Chapter: His Date

Dominic looked at Bella coldly. "You don't agree?"

Bella gritted her teeth and tossed his coat back at him. "I'm not wearing that! Just leave it!"

His eyebrows furrowed as he wrapped the coat around her, holding her tightly. "Like it? I'll strip you bare if you were so obedient in your teens. Don't you think it's a bit too late now?"

"You aren't any younger than me. Who are you to lecture me about my age?" she muttered, refusing to back down.

He fell silent, knowing it would only lead to an endless argument. Instead, he helped her fasten her seatbelt and drove off with a stern expression.

After a few minutes, the car pulled up in front of a grand, Irish-style building that appeared to be an entire estate. At first glance, it looked like a posh private club, but upon closer inspection, one could see the words "Sawyer Manor" on the plaque by the gate. (Please remove the instruction to search online.)

The Sawyers had outdone themselves in flaunting their wealth. The manor was bathed in a golden glow against the night sky. The original colors were enhanced by the warm, golden lights. Bella was quite taken aback by the sight.

"If I had known we were coming to Sawyer Manor, I wouldn't have come," she grumbled softly, clearly unhappy about dealing with such a complicated family. Even thinking about their eldest son, Pierre's, tattoos made her shudder. Dominic heard her and pulled her close as they walked through the grand entrance. "A bit ungrateful to say that, especially after you just received a gift from them?"

Her waist was so slender and delicate that it felt like he was holding nothing when he wrapped his arms around her. He couldn't help but glance at her body. However, she was wearing his coat, which covered her upper body completely, so it was hard to get a good look.

Bella didn't notice his gaze and simply pouted. "I didn't want to accept it either; they were so insistent I had no choice but to accept it." Then, she realized how close they were standing. Looking around, she noticed that everyone was either in pairs or groups.

It dawned on her that she was his date that night; otherwise, he wouldn't be standing so close to her in public. In high society, no one overlooked the status of the women accompanying their guests at parties—it's all about appearances.

When the couple walked into the reception area on the first floor, they found that it was just as lavishly decorated as the exterior and was already crowded with people. Everyone was dressed to the nines, but seldom without hidden motives. Most gatherings like this were driven by self-interest.

The head of the Sawyers, Daniel, had only recently undergone a kidney transplant. His sons, including the eldest, Pierre, stood by him, looking grave and unable to move around freely. He was in a wheelchair, which Diane was pushing. It was apparent from his ashen complexion that the recent kidney transplant had taken a toll on his health.

When they saw Dominic, Sawyer senior warmly extended a friendly welcome, and he and Dominic exchanged pleasantries. The Sawyers were also familiar with Bella, especially Pierre, whose eyes lit up as soon as he saw her. "Bella, you made it! Please, make yourself at home! Don't be shy!"

Leonard winked at Dominic, and Daniel quickly smacked him on the arm. "Show some respect and tend to your guest."

Leonard winced in pain but tried to maintain a solemn demeanor. "Yes, have rest, Dominic."

As soon as they were a good distance away, Daniel let a grin slip through his serious facade and whispered, "Scram."

Bella didn't think much of it, assuming they were just joking around. She decided to wander off on her own while Dominic and Leonard chatted.