Chapter 350

Joshua subtly shifted, blocking Bruce’s view of Shermaine. Bruce knew staring, especially at a married woman, was rude. Yet, a faint, familiar scent from her lingered in his mind, unsettling him.

Shermaine had just glanced back at Bruce. She hadn't paid him much attention before, but now something about his eyes seemed familiar. It was odd, considering her usually impeccable memory couldn't place where she'd seen them.

Joshua gently squeezed her hand, his brow furrowing. Shermaine looked up. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Are you hurt?" Joshua leaned closer to whisper in her ear. He was a grown man; there was no reason to act like a jealous teenager. Others might admire Shermaine, but she would always be his.

Shermaine shook her head. Those bodyguards had been all brawn, no skill.

Once Karina delivered her stiff apology, Fred dismissed her. She shot Bruce one last desperate glance, but under Fred's stern gaze, she stormed off in frustration. Any chance of winning Bruce over was long gone.

Molly gave Shermaine a meaningful glance, which Shermaine acknowledged with a faint smile. Their familiarity was unmistakable. Fred, though aware of it, remained silent. Molly's connections, powerful enough to even intercept Karina, spoke volumes.

Besides, Fred had long sought to establish ties with Joshua. The York family rarely associated with families like the Carltons, who operated in both legal and shadowy realms. Joshua's presence tonight was entirely Molly's doing.

Fred offered Shermaine conciliatory words, expressing concern and even summoning a servant to bring a prized bottle of wine as an apology.

Molly's eyes lit up at the bottle. "Don't waste this. This wine costs..." She flashed her fingers to indicate the price. Its value lay in its age—older vintages commanded higher prices. Fred seldom served it to guests. Tonight was an exception.

Shermaine accepted the glass, inhaled its aroma, and took a small sip. The rich flavor bloomed on her palate, drawing a subtle but genuine smile.

"Mrs. York, you appreciate fine wine?" Fred asked.

Joshua chuckled. "The finer it is, the more she loves it."

Chapter 350

"I have several exceptional bottles in my collection. Let me have them brought for her," Fred offered eagerly.

Shermaine was about to decline when Joshua interjected, "We'd be grateful for your generosity, Mr. Carlton."

Though Fred's attention remained on Joshua and Shermaine, he didn't overlook Bruce, handing him an equally exquisite glass.

Bruce rarely drank; constant vigilance was his rule. Yet, this time, he accepted. The wine's scent, paired with the memory of Shermaine's expression, compelled him to taste it. It was exceptionally good.