Chapter 348

“Enough about that unpleasant topic. Care to dance?” Joshua glanced toward the dance floor.

Kylie was indeed a mood-killer. Shermaine nodded, leaving Roy standing alone like a lost puppy. Pathetic, he thought gloomily before downing his drink in one go. “I’m all by myself!”

Holding his glass, he decided: if he wanted something, he had to take action. With that thought, he immediately scanned the room for Molly.

The only time Joshua and Shermaine had ever danced was at their engagement party, and even that had been cut short because of Wendelyn’s interference.

On the dance floor, Joshua extended his hand. Shermaine placed hers in his palm, and they moved into the rhythm of the music, her skirt brushing against his trousers, the air between them thick with intimacy.

Mid-dance, Joshua suddenly pulled Shermaine’s head against his chest, lips pressed into a thin line.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.

He muttered, “Sheary, too many eyes on you.”

The banquet was full of beauties, but Shermaine outshone them all, drawing the attention of every young man there.

Meanwhile, Roy finally spotted Molly in a secluded corner. Facing her was Clayton, Kylie’s older brother, demanding answers with a gun in hand.

Roy tensed, ready to intervene, but Molly acted quickly. She grabbed the barrel, kneed Clayton between the legs, and snarled, “I told you it wasn’t me. How many times do I have to say it? Annoying bastard.”

“Your stupid sister pissed off the wrong person. If she gave the word, half the underworld would line up to finish the job.”

“Some professor isn’t worth this much fear,” Clayton scoffed.

Molly leaned in, sneering, “Wrong. She’s not just any professor. She’s Dr. Jean, the one Jacob Hughes has been begging to work with.”

Upon hearing this, Clayton froze.

“If you’re looking for revenge, take a dip in my pool and cool off first. Act recklessly, and your family will pay. By then, regret won’t save you.” Molly patted his cheek before shoving him away. “Be smart and walk away.”

With Clayton gone, Molly flicked her hair back and reached for a cigarette, only to find her lighter empty.

Roy stepped forward, flame already cupped in his palm.

The flickering light illuminated her face, and he stared, thinking, ‘How can someone be this perfect?’

Molly exhaled smoke, amused. “Why’d you come looking for me?”

“They went dancing,” Roy replied, sounding a bit pitiful. “Left me all by myself.”

Molly’s gaze lingered on his pink hair. She thought, ‘Poor guy. He can’t even third-wheel.’ She smiled. “You drink?”

“Yeah.” Roy nodded. In fact, his tolerance was terrible, but he wasn’t about to admit that.

“Then stick with me tonight. Play my shield.”

“Gladly.”

Roy couldn’t have been more thrilled.

His eagerness made Molly laugh. She thought, ‘Such an idiot, but a cute one.’

Shermaine and Joshua only danced once before stepping off the floor. He couldn’t stand the way other men stared at her.

As they exited, a businessman recognized Joshua and hurried over, visibly shocked and thrilled to see him at the event. Soon, a crowd gathered, and the conversation wouldn’t end quickly. Shermaine rose onto her toes and whispered, “I’m going to grab some food.”

“Stay close,” Joshua murmured.

“Relax. No matter how much they like me, I’m still yours.” Shermaine’s lips brushed his ear as she added, “Unless I want to leave, no one can take me from you.”

Joshua knew that, but his possessiveness wasn’t rational. Just seeing another man talk to Shermaine for too long made his blood boil, especially abroad, where men were bolder, swarming her the second she stepped away.

But Shermaine had a foolproof deterrent. She would simply flash her wedding ring and nod toward Joshua. “That’s my husband.”

Grudgingly, these men would retreat.

While Shermaine was eating, her phone buzzed. Molly’s voice was urgent. “Shermaine, need a favor.”

Shermaine said, “Go on.”

Molly spoke quickly, “Bruce is on the balcony at your three o’clock. My eldest sister’s heading there. Block her until I arrive.”

“No problem.” Shermaine set down her dessert and strode to the balcony, shutting the doors just as Molly’s sister approached.

The sound made Bruce turn. His eyes narrowed. He immediately recognized her, the one who had refused to play along last night.

Shermaine, however, didn’t recognize him. She smiled. “The view is lovely. Mind if I join you?”