Chapter 14
Viner’s choice to step in had Theo itching with jealousy.
Unable to hold back, he sneered, “Amelia, I have to say. I’m impressed. You found yourself a sugar daddy this fast! Must’ve been quite the performance in bed for him to shell out like this.”
Amelia’s face burned, her anger bubbling to the surface.
“Not everyone is as shameless as you!” she snapped, her voice trembling with frustration
Seeing her so vulnerable sparked something unexpected in Vince
A sudden wave of protectiveness overcame him, and without hesitation, he slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close
To Theo, the gesture left no room for misinterpretation–it screamed intimacy.
Vince looked at Theo with cold disdain. “Don’t get it twisted, I’m Amelia’s suitor. Back when she was married, I respected that and kept my distance.
“But now that you’re divorcing her, I finally have the chance to pursue her openly. So, really, thank you for this opportunity
His tone was a mix of triumph and genuine affection, each word deliberate and pointed.
Amelia’s hean skipped a beat, as if someone had gently plucked its strings
Vince turned back to her, flashing a radiant smile—a smile that melted the ice, warm and refreshing like spring, carrying the carefree charm of youth.
Then, visibly shaken, growled, “Who said I’m alivorcing hert She’s still my legal wider
Vince raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Oh? Then who’s this?” He gestured toward Ivy. “Your mistress? Or is she just your call girl tonight?”
Theo hesitated, caught off guard by the direct challenge. He coughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
Ivy, sensing the tension shift against her, tugged on Thro’s arm.
“Let’s go!” she snapped, tossing her hair and attempting to leave with hatever dignity she had left
She barely took a step before Vince blocked her path, his arm outstretched.
“Not so fast,” he said evenly. “Every piece of jewelry you’re wearing stays here.””
Ivy scoffed, tossing her head defiantly. “You’ve got some nerve. These are custom–made! Do you even know how much they’re worth? You can’t just demand I give them up!”
Her confidence faltered as a sales associate stepped forward, clearing her throat.
The associate cleared her throat and said, “Apologies, Miss, but Mr. Hollow is a VIP of our store.
“The jewelry you’re wearing has already been purchased by him. Please remove it immediately. We will refund your deposit.”
Ivy’s face flushed crimson, her arrogance crumbling, “I won’t!” she snapped, though her voice wavered.
The sales associate’s tone grew firm. “If you refuse, I’m afraid we’ll have to call security
“You” Ivy’s fury surged, leaving her stammering. “You’re going way too far!”
Her face flushed deep red, then drained to pale, the humiliation complete. For once, she was at a loss for words.
She turned to Theo, her eyes pleading for help. But to her dismay, he refused to meet her gaze, opting instead to look anywhere but at her.
As always. Theo proved useless in moments of real conflict, avoiding trouble rather than standing up for her.
With no support and no options left, Ivy grudgingly removed each piece of jewelry.
Before leaving, she cast a furtive glance at Vince. She wondered who he really was.
The man was calm and composed, yet capable of buying out an entire upscale jewelry store in mere minutes.
4.27 AM
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Chapter 14
The thought rankled Ivy–Theo had hesitated even when purchasing the modest set of jewelry she had been wearing
And yet, this man, generous and decisive, seemed wholly devoted to Amelia.
A bitter pang twisted in Ivy’s chest. “Why is Amelia so lucky? Or what does Amelia have that I don’t!”
Her heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she stormed out, seething with frustration and unresolved anger.
As Ivy and Theo disappeared, silence fell over the store
The rhythmic ticking of the ornate wall clock echoed, each sound magnifying Amelia’s nerves.
If just one bracelet cost tens of thousands, how astronomical would the total be for everything in the store? She wondered.
Despite Vince’s confident demeanor, Amelia couldn’t shake the thought that his display might have been more bravade than reality.
Amelia couldn’t help feeling a pang of disbelief
Sure, the CEO of an entertainment company would undoubtedly be wealthy, but this? Casually buying out an entire high–end jewelry store! It felt excessive, almost surreal–like something straight out of a movie.
Sliding closer to him, she whispered cautiously, “Maybe we should leave now? While they’re still busy packing. If we slip out, we can avoid….. complications
His restrained chuckle left her flustered. It was like he was laughing at her.
Amelia’s heart raced at the absurdity of what they’d just done–it was the first time she had ever considered something as outragrous as sneaking out on a bill
Suppressing his laughter, Vince said. “Relax. The store belongs to a close friend of mine. He helped me stage this little scene to teach tvy and
nd Theo a lesson. None of this will actually cost anything-
Amelia exhaled a long sigh of relief. “Really?”
“Really Vince confirmed, his warm smile softening the edges of her anxiety “Now, let me give you a ride home.”
Amelia hesitated, her expression relaxing. Thank you, but we drove here ourselves. Still, I really appreciate what you did for us today. I promise we’ll pay you back for the bracelet as soon as possible ”
Vince looked at her earnest expression, his gaze steady and kind.
A soft chuckle escaped him, his smile gentle and unassuming, like sunlight shimmering on a quiet lake.
AD
