Chapter 78

Leslie’s mind went blank. When Joshua’s penetrating eyes landed on him, he couldn’t catch his breath. "Did… did Joshua hear everything I just said?" Leslie’s palms were slick with sweat. Unable to meet Joshua’s piercing gaze, he instinctively averted his eyes. Regret washed over him.

‘What am I so afraid of? I only spoke the truth. That old guy doesn’t even like Shermaine.’ Yet he found himself powerless to turn back and face him.

When Shermaine saw Joshua walk in, he was followed by an edgy guy with frosted blue hair—handsome, but the look he gave her was anything but friendly.

“Leslie, isn’t it?” Joshua said in a measured tone. He vaguely recalled this young man from the family dinner, the one whose eyes had lingered on Shermaine more than once.

He might not be interested in romance, but that didn’t mean he was oblivious to it.

That was why he committed the young man’s name to memory.

“I am.” Leslie’s voice trembled slightly as he straightened his posture.

Joshua said in a lowered voice, “Shermaine is exceptional. It’s understandable that you like her, but from tonight on, I hope you’ll know where to draw the line.” This kid better stop kidding himself. Shermaine was way out of his league.

Joshua didn’t say the last sentence out loud, but he was certain. Without this engagement, even without himself, Shermaine would never stoop so low as to fancy a boy like him.

Shermaine’s standards weren’t that low. More importantly, in his eyes, Leslie wasn’t worthy of her.

Inwardly, Roy clicked his tongue. ‘Joshua, how can you say that with a straight face? How is Shermaine so exceptional? Sure, she’s decent at chess, even caught the eye of a world champion. But that’s about it, right?’

Leslie held his breath, his mouth dry as sand. He wanted to stand up for himself because having feelings for Shermaine was his own business! He had every right to decide. However, not a single word came out.

Facing the truth wasn’t the scary part—what truly terrified him was his own cowardice.

“I…” Leslie’s voice trailed off weakly.

Joshua’s piercing gaze never wavered.

Eventually, Leslie gave up. He was just an ignorant coward.

At that moment, Shermaine walked up to Joshua and, in front of everyone, firmly took his hand.

She looked at Leslie and said seriously, “As I’ve said, I’m not unwilling to be engaged. I hope you understand that and stop making disparaging remarks about him. Otherwise, you won’t be welcome at this engagement party.”

Shermaine then added pointedly, “Actually, Joshua is a decent partner.”

In other words, he was husband material.

Leslie’s face turned ashen. He wished the ground would swallow him up.

Standing side by side, Shermaine and Joshua looked like they were made for each other.

People often say that arranged marriages lack real affection, but seeing Shermaine and Joshua together, they actually seem quite happy—nothing like what he had imagined.

Shermaine wasn’t one to hand out compliments easily, but when it came to Joshua, she’d gladly make an exception.

They’d held hands before.

But this time, Shermaine was the one who reached out first.

It felt rather different as that ticklish sensation—like a feather lightly brushing her heart—grew steadily stronger.

Just like the first time we held hands, her hand felt so tiny and soft. Her nails were painted a delicate pink, and they looked especially pretty.

Joshua clasped her hand in return and teased, “So I score pretty high in your book, huh?”

Shermaine lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes. “Mm-hmm,” she admitted.

Honestly, Joshua was a nine.

He could have been a ten, but he had once said, “I’ll be good to you, but it's not about love.” So, he couldn’t get the perfect score.

Leslie couldn’t help but admit they were a perfect match. The chemistry between them created an impenetrable force field that made him feel completely out of place. Unable to stand it any longer, he hurried out with his head down.

Seeing this, Shermaine called out, “Wait-”

But Leslie acted as if he hadn’t heard, slamming the door as he stormed out.

Shermaine pursed her lips. “He can’t leave yet.” She turned to Joshua, signaling him to send someone after Leslie.

But why?

Lily and the others exchanged curious glances, clearly puzzled.

If Leslie stayed, Joshua might crush his remaining dignity.

Without asking why, Joshua cast a sharp glance at Roy and commanded, “Bring him back.”

Roy grumbled reluctantly, “At least give me a reason for bringing him back.”

Joshua caught his tone and shot him another sharp look.

Roy shuddered under his glare.

“Damn it, I’m not scared. Not one bit,” he lied to himself.

He’d rather dig potatoes in the desert than do Shermaine any favors.

Thinking of this, Roy huffed inwardly.

Shermaine explained, “The red wine he just drank was spiked. It was originally intended for me.” Her voice turned icy. “Disagreeable as he is, I can’t let him get hurt because of me.”

The wine was drugged?

Everyone froze.

Roy raised an eyebrow. “How could you tell?”

“I just can,” Shermaine replied curtly.

Ever since he walked in, he’d been giving Shermaine dirty looks, so his tone naturally had an edge. Shermaine saw no point in wasting her breath on someone who so obviously disliked her.

Roy remained skeptical. “Come on, this is the York family’s turf. Who’d dare make a move against you here?”

Shermaine sneered. “You think I’ll be safe and sound just because I’m Joshua’s fiancée?”

‘What’s so unsafe about it?’ Roy grumbled inwardly.

He was about to retort, but the moment he felt Joshua’s icy gaze on him, he froze, and whatever he wanted to say died in his throat.

Joshua’s eyes turned even colder. “Roy, didn’t you hear her?”

Roy panicked, sensing Joshua’s rising anger. “Fine, I’ll bring him back.”