Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 70

"Ms. Selwyn, shouldn't I be the one you're most grateful to?"

The room fell silent.

Cynthia didn't stop him. She simply rose from her seat, picked up her glass, and clinked it gently with the others.

"To everyone's good fortune in the days ahead."

Jenny found it impossible to swallow Benedict's arrogance. Just yesterday, she'd tried to make peace with him, only to be publicly snubbed. Now, watching him act so high and mighty in front of Dominic, she couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Who did Benedict think he was, anyway? Even if thanks were owed, she certainly wouldn't be thanking him.

If anyone deserved her gratitude, it was Cynthia.

"Mr. Shepard, you're right. I should thank you—after all, if it weren't for your connection to Miss Tremaine, I never would have met her or Mr. Holloway," Jenny said smoothly. "You certainly know how to pick a girlfriend."

Benedict, whose gaze had been glassy with drink, suddenly looked sharper and more alert.

He sat back, frowning as he studied the group. Though everyone wore polite expressions, there was a clear edge of derision and impatience in their eyes.

An awkward hush lingered for a few seconds before Dominic raised his glass and gently tapped it against Cynthia's.

"To Miss Tremaine—may your future be bright and prosperous."

Dominic's toast broke the tension, and the atmosphere grew lively again.

Benedict scowled, then reluctantly lifted his own glass and drained it in one go.

Everyone set down their glasses and began to gather their things to leave.

But Benedict dropped back into his chair, lingering behind.

Cynthia and Jenny collected their purses; Dominic, surrounded by the others, made his way toward the door. At the threshold, he paused and turned to Cynthia.

As a man, Benedict could sense the subtle change in Dominic's attitude toward Cynthia. Alarm bells rang in his head. He hurried after them, stumbling and knocking over a few hotel decorations as he went.

The commotion behind them made Cynthia frown. She started to glance back, but the man beside her spoke quietly.

"Eyes forward. There are steps ahead. Unless, of course, you'd like me to play the hero again—like I did this morning?"

Cynthia fell silent.

That morning, she'd nearly missed her footing on the stairs, and Dominic had caught her just in time—though his grip had been so strong, he nearly pulled her right into his arms.

She'd been distracted, but it hadn't been intentional.

Now, hearing him retell it, you'd think she'd done it on purpose.

Sometimes, she really wished she could just tape his mouth shut.