perhaps his own grandfather, and to also hide his own preference,

couldn't resist speculating that ma

e building. Across the street,

t and respectfully op

ase, Gavin spoke in a detached tone. "

folding events below, Sophie

l, Sophie picked up her

married now, and he's

ise and concern. "Married? Sophie, slow d

avin Hewitt,"

lously, "How on earth did you end up

th a bit to Leyla. Gavin and I go way back, actually. He's quite the catch-stable j

out a relieved sigh and apologized. "I'm sorry

ain! Jason, get over here now! Why don't you seem to care at all when we're barely scraping by?

" Jason said quickly, ur

ophie was left feeli

to suggest Jason consider leaving her, especially since they

ter all, if they chose this life, what

phie was off to her client's company, determined t

g, she finally got her cha

to meet with you. It's just that everyone wants a piece of this project. I've been bombarded all day, and I'm f

ons, and then smiled confidently

d. She had invested too much effort into t

perhaps a bit too friendly. "That's right. You have to bal

he touch, but she kept her expre

e club weren't entirely professional, an

club, and Vernon ushered

ttle of wine w

ogether. Let's celebrate with a few

back to business. "A toast to future projects too, hopefully. Secur

her waist. "It all depends on how genuine your intentions

s touched her skin. Seizing an opportunity, she feigne

closing in to grasp her w

and the contract is yours tomorrow. Otherwise, consider our doors clos

ely as he made a lewd mo

phie's foot shot out, conn

g into the table, which sent g

he floor, his face contorting in anger a

darted for the door, flung

ing! There's nowhere for you to go!" Vernon yelled. But before she could react further, she ran headl

ust her against the wall,

phi

, familiar, and fi

phie's eyes wi

married husband, stand

e?" she gasped, her voi

e in such a state, scowled, confusion

ou doing here?" he retorted, taki

meet a client,"

their confrontation go easily. She gripped Gavin's hand, her tone urgent yet hushed. "If you

ng glint appearing as he sensed

anicked demeanor that this wa

non stormed up to the doorway,

reed to come to the club with me. I'm not letting you go until you

s he pulled Sophie back, positioning himself protectively i

tion left Vernon vi

do you think you ar

elivering a swift kick that sent Vernon crashing

id coolly, barely glancing at

d been lingering in the background

taking Sophie's hand firmly in

p at Gavin, her voice tinged with anxiety. "You shouldn't have kicked him

ruptly, turning

ruck a chord in him, a feeling he

omforting and

hand. "Don't worry about me. I can handle it." His

e of the club, Gavin made a

d back first," he suggested,

y to leave him behind. She g

anning to go back in there? Aren't you concerned that Vernon might try something? I don't think it's sa

eyes, red-rimmed and filled with c

houghts were on his safety- a gesture that