?Chapter 292:


    That was apparently a mistake. A couple of the other men at the table immediately jumped in, their voices half-joking but tinged withpetition.


    “Ms. Gilbert, why not drink with me instead?”


    “Yeah, do you think we’re not as good as him?”


    Ste paused, ss halfway to her lips. The tension between the men, all directed at her, left her feeling like she’d wandered into the wrong kind of scene.


    And Sharon? She was enjoying every second of it. She slung an arm casually around Ste’s shoulder. “So, Stel—see anyone you like? Might be a good night to pick someone to keep youpany.”


    Ste sighed inwardly. This was exactly why she should’ve said no to Sharon’s invite.


    Still, she managed a faint smile and lifted her ss. “Let’s just toast together. One drink for all of you.”


    She downed the drink in one go, stood up, and offered a quick excuse to use the restroom.


    As she stepped away, Shaun rose as well, shing another smile. “Ms. Gilbert, I was just about to head that way too. Shall we go together?”


    Ste’s smile faltered. Seriously?


    She didn’t actually need the restroom—she just needed a breather. But there he was, tailing her like a shadow.


    She ducked into the restroom, touched up her makeup, lingered long enough to make it believable, then stepped out—only to find Shaun already at the sink, washing his hands.


    Ste was at a loss for words.


    “You’re quick,” he said with a chuckle. “Ready to head back? I’m sure with that many options in there, someone’s bound to catch your eye.”


    Ste couldn’t tell if he was teasing or trying to provoke her.


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    Before she could respond, a woman in a pink dress appeared at the end of the hall, heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She nced up and spotted Shaun.


    “Shaun, what a surprise! Are you eating here too?!” Her eyes lit up like she’d just bumped into her favorite celebrity.


    Shaun’s expression stiffened the second he saw her. “Reba,” he muttered with a nod, his tone lukewarm.


    Reba didn’t seem to notice—or didn’t care. She turned to Ste, all smiles and sweetness. “Hi there! I’m Reba Watson, a friend of Shaun’s. And you are?”


    “Sylvia Gilbert,” Ste replied smoothly.


    Reba beamed. “Nice to meet you, Sylvia. Actually, I had trouble getting a private room earlier—everything was booked. Would you mind if I join your table for dinner? I promise I won’t get in the way.” She held up her palm yfully, like she was making a sacred vow.


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