Chapter 102: Tone It Down

Lia's outburst soured the mood at the table; Amber and her companions quickly paid and left. With Lia gone, Bella's appetite returned, and she finished her meal. After a restroom break, she went to pay her bill, only to find it already settled. She glanced at Felix, who was already looking at her.

Back at the table, she said, "Why did you pay? I said I'd treat you."

Felix, eschewing any macho display, smiled gently. "Treat me next time, then. It's all the same."

His easy manner never made Bella feel either coddled or uncomfortable; it was refreshing. That was Felix's charm—he made interactions effortless and pleasant.

Leaving the restaurant, Lia and Yvonne playfully dashed ahead to the car, while Bella and Felix strolled behind, chatting casually until Felix glanced at a nearby car. "Dominic is waiting for you." Bella looked; it was Dominic's car. She'd assumed he'd already left.

She didn't want to go over. "He might not be waiting for me. Let's just go."

She'd barely reached Felix's car when her phone rang—Dominic. He didn't honk this time.

She answered. His deep voice commanded, "Come here."

Bella hesitated, glanced at Felix, and hung up. "You guys go ahead. Don't wait for me. I'll go back on my own."

Felix was silent for a moment. "Call me if you need anything."

Bella nodded, avoiding his gaze. Knowing Felix liked her made it harder to act close to Dominic in front of him. It would be different if they were officially together, but they weren't. Most people would avoid appearing lovesick in front of someone who liked them.

Once Felix's car was gone, Bella reluctantly walked toward Dominic's. The short walk felt interminable; she dragged her feet, dreading the encounter.

She assumed Amber was with him. Amber had been staying at Miller Manor, so it was likely. Bella didn't want to see Amber. Dominic rolled down his window, already irritated. "Get in."

Bella glanced at the passenger seat. It was empty—Amber wasn't there.

She got in. "What's wrong?"

Annoyed by her cold tone, Dominic tugged at his tie. "Are you that eager to move on to someone else?"

Bella understood his implication. He must have seen her with Felix. She smiled. "Who's 'someone else'? There was never anyone else, so there's no moving on. If that's what you waited here to say, it's pointless." Her sharp retort surprised him; he pressed his lips together in frustration. His angry glare was intense.

The tension eventually eased. His tone softened surprisingly. "I don't plan to let you live outside for too long. Tone it down unless you want to bring trouble to Felix." Though calm, the threat was clear, chillingly so. Bella wanted to retort, but she dared not risk it. Dominic had the power to make good on his threat.

She remained silent, but noticed a nearby car. Amber was staring at them through the windshield, her eyes sharp and piercing. Then Bella realized Amber had "made room" for her, likely feeling uneasy in Leonard's car.

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