/3
Chapter 53
Suddenly, a warm hand gripped my wrist. Blake hand wonday and tie the Betria from any hand.
Since this is between my write and that hey hea
Chapter Comments
6 LIKE
/POST COMMENT NOW