Naomi jumped to Sonia’s righteous defense. “Everyone saw what happened. You ruined Sonia’s face!”
Kieran burst out chuckling. “Aren’t you two being a little too obvious with the false accusations?
“We were sitting here, and the dartboard’s there. Why don’t you explain to me how the dart just happened to veer off course and come straight at us?”
Did the two think everyone else was an idiot?
Noah agreed that Kieran’s point made sense. “Was that intentional, Ms. Woodward?”
With her hand pressed to her cheek, Sonia anxiously said, “I’m the one who got hurt, so why is everyone acting like I’m the criminal here?”
“What exactly just happened?” Dale asked, turning to Naomi.
She played dumb and said, “It probably just slipped out of Sonia’s hand. It was just an accident, that’s all.”
A meaningful, knowing grin spread across Kieran’s face. “What’s your take on this matter, Mr. White?”
His obvious support for Valerie brought a flicker of displeasure to Lucius‘ face. “What’s your relationship with her, Mr. Holt?”
“Why do you ask?” Kieran countered.
Calmly swirling the wine in his glass, Lucius replied, “It affects how I handle this. After all, we men shouldn’t interfere too much in women’s petty disputes.”
Lucius‘ implication was clear. If Kieran wanted to stand up for Valerie, he’d allow it, but it would come at a cost. Kieran would have to owe him a favor.
Kieran rested a hand on Valerie’s shoulder and announced, “Val is a very important friend of mine. If you have to ask how important she is…”
He paused thoughtfully and continued, “She’s so important that I’d die for her.‘
Valerie was utterly speechless at how Kieran was getting increasingly well–versed in adding
fuel to the fire.
It seemed only men truly understood other men. When Kieran said those words, he sharply caught a flicker of jealousy in Lucius‘ eyes and added, “In this case, I wonder if she deserves a proper apology, Mr. White.”
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Lucius‘ expression remained calm and unreadable, but anger simmered deep within his chest.
Sensing the tension, Sonia’s tears started streaming. “Please trust me, Mr. White. I swear it wasn’t on purpose.”
Naomi chimed in, pleading for her sake, “It’s just a misunderstanding, so you don’t have to make a scene. Besides, Sonia’s already hurt, so what more do you want from her?”
Naomi and Sonia were fair–weather friends. Naomi wasn’t genuinely helping Sonia, and all she wanted was to use this chance to put Valerie in an awkward spot.
When the atmosphere in the room remained tense, Naomi turned to Dale with a pleading look. “Say something for me, Dale.”
With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, Dale tried to play the peacemaker. “Since this is all just a misunderstanding, why don’t we all take a step back? If you’re still not satisfied, Mr. Holt, I’ll apologize to Ms. Collins on behalf of the ladies.”
He wasn’t trying to mediate. He simply didn’t take Kieran or Valerie of unknown background
seriously.
In Windmere, social circles had hierarchies, and Kieran’s persistent push felt like a challenge to their dignity.
Just as tensions peaked, Valerie–still spinning her pen–chuckled lightly. “That’s enough,
Kieran.”
She wasn’t being merciful and forgiving, but Sonia’s childish stunt had made her the butt of the joke. As for the dart attack, Valerie wasn’t worried, since she had plenty of chances to
settle the score.
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Chapter 45
