“You look even more beautiful tonight, Nicole,” said Finnegan.
Hayden frowned, gripping Nicole’s hand tightly, his expression instantly turning cold. Nicole looked up to see Hayden’s face full of displeasure as he stared in the direction Finnegan had walked.
She followed his gaze and saw Gloria. In an instant, pain shot through the back of her hand where Hayden
was gripping it so tightly.
So Hayden wasn’t angry that Finnegan was making jokes about her. He was worried about Gloria.
Finnegan headed straight for his target, walking directly up to Gloria. Caleb stood beside Gloria, pretending to look wary of Finnegan. But he wasn’t surprised by Finnegan’s arrival.
Finnegan was the star of tonight’s show. For this, he had made sure Gloria dressed up according to
Finnegan’s taste in women.
Caleb chuckled lightly. “What have you been up to lately, Mr. Sadler?”
Finnegan ignored him, staring straight at Gloria, unable to look away.
“Did you bring this beauty? She’s not your girlfriend, is she?”
Gloria smiled. “No, we’re just friends.”
“Good thing you’re not a couple then. How about I take you to that new oyster bar across the street later?
The food is excellent. By the way, what’s your name, beautiful?”
As he spoke, his hand moved to rest on Gloria’s shoulder.
Caleb blocked Finnegan, smiling without warmth. “Mr. Sadler, Gloria isn’t feeling well. She’s just passing through for a quick visit. She can’t eat raw foods like oysters.”
His tone grew increasingly polite. “I wouldn’t want her to go with you and spoil your fun.”
Hayden immediately stepped forward, bringing Nicole with him. Nicole tried to break free from Hayden’s grip but failed and found herself drawn into the three–way confrontation.
Caleb smiled calmly at Finnegan and pulled Gloria behind him. However, this action undoubtedly enraged Finnegan.
Finnegan clenched his teeth, his eyes flashing with cold mockery. “I’m just inviting her for dinner. You’re being so protective, are you looking down on me? Think I’m not good enough to take your friend to dinner?
Caleb grew anxious. “It’s not like that, Mr. Sadler. My friend has health problems and really can’t eat raw
or cold foods.”
Gloria turned pale with fear, lowering her head without speaking, creating the kind of vulnerable
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appearance that stirred men’s protective instincts. Seeing her looking as if she’d been bullied, Finnegan grew even angrier for no reason.
“I want her to come to the oyster bar with me today, and there’s nothing you can do about it! Don’t test my patience here! If you piss me off, I’ll cancel all cooperation with your family’s projects!”
Caleb’s expression changed dramatically. He gritted his teeth, looking both restrained and humiliated.
Hayden glanced coldly at Finnegan and finally spoke up. “Mr. Sadler, Ms. Ashford here is my grandmother’s lifesaver.
Finnegan paused and turned around. Hayden then said lightly, “She has a heart condition and gets scared easily. Don’t frighten her.”
Hearing this, Gloria seemed to hit some kind of trigger. Tears suddenly streamed down her face as she
ran to hide behind Hayden, staying close to his side.
She said softly, “Hayden, I’m scared.”
She grabbed Hayden’s sleeve in front of everyone. Though there was no skin contact, the gesture was undeniably intimate.
The crowd’s expressions changed as they looked between Hayden and Nicole, their eyes filled with
gossip. Nicole clearly heard whispers floating behind her.
“Aren’t Hayden and Nicole supposed to be deeply in love? Where did this woman come from?”
“It looks like Hayden really cares about her. Don’t you think their relationship seems off?”
“Yeah, getting all touchy–feely with so many people around.”
Nicole felt disgusted and pulled her hand free from Hayden’s grip. He was stunned for a moment. Gloria immediately spoke up.
She said softly, “I’m sorry, Mr. Sadler. I really don’t want to go to the oyster bar. I’m disturbing your
evening. How about I toast you and leave right away?”
With that, she reached for a glass of alcohol. Strong liquor was practically lethal for someone with heart
problems. Hayden frowned and immediately snatched the glass from Gloria’s hand.
