Chapter 223
Vespera noticed how unsettling Dominic's gait was. She wondered why he was in such a bad mood today. It was just a misunderstanding—she thought he had come to Ashford for a date. Did he have to be so angry?
Vespera quickly walked out of the restaurant. No matter what, she did not want to get others involved. Dominic walked slowly behind Vespera. He wore a stern expression and remained only a few steps behind her. It was as if he were escorting a prisoner to her death.
Rebecca and the others watched Vespera and Dominic leave the restaurant. Byron was sitting anxiously at the table. He turned to yell at Rebecca, who was enjoying her meat, “Rebecca, where’s he taking Vespera? Will she be in danger? Shall we go and rescue her?”
Gerard exclaimed, “Why so anxious?”
Rebecca retorted, “Rescue her? Psh, eat your lunch. You’re still young, so stay out of grown-up business.” With that, Rebecca capped her knuckles on Byron’s head.
“Hey! That hurt! You’re my sister. No need to be so harsh!”
“I’m your older sister, so you’d better listen to me. Stop being so irritating, or I’ll hit you again. Scoot back to your table. Mr. Reid will be back soon.”
“You’re a heartless woman!”
“You got that right. I’m a cold-hearted bitch.”
Byron and Rebecca’s conversation left Gerard in utter confusion. He recalled Rebecca mentioning that Byron was the younger brother of a friend. Could the friend be…
Gerard asked tentatively, “Ms. Snyder, is he your brother?”
Rebecca nodded, looking unbothered. “You got that right. Let me introduce you to my younger brother, Byron Snyder. Don’t we look somewhat alike?”
Calvert choked on his meat. “He’s your younger brother? Didn’t you say he’s a younger brother to Vespera’s friend?”
Rebecca quipped, “Exactly! I’m Vera’s friend.” She pointed at herself before gesturing at Byron. “Vespera’s friend’s younger brother. What’s the problem?”
Calvert and Gerard were speechless. They really made a mess of things.
Once Vespera was outside the restaurant, she stopped to turn to Dominic. Instead, she felt his hand on the back of her waist, guiding her forward until they were inside an elevator.
Dominic pressed the button for his floor. Vespera tried to shove his hand away, but he hooked his fingers through her belt instead. She stared at him in frustration. Did he have to control her like that? Where could she escape? For goodness’ sake, she was in an elevator.
Dominic merely looked ahead nonchalantly with a frosty gaze. As soon as the elevator reached his floor, he led her to his room. He opened the door and shoved her inside before closing it.
Vespera managed to break free of Dominic while he was opening the door. Then, she walked away quickly, putting some distance between them. She hadn’t even taken a few steps when she felt him grab her waist. This time, he used the crook of his arm. How domineering!
Dominic boldly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. As he touched her waist, he could feel the softness and curves.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Vespera was startled by his odd behavior. She looked back at him while trying to push his hand away.
“I shouldn’t have said you were going on a date with Ms. Moreno when I had no proof. It’s all my fault!” She was fervently hoping that he would move his hand.
Dominic’s gaze darkened. “I’ll let that slide.”
“Then, why are you still so angry?”
“What do you think?” Dominic narrowed his eyes dangerously and unintentionally tightened his grip on her waist.
Vespera’s heart started racing. She absolutely had no idea. What could be the reason! Her cheeks felt warmer as she realized Dominic’s hand was still on her waist as he towered over her. “Let’s sit down and talk, okay?”
“Stop changing the subject.”
“I’m not! No one talks this way!” Vespera stomped angrily.
As soon as she finished speaking, Dominic spun her around and pushed her into a corner. Now, they were face to face, pressed against one another.
Vespera was speechless. Perhaps it would have been better if he had stood behind her like he did earlier. No way! That wouldn’t work either.