Jupter 317 <b>A </b>Joke
As soon as he finished speaking, a hand mped down hard on Charles‘ shoulder,
letore he could whip around to see who it was, he got yanked back.
ught off guard, he staggered, sending his cottage cheese and fruit breakfast bowl flying, sttering him from head to toe
Though his clothes shielded him, the mess left him looking like aplete wreck.
harles clenched his tongue against his cheek, raised his head, and locked eyes with William. The smallenged on William’s lips, but his demeanor hinted at achill
‘Mr. Middleton, let’s keep this civilized. What’s with the hands–on approach?” Charles quipped.
Van fixed him with a stare. <b>“</b>Can you even talk civilly, Mr. Davis?”
‘Of course I can. Why wouldn’t I?” Charles shrugged off his jacket, balled it up, <b>and </b><b>tossed </b>his expensive custom suit into the trash without batting an eye.
With a sly grin, he <b>quipped</b><b>, </b>“Heard you yed hero for Ms. Hovenst night at the hospital<b>. </b>Appreciate it.
“Next time, though<b>, </b>shoot me a call After all, as her potential boyfriend, I’m supposed to be the one looking out for her, you know?”
William adjusted his cufflinks. This caught Emelie’s <b>attention </b>as she noticed his suit looked oddly <b>familiar</b>. Wasn’t that what <b>he </b>worest night? Didn’the leave?
No way.
Emelie dismissed the thought immediately.
William always wore ck suits that were practically indistinguishable. She was so out of itst night, she couldn’t see clearly, let alone recognize his ttes.
<bm’s </b>tone <b>chilled</b><b>. </b><b>“</b>Might as well tell me that when you’re no longer a ‘potential boyfriend, Mr. Davis. “‘
Charles shrugged casually, “past a word’s difference. No big deal ”
William fixed his gaze on Emelle, his expression a puzzle. Emelie started to speak but found herself at a loss for words.
Ashton, William’s secretary, stood nearby. Emelie hadn’t seen Ashton at the Navarro residencest night. She had assumed William had arrived in Weston with only Elena,
Ashton spoko politely, “Mr. Davis, we were just outside the hospital and noticed a traffic officer towing a Ferrari parked on the street. From the tes, it looks like yours. Should you go down and handle it?”
Charles nced over at Ashton, his tone respectful. “No worries, let them handle it ”
“That’s a <b>limited </b>edition cat. 1 bet it’s worth millions. If it gets damaged during towing, the repair costs will be through the roof. Plus, it’ll need to be shipped back to the factory for repairs, which is a hassle. Mr. Davis, you should really go downstairs and take a look,” Ashton urged.RêAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
Charles remained firm “<b>Money’s </b>no problem for me. Don’t sweat it, sweetheart.”
Emelie chimed in, “Mr. Davis, I’m good to go. They’re about to discharge me, and I’m heading straight to the office. You should handle your car first”
Charles gave her a quick look and nodded decisively. “Okay, if you <b>say </b>so. Call me anytime if you need something”
“will do,”
“Emelie replied
Charles brushed past William without a word and made his way out
Ashton quietly stepped back, giving them both room.
Emelie sat on the hospital bed, craning her neck to meet William’s gaze. His strong, sculpted features reminded her of <b>their </b>conversation the previous night.
She had been unwell then, which exined her outburst. Nowposed and clear–headed, she rebamed to her usual polite yet reserved demeanor.
“Thank you for your helpst night, Mr. Middleton.”
William’s expression remained stoic. “If you’re grateful, then settle the fare.”
The face.
Elie gritted her teeth as a surge of unnameable frustration hit her. After a moment, she nced around<b>, </b>spotted her phone under the pillow, <b>and </b>retrieved it
“Three million dors divided by 180 days, then divided by four rides a day, <b>makes </b>it about four thousand dors per ride. I’ll transfer the four–thousand<b>–</b>dor fare to you Emilie said
She tapped open her payment app and began typing in four thousand just as she <b>was </b>about to transfer the money, William grabbed her wrist abruptly.
Emelie cleared her throat and looked up at William. “Mr.Middleton, didn’t you ask for the fare?”
“Can’t you tell that <b>it </b>was a joke?” William’s gaze bore into hers.
Emelie hesitated. “A joke?”
William’s voice lowered. “Don’t you like that kind of banter?
Emelle was taken aback by his assumption. “I don’t”
“And yet you joke andugh with Charles,” William pressed, his tone sharp.
“When I made a shudlerment, you acted as it were a huge insult, like I wanted to shame you. But with him, it’s fine. Ms. Hoven, don’t you see the double standard here?–