Chapter 158 The p That Drew Battle Lines
Chapter 158 The p That Drew Battle Lines
Her words cut like ice.
<b>+5 </b>Free Coins
A flicker ran through Finn’s eyes, and instead of letting go, his grip on her wrist tightened.
Those usually cold, sharp eyes now burned with a strange heat, as if holding a flickering me.
He gritted his teeth and said, “So what you’re saying is that I don’t care about you?”
She
gave a short, humorlessugh. “Yeah. You’re always busy trying to impress other women.”
Finn’s jaw clenched hard.
The moment those words left her mouth, Tess’s expression changed. In a blur, before anyone could react, her palm whipped across his face.
His head snapped to the side. On that chiseled, almost too–perfect face, <i>a </i>bright red mark appeared instantly.
Her p had been full force. It was meant to hurt.
Only then did Nadine gasp in shock. She limped forward on her injured foot, nearly hopping <i>to </i>his side, her face tight with worry as she inspected the mark on his cheek.
Seeing the ring red print, Nadine’s anger surged. She jabbed a finger toward Tess’s face and snapped, “Tess! Are you crazy?”
Tess’s gaze flicked to that finger, and her irritation deepened. She smacked Nadine’s hand away without hesitation.
Shifting La higher in her arms, she stepped forward, her eyes dark and dangerous. “Nadine, don’t think I won’t touch you just because Finn is backing you.”
Her voice was icy, the threat unmistakable.
Nadine flinched and stepped back, eyes darting nervously, “You … What are you trying to do?”
Tess looked between the two <i>of </i>them, but whatever spark she’d had a moment ago faded. Without another word, she turned and walked toward her room with the uneasy child in her
arms<b>. </b>
“Tess!”
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Chapter 158 The p That Drew Battle Lines
Finn’s furious shout followed her down the hall, but her steps didn’t falter.
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Nadine seethed. “Finn, Tess’spletely out of line! She actually hit you! Who gave her the nerve?”
Thosest words struck a different chord in Finn’s mind.
Who gave her the nerve?
Was it Abel? Or was it Steven?
His hand curled into a fist, eyes clouding over. In one swift move, he pulled Nadine into his arms and deliberately raised his voice. “Who cares who’s backing her? She threatened my chief legal counsel–no one’s going to get away with that!”
Finn’s bold, intoxicating scent hit her nose, and Nadine’s eyes widened in astonishment, as if she’d just been handed the greatest surprise of her life.
Tess’s hand froze on the door handle, then she mmed it shut with a loud bang.
Without the heat of their stares on her back, her strength seemed to drain away, and she slumped against the door.
From outside came his voice, loud and unrestrained. “This time the Lock Group survived thanks to you, Nadine! In a couple of days, I’m throwing a celebration for you at Evermount Vi!”
Tess‘ gaze dropped, and when she looked up again, her eyes had narrowed, the corners glinting with cold amusement.
A celebration for Nadine
…
at Evermount Vi?
Finn might as well announce he wanted to p his legal wife across the face.
A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She locked the door, straightened up, and stared ahead, her expression t and unreadable.
But she couldn’t shake the image of Nadine’s triumphant smirk.
She set La gently on the bed, tucking her in. Tess’s empty hands now curled into fists.
Had she been <i>too </i>meek all this time? Was that why they dared to unt themselves in her face<i>? </i>
Fine. If they wanted a fight, they’d get one.
<i>2/4 </i>
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Chapter 158 The p That Drew Battle Lines
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Her cheeks felt cold, her mind shing to the image of Finn and Nadine, their heads bent close together.
Her longshes shadowed the glint in her eyes. She sat beside the bed, softly patting La, and with her free hand, dialed a number she hadn’t called in years.
The line picked up quickly, and an unfamiliarnguage–tinged with delight–flowed from the other end.
The tension in her chest eased. Matching their tongue wlessly, she replied with fluid ease.
They ended the call with the person on the other end giving a firm nod and an awkward but clear Crorusese. “Okay, Red.”
Setting her phone aside, Tess leaned down, humming a gentle luby until La drifted off.
Outside, the night deepened.
Under the moonlight, Nadine bit her lip, watching the chauffeur pull up <i>to </i>take her home.
Meanwhile, just beyond Tess’s closed door, a tall figure stood silent, his gaze dark and conflicted. His expression was caught between wanting to speak and being unable to.
No one knew how long he lingered before finally turning to leave.
The next morning, the very first thing Nadine did was contact the country’s top gown designer, arranging a private selection to be sent to her home.
By the time she received the emailed invitation to Finn’s banquet that afternoon, the gown had already arrived.
She and her best friend, Sydney Garner, opened the exquisitely wrapped box together.
“Nadine, is this a private piece by Sierra Fisher herself?” Sydney asked, running her fingers reverently over the gown’s fabric. Even in the dim light, the pearls and crystals–like raindrops along an eave<i>–</i>caught and scattered light in dazzling bursts.”
Nadine had the nanny hang the dress up, her eyes full of satisfaction.
“That’s right. I had Max reach out to Sierra for me. The Hunt Group is a big name in the design world right now, and with Sierra just returning to the country, she needs their support. That’s how I managed to get this so easily.”
Sydney’s eyes widened in admiration as she stroked the smooth silk, envy glinting in her gaze.
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Chapter 158 The p That Drew Battle Lines
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Once the gown was hung, they could see it fully–a floor–length dress in milk–smooth silk. scattered with shimmering jewels. It was like wearing the night sky itself.
Sara Lili
<strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.