Chapter 245

Remembering his past accusations, I decided on retaliation. "Let go, or I'll report you for harassment," I declared.

Brad merely laughed. "Go ahead, I'd love to see that."

His overconfidence was unnerving. Dealing with men like him was utterly exhausting. I tried to free my hand, but he held on, that infuriating smirk plastered across his face. "It's been a while. You look even prettier now."

"Ew, get lost!" I snapped, yanking my hand again.

He remained unyielding, stepping closer. "Your temper's gotten worse, too." Shameless people are indeed invincible, and Brad was a prime example.

"What are you doing? Flirting with a girl? Get your ass over here!" someone yelled nearby.

So, that explained his earlier haste—he actually had a prior engagement. Yet, he remained unperturbed, ignoring the caller and tightening his grip. "I heard you're single now. Can I take you out?"

That struck a raw nerve. Single? And whose fault was that? His sister's! She stole my fiancé, and now he wanted a date? Unbelievable.

But after their cruelty, I decided to have some fun. I offered a sly smile. "Sure, ask Tanya. If she's okay with it, go ahead."

Brad's eyes widened. "You mean it?"

Panic set in. Was this brat serious? I was with Hayden and had no interest in another entanglement. Seeing his excitement, I stomped on his toes.

He yelped, finally releasing my hand, hopping around clutching his foot. I glared before walking away.

"I'll still try! I like girls with some bite!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the hospital lobby despite his pain. I quickened my pace, ignoring the maniac.

I reached my car, sitting for a moment to shake off the irritation. After a few deep breaths, I drove to the office.

I hadn't gone far when my phone rang. Cole. My mind raced to his text from last night. Was he going to see his father?

"Mr. Drago, calling this early?" I answered, keeping my voice deliberately cool.

"Did I wake you?" he teased playfully.

"Is there something you need?" I asked, feigning ignorance of his message.

Cole chuckled. "I'm heading to my dad's now. I promised to introduce you, and I'm keeping my word. Still want to come?"

As if I'd refuse! "Sure, where are you? I'll come to you."

"I'll pick you up," Cole offered, surprising me.

I quickly declined. "Oh, I wouldn't want to trouble you. Just give me the address, and I'll head over." He laughed. "Are you wary of me?"

I remained silent; sometimes silence is best. He eventually relented, giving me the address: "Meet me at Serenity Retreat."

I knew the place, though I'd never entered. "Alright, I'll be there in half an hour."

Cole laughed again. "Looks like you've been to this place before."

I froze, then smacked my forehead, realizing my slip. I didn't bother explaining, and he didn't push it, simply saying, "See you soon!"