Chapter 292

Jared’s eyes, dark and unreadable, took me by surprise. He seemed to be trying to get intimate with me. The tables had turned.

Nobody would’ve thought that Jared, who always used to ignore me, would one day be the one who couldn’t stand loneliness. Still, I couldn’t believe he’d swallow his pride for something like this. So maybe he’s just using me to pass the time again.

“Mr. Holcomb, what a surprise that you’d lack women,” I said with a mocking smile. “As far as I know, all those single women at the company are practically throwing themselves at you.”

Jared’s face stiffened a little at my teasing, his voice low and serious. “Victoria, is that what you think of me? I’ve told you that cheap thrills don’t do it for me. I wouldn’t waste my time on something like that.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? Then why don’t you go chase after something more upscale?”

“Jared.” Before I could finish, a sweet voice cut in. Jared and I both turned to see Tracy standing in the hallway, rocking a blazing red gown that practically lit up the place.

Gone was her usual businesslike vibe. Now she looked soft and alluring, her heels clicking with every step as she made her way over. Her makeup was on point today, totally different from her usual style.

“Jared, you really are here,” Tracy said, her eyes glued to him, her voice sounding a little coy.

She wasted no time hooking her arm through Jared’s, and then flashed me a smile. “Ms. Murphy, you don’t mind if I join you guys for lunch, right?”

“What brings you here?” Jared asked, casually slipping his arm out of her grasp, his brows knitting together.

Tracy smiled, her eyes soft and full of affection. “Sorry, Jared. I’ve been in Shaville these past few days, and while catching up with some old colleagues, I heard you were here too. So, I came to see you.”

Jared’s voice was noticeably cool. “This is a business lunch. You’re not an exec at the company anymore, so it’s not really for you.”

“Jared, can’t I just come as your friend? We’ve known each other for years,” Tracy said, her voice upset and a little coy. Then her gaze slid over to me, “Or is it Ms. Murphy who doesn’t want me here?”

I replied coldly, “It’s got nothing to do with me. You two can do whatever you like.” With that, I turned to leave.

Jared hurried after me, closing the distance in a few quick steps. “Victoria, I didn’t ask her to come.”

I gave a cold, mocking laugh and walked away even faster. I got back to my seat, and not long after, Jared walked in. Tracy didn’t follow him up.

Judging by how clingy and desperate Tracy was just now, I knew that Jared must want to end things with her, but she just wouldn’t let go. Their relationship was a mess.

I glanced down at my business attire and then thought about Tracy’s soft, seductive dress. It felt like we’d swapped lives compared to our previous selves—I was fighting to make it in the business world, while Tracy was playing the devoted housewife, waiting at home and cooking for him.

How could a woman avoid letting a man dictate her life and stop orbiting around a man? Maybe the only way was to focus on improving herself – becoming her best, most beautiful self, reinventing who she was—so she could finally stop depending on men.

At the lunch table, glasses were clinking and drinks were being poured left and right. My drinking game had leveled up, but since I was the one running the show at the hotel this time, everyone was trying to get on my good side – raising their glasses to me at every turn.

I declined some of the toasts, but some people could talk me into downing another shot – their persuasion skills were next level, and I just couldn’t keep up.

Just then, Jared reached over and took my glass right out of my hand. He looked at the guy trying to toast me and said, “She can’t hold her liquor. I’ll drink for her.”