Chapter 132
Chapter 132
Cherisse's POV
"Sarah, do I look nice?" I couldn't contain my excitement as I asked the question for perhaps the tenth time.
"Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!" Sarah replied enthusiastically. "Miss Cole, you look stunning, though I wish you could see yourself."
I smiled softly. "Is Rhett here yet?"
Just twenty minutes ago, Rhett had called, saying he wanted to take me to a dinner. I was both surprised and delighted.
This was the first call he'd initiated himself. I immediately changed clothes, and now Sarah and I were waiting at Riverland Medical's entrance.
When I saw Rhett's black Rolls-Royce pull up, my heart leapt. I quickly composed myself, adopting the unfocused gaze I'd perfected, pretending I couldn't see.
"Miss Cole, Mr. Hayes is here for you," Sarah announced promptly.
As my wheelchair glided toward the luxury car, Jack stepped out and opened the rear door.
Inside sat Rhett, impeccable in a crisp black suit, his chestnut hair perfectly styled, his features flawlessly handsome.
He turned toward me, his lips curving into a slight smile. "Taking you out for dinner tonight."
"I'd love that," I couldn't stop smiling. "It's been so long since we've gone out together, Rhett. I'm just glad you don't mind me being... like this."
I thought he might get out to help me into the car, but he remained seated.
"Let me help you, Miss Cole," Jack said politely, lifting me into the vehicle before folding my wheelchair into the trunk.
I felt a pang of disappointment, but I didn't complain. The fact that Rhett wanted to take me out at all, just like years ago, was more than I'd dared hope for.
Rhett's POV
The opulent private room of the downtown restaurant buzzed with activity. Several well-dressed businessmen lounged on leather sofas, engaged in animated conversation, while attractively dressed women hovered nearby, adding to the entertainment.
The door suddenly swung open.
"Well, what a lively gathering. George Wright's dinner, I presume?" I drawled, stepping into the room.
All eyes turned toward me. I wore a black suit tailored to perfection, a casual smirk playing on my lips. I knew I looked good—even the women in the room couldn't help blushing when they saw me.
Darren looked up, meeting my penetrating, mocking gaze.
"My dear uncle is here too?" I raised an eyebrow. "What a surprise."
Darren's sharp eyes registered momentary shock before his expression smoothed over. "Rhett, you're here."
"Mr. Hayes!" The other men scrambled to their feet, greeting me, then noticed Cherisse in her wheelchair beside me.
She was pretty, with delicate features, but unfamiliar to them.
Standing behind Darren, Alex recognized Cherisse immediately, his expression hardening.
Cherisse saw him too, but kept her face neutral, her empty gaze directed downward.
Her grip on the wheelchair tightened. She hadn't expected me to bring her to a business dinner. And she certainly hadn't expected to see Alex.
I scanned the curious gazes. "Everyone has beautiful company tonight. You don't mind if I brought my own, do you?"
No one objected—they wouldn't dare. If I'd brought a tiger instead of a woman, they'd have smiled and made room.
The previously relaxed atmosphere in the lavish private room grew tense with my unexpected arrival.
This dinner was George Wright's private affair with Darren—no one else had been invited.
None of them knew why I'd suddenly shown up.
I took the seat at the head of the table, lit a cigarette, and surveyed everyone with amused interest.
"Why so uptight? Am I unwelcome?" I asked playfully, though everyone knew it wasn't really a question.
George Wright, the aging former chairman of Wright Enterprises, quickly assessed the situation. His face, creased with decades of business dealings, broke into a smile.
"Mr. Hayes, how could you say that? Your presence honors us."
He glanced at the voluptuous woman beside him, who wore a strapless mini dress. "Go pour Mr. Hayes a drink."
The woman, reeking of heavy perfume, gave me a coy look before sauntering over. As she leaned to pour my drink, her hair deliberately brushed against my suit collar.
I took a drag from my cigarette, turned my head to examine her made-up face, and slowly exhaled smoke rings in her direction.
She interpreted this as flirtation, her face flushing deeper.
George, who'd heard about my reputation—ruthless in business but promiscuous in my personal life—suggested, "Mr. Hayes, this young lady is quite entertaining. Perhaps she could accompany you tonight?"
Cherisse sat beside me, the air around us thick with the woman's overpowering perfume that masked the scent of my cigarette.
Hearing this, Cherisse's face fell slightly. She raised her hand to cover her nose and coughed softly. "Rhett... my nose feels uncomfortable."
I raised an eyebrow, looking at the scantily-clad woman. "Did you hear that? My companion says your perfume is too strong. She doesn't like it."
The woman glared at Cherisse, clearly understanding the blind girl was deliberately preventing her from spending the night with me.
Recognizing the situation, but unable to protest, she reluctantly swayed away.
"Rhett," Darren, who had remained silent until now, lowered his voice. "If you wanted to bring a date to this kind of event, you should have brought Sheryl. What kind of married man brings another woman out?"
"She'd spoil the fun," I replied, picking up food for Cherisse and placing chopsticks in her hand, my voice softening. "Here, Cherisse, eat something."
My hand was dry and warm against hers, causing her heart to flutter.
I'd sent away the voluptuous woman because she disliked her. Now I was serving her food in front of everyone, clearly displaying our special relationship.
She couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Rhett."
George observed our intimate interaction and the familiar way we addressed each other, guessing at our relationship.
Most in the business world knew I had married young, but never brought my wife to important functions.
Now here I was with another woman, serving her food and speaking softly—obviously a mistress.