Chapter 35

Scarlett felt an unsettling wave of jealousy rise in her chest. Was she really losing to this woman? Her looks, her background, her status—none of it could possibly compare to her own. So why did Leroy look at Yvonne with such warmth, a gaze he never showed her?

Cedric broke her thoughts with a smirk. “Dr. Olson, that’s not how you play the game,” he said mockingly. “If you’re into Ms. Yvonne, you’ve got to step up and…”

His words were meant to sting, but he failed to notice Scarlett’s growing discomfort.

Leroy’s gaze flicked to Cedric. His tone was calm but firm. “Scarlett, this is my personal life. We’re divorced. Whether I’m with Yvonne or anyone else, it’s none of your business.”

“Besides,” he added with a faint smirk, “aren’t you on the verge of getting married yourself?”

The jab landed perfectly.

Leroy’s eyes shifted to Cedric. “Funny, though no one in the media seems to know about you yet, Cedric. But here you are, out in public with Scarlett. If someone with an agenda caught wind of this, I bet the Payne Group would pay dearly to keep it quiet.”

Leroy rose from his seat, his composure intact. “Yvonne, if you’re finished eating, let’s go. We have plans this afternoon,” he said, starkly contrasting how he addressed Scarlett.

Scarlett stared at him, stunned. That warmth in his voice—why had she never been on the receiving end of it?

“Leroy Olson!” she snapped, raising her voice.

His tone softened as he turned to her. He paused but didn’t turn around. “Is there something you need, Ms. Payne?” he asked coldly. “Yvonne and I have a date to get to.”

Without waiting for a reply, Leroy walked out, Yvonne trailing behind with an apologetic smile.

“So sorry to leave so abruptly,” Yvonne said. “Enjoy your meal.”

Scarlett’s appetite vanished as she watched them leave. Her anger simmered beneath the surface, her gaze hardening on Leroy’s retreating figure.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, muttering, “What a jerk. Lettie, do you want to eat something, Scarlett?”

But Scarlett didn’t respond. She stood abruptly, the sharp clack of her heels echoing as she left the table.

Meanwhile, Leroy and Yvonne walked into a nearby shopping mall. Leroy, still frustrated, hadn’t realized he was holding Yvonne’s wrist until she looked down at his hand, her face flushed.

“Leroy, are you okay?” she asked softly, glancing at their intertwined hands.

Realizing his mistake, Leroy quickly let go. “Sorry, Yvonne, I didn’t mean to… I just got carried away,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

Yvonne gave him a small smile. “Leroy, you don’t have to apologize. I just wanted to help,” she said gently.

Leroy nodded, his tension easing. “Thanks, Yvonne. I really appreciate it,” he said sincerely.

Yvonne laughed lightly. “I’m doing this for you, Leroy. I don’t like seeing you treated unfairly,” she said, her gaze soft but with a hint of something deeper. For a moment, Leroy wondered if Yvonne felt more for him than she let on. “Yvonne…” he started, hesitating.

But before he could finish, Yvonne’s laughter cut him off.

“Come on, Leroy. Don’t read too much into it. We’ve been friends since we were kids—I’d never leave you hanging,” she said cheerfully. “Besides, someone had to put that guy in his place. Cedric’s got some nerve acting like he’s on your level.”

Leroy chuckled despite himself, feeling the tension drain from his shoulders. “I thought you were about to confess to me for a second there,” he teased. “But seriously—we’re partners in crime. No funny business, okay?”

Yvonne’s smile faltered for just a second before she regained her composure. “But what if I did like you, Leroy?” she asked playfully, her tone light but her eyes serious.

Leroy froze, caught off guard. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke. “Then I’d ask you to let that thought go. I see you as a sister, Yvonne.”

She nodded, her expression unreadable. Then, with a quick laugh, she waved it off. “Relax, Leroy. I was just kidding,” she said breezily. “Anyway, are you free tomorrow? I heard about an art exhibition. I’ve been dying to check it out. You could come with me—unless you want to risk your mom setting you up with another blind date.”

Leroy couldn’t help but smile. The thought of another matchmaking attempt made his head hurt. “Alright. You win. Let’s go to the art exhibition,” he said with a small sigh.

Yvonne’s face lit up with excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

For now, it seemed like the best way to dodge another awkward introduction to a stranger. At least, for a little while, he could relax—if only for a little while.