Chapter 16
16:
Most expected Dylan to move without hesitation, distancing himself the moment Christina stumbled. They knew Dylan despised any physical contact that seemed intentionally flirtatious.
In the dim light near the entrance, the manager stiffened, panic creeping into his chest like a slow burn. Would Christina be another person to incur Dylan’s wrath and get thrown out?
Yet what followed left the entire room in stunned silence.
Rather than stepping away, Dylan proactively reached out to support Christina, his response swift and precise.
Ralphy and the manager widened their eyes, their faces registering disbelief. Could this truly be the same Dylan they knew?
The very man who had always shied away from even the lightest contact was now voluntarily helping Christina up. It was a sight so out of character that none of them had witnessed anything like it before.
Ralphy’s mind wandered to a different scene—Katie had flung herself at Dylan, only for him to swerve so fast that she practically crashed into the floor. The memory made the contrast blinding. Dylan’s reaction toward Katie had been ruthless. But with Christina? He was gentle.
Ralphy’s gaze toward Christina grew more intrigued. Was this woman truly special to Dylan, or was Dylan only helping her because of some deal they had struck?
A slow, amused grin played on Ralphy’s lips as he continued watching, savoring every second of the unfolding twist. Perhaps Dylan might start wooing Christina soon.
“Are you alright?” Dylan asked, his voice touched by an unusual softness in his otherwise guarded tone. Christina’s unique scent drifted into his nostrils, faint but intriguing enough to make him linger.
“I’m okay,” Christina said, finding her balance as she met his gaze with a calm smile. “Thank you for catching me.”
gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰𝗈n – 𝘾𝒉𝓮𝒸𝓀 𝒶𝓾𝓉𝒽 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝓎
Though even without him she would have kept herself from falling, she still acknowledged his effort.
“There’s no need for thanks,” Dylan replied casually. “We’re sort of business partners, after all.”
“You’re right,” Christina said with a nod. “Since we’re partners, it’s only natural we look out for one another.”
“Right.” Dylan nodded. Strangely, when her claim leaned toward the business angle instead of personal concern, a wave of displeasure stirred within him—a peculiar feeling he couldn’t quite name. No clear reason came to mind for the discomfort that crept in so suddenly. Still, he brushed the feeling aside, locking it away behind habit and control.
To keep his position as the owner of the Morfort Restaurant under wraps, personally walking them out was not an option. Instead, Dylan gave the manager a quiet nod, signaling him to see them off.
The three stepped into the elevator, and as they stepped out, Christina declined the manager’s offer to escort them further, saying she didn’t want to become the center of attention.
Watching Christina and her friend leave, the manager lingered for a beat before turning back to report to Dylan.
Outside Morfort Restaurant, Katie and her crew still lingered.
“Why are we just standing around like lost puppies?” Katie asked, clearly irritated.
Yolanda said gently, her words measured to appear concerned while carrying implications, “Let’s wait for Christina a little longer. After all, she once took care of Brendon, and we shouldn’t walk off—not when she had been summoned away by the owner of the restaurant and still hasn’t returned. Brendon may have faith in her, but we still don’t know enough about the owner of the Morfort Restaurant. What if he tries to force himself on her?”
The implication tightened Brendon’s jaw. For a second, a flicker of worry showed in his eyes before he looked away.
“For Christ’s sake, she’s an adult! Wouldn’t she fight back if she didn’t want it? If she gives in, then maybe she wants it. Why should we even care? For all we know, she’s probably enjoying the intimate encounter,” Katie sneered, her voice sharp with irritation and a flicker of jealousy slipping through.
How could someone like Christina—a divorced woman with a messy past—manage to catch the eye of the owner of the Morfort Restaurant?
“Katie Dawson, don’t forget what I warned you about,” Brendon hissed, his voice turning frigid as he locked eyes with her, his stare cutting cold.
Before Katie could respond, Brendon spotted a familiar figure. Without another word, he left them behind and strode quickly toward Christina, his expression cold as he blocked her path.
.
.
.