Chapter 350
Joshua shifted, blocking Bruce’s line of sight to Shermaine.
Bruce knew it was rude to stare, especially at a married woman. But that faint, familiar scent he had caught 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 that she thought about it, there was something familiar with his eyes. Odd, considering her usually impeccable memory couldn’t place where she had seen them before.
Joshua gave her hand a light squeeze, his brow furrowing.
Shermaine looked up. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Are you hurt?” Joshua bent slightly to speak closer to 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 bulk, 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 had no choice but to storm off in frustration. Any chance of winning Bruce over was long
gone.
Molly shot Shermaine a meaningful glance, which Shermaine acknowledged with a faint smile.
The familiarity between them was unmistakable. Fred wasn’t blind to it–but he said nothing. Molly had connections to someone of such formidable influence, even willing to intercept Karina for her, that spoke volumes.
Besides, Fred had long wanted to forge ties with Joshua. The York family was rarely associated with families like the Carlton family, who operated in both legal and shadowy realms. Joshua’s presence tonight was entirely Molly’s doing.
Fred offered Shermaine a few conciliatory words, oozing concern, even summoning a servant to bring out 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.”
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Chapter 350
“I have several exceptional bottles in my collection. Let me have them brought for her,” Fred sald eagerly.
Shermaine was about to decline when Joshua spoke, “We’d be grateful for your generosity, Mr. Carlton.”
Though Fred’s focus remained on Joshua and Shermaine, he didn’t neglect 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 pretty good.
