Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 Don’t Be So Greedy

Beatrice stifled a cough.

Covering her mouth, she turned and ran.

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Damian was just about to shove Harper away when he heard the faint thud of hurried footsteps behind him.

The carpet dulled the sound of walking–but not running.

Damian glanced back–no one was there.

“Damian!”

Harper, reeking of wine, cupped his face with both hands.

Damian’s expression turned cold. He yanked her hands off and tossed her onto the sofa.

“Harper,” he said icily, “if you pull something like this again, I’ll loss you into the sea.”

He wiped his chin with the back of his hand–she’d almost kissed him.

Lying there, Harper whispered, “I know you walked away because of Aaron. But is it fair to blame me for his feelings? You never asked me what I wanted… you just gave me away.”

Chapter 31 Don’t Be So Greedy

Damian sat down across from her, calm and unshaken.

“I warned you–more than once. I thought you understood. Don’t be greedy.”

She looked up at him, eyes glassy, voice soft like a prayer.

“I only want you.”

He let out a sigh. “You need a therapist. Seriously. You’re not well.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“You’re right,” she whispered. “The day you told me you didn’t love me… that’s the day I got sick. And I don’t think I’m ever getting

better.”

*****

When Damian returned to the game room, Beatrice was already seated beside Killian.

She had considered hiding out somewhere quiet, but the risk of being caught sneaking back was too high. If Damian and Harper returned and realized she’d been gone… she didn’t want to find out what would happen next.

The safest move was to act like nothing happened.

“Mr. Crowley, you’re back,” Killian said, clearly relieved.

This kind of game wasn’t for the faint of heart. Killian admired Beatrice’s nerve–especially when she wanted to go all–in. Meanwhile, every time he tossed in a few extra chips, his pulse jumped.

He stood up.

Beatrice quickly followed suit.

“Sit down,” Damian said flatly.

“Huh?” She paused mid–motion. “I was just going to check on Ms.

Reed-”

“She’s resting. She doesn’t need you.” His tone was cool, with a hint

of irritation.

Beatrice blinked at him, confused.

Why was he upset that she offered to check on Harper?

Could he have misunderstood?

Did he think she hugged Harper out of interest?

No way. She wasn’t a lesbian! Why would he even think that?

Damian glanced at the extra chips. “Killian’s lucky.”

Beatrice smiled without saying anything, but a wealthy man nearby chuckled and said, “It’s the beauty next to you who brings the luck. Mr. Crowley, how did you manage to hire.

someone so stunning and smart? I envy you.”

His eyes, however, were glued to Beatrice’s chest, barely concealed beneath her cool–toned purple shirt. The way he leered at her–like he was mentally dragging her to one of the third–floor rooms–made Beatrice’s skin crawl.

She felt disgusted.

But all she could do was smile and stay silent.

Damian’s expression remained polite, but his gaze turned icy.

“Mr. Dixon,” he said flatly, “you might want to focus on your cards instead of ogling someone else’s woman. Or you’ll lose.”

The warning landed hard. Dixon quickly looked away, cowed.

The other men got the message too. No one dared leer again.

Beatrice was quietly pleased by Damian’s protectiveness, though not surprised.

He was a decent man at heart.

They played a few more rounds before finally ending the game.

The yacht returned to the marina.

Lila approached Damian and asked for his contact info. He nodded at Killian.

Chapter 31 Don’t Be So Greedy

Giving out his number wasn’t difficult–Nathan had it, after all–but giving it personally was a clear message–he wasn’t

interested.

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Lila’s disappointment was obvious, though she quickly covered it up with a smile and got the number from Killian.

She snorted lightly.

So what if he isn’t into me now? There is always time.

Killian sighed inwardly.

Another woman falling for Mr. Crowley and refusing to let go.

Beatrice, meanwhile, found Lila kind of charming.

After all, Damian wasn’t married. And Lila had no clue about his relationship with Harper. So why shouldn’t she shoot her shot?

Still, Lila was bound to be disappointed.

Just then, Harper returned–propped up by two waitresses.

She’d taken a nap, but it hadn’t helped much. She still looked half–asleep and more fragile than ever.

As the group prepared to disembark, Beatrice and Killian both held back. They didn’t dare move, just in case Harper started accusing them of molesting her again.

They turned to look at Damian, silently begging him to help her

for once instead of barking orders

In quiet agreement, the two of them got off the yacht first.

Damian was speechless

Harper leaned heavily on his arm. looking like she might collapse any second if he let go.

He couldn’t exactly leave the general manager of a subsidiary sprawled on the dock in front of everyone, so he braced her and helped her off the yacht.

At the marina, the driver opened the car door.

“Where’s your car?” Damian asked, supporting her as she slumped against him.

“No idea…” she mumbled, eyes shut. Then, without warning, she went limp and fell straight into his arms.

Damian gripped her shoulders, steadying her with a cold expression.

“Our paths are diverging. Harper,” he said coldly. “Call a driver or hail a taxi. Go home on your own.”

Beatrice and Killian were stunned.

He isn’t going to send her home? After everything? How cold could he be?

Chapter 31 Don’t Be So Greedy Beatrice’s thoughts flashed back to the kiss.

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They’ve kissed. Not long ago. And now… this?

Damian scowled at their hesitation. “Well? Hurry up and get her a cab.”

They scrambled to pull out their phones and fumble through the ride–hailing app. Beatrice glanced up, hesitating.

“Mr. Crowley… Ms. Reed’s really drunk. I don’t think it’s safe to let her go alone. Maybe we should send her back to the hotel?”

Damian let out a low, mocking laugh. “Nice suggestion.”

Beatrice fell silent.

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