Chapter 46

“What’s up? You’ve got a crush on her, too?”

Faced with Kieran’s question, Silas quickly distanced himself, saying, “Me? No way, man. Ms. Dawson’s got eyes only for you. I don’t stand a chance. But you know, I heard Miss Dawson and your arch-enemy Ronan have been pretty cozy lately. Since the charity auction, they’ve been meeting up almost daily, secretly, too.”

Kieran frowned upon hearing this. Then, he let out a cold laugh. No wonder Freya had been so bold before him. She had been cozying up to Ronan. Just last night, she had the nerve to tell him she and Ronan were acquaintances. Did she think she could play him for a fool?

“And there’s more. You know Hanley Upton, right? He’s been drooling over Ms. Dawson for ages! That guy is a suck-up. I heard it’s Eloise’s birthday today, and he showed up and even asked me to check with you if you’re done with Ms. Dawson. If so, he wants to make his move.”

Silas cleared his throat and added, “I probably shouldn’t get involved, but you know Hanley can be a real handful. Despite Ms. Dawson trying too hard to be Eloise, she’s been genuine with you…”

“Let him chase her if he wants. It’s not my concern.” Kieran spoke coldly, as if he couldn’t care less about Freya’s fate.

A sleek black Maybach pulled up outside the Eclipse Lounge, turning heads in the evening. Everyone in their circle knew this car was a one-of-a-kind global limited edition, Kieran’s ride. Aside from Kieran, only Eloise had the privilege of riding in this car for years.

Eloise stepped out, followed by Jarrett, who escorted her to a private room at the Eclipse Lounge. Inside, the crème de la crème of their social circle had gathered, and the room burst into celebration as Eloise entered.

“Ms. Harwood, this is all Kieran’s doing! Surprise or what?”

Eloise blushed and nodded, her gaze landing on Kieran lounging on a sofa.

“Kieran, thank you.”

“Take a seat.”

Eloise sat beside him, cheeks aflame. Her heart raced as she unwrapped Kieran’s gift, a delicate pink pearl bracelet. Disappointment flickered in her eyes—it wasn’t a ring.

“I love it… Could you… put it on for me?”

The crowd egged them on. “Do it! Now. Do it!”

Ever indulgent of Eloise, Kieran slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

“Mr. Sutton! Now that the gift’s given, how about a toast?”

“Let’s see a toast!”

Amid the clamor, someone shouted, and Silas quickly intervened, “Cut it out! Mr. Sutton’s engaged!”

“Mr. Vaughn, hasn’t Mr. Sutton called off the engagement?”

“Yeah, it was all over the news! Come on. Freya can’t hold a candle to Ms. Harwood. She’s a placeholder. Now that he’s broken it off with the Dawson family, Ms. Harwood can be with Mr. Sutton!”

“That’s not a given. Everyone knows Freya’s only a stage-five clinger. Give her a few days, and she’ll return to Mr. Sutton, begging for forgiveness!”

As Kieran’s expression turned stone-cold, Silas scrambled to salvage the situation, but suddenly, Luna’s voice cut through from a corner. “Have you all said enough? You’re being way too harsh!”

Luna glared, her face dark with anger.

Chapter 47