Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121 Don't Scare the Boy

Beatrice sat paralyzed, Damian's scathing words landing like physical blows. She forced two strained chuckles before pointedly turning away in her seat.

Of course. 

Damian loathed arranged dates, and she'd unwittingly facilitated this one.

No wonder he'd unleashed his fury on her during the call.

Under Anastasia's scrutiny, Beatrice managed only a painfully awkward smile from her chair. Damian, surprisingly, didn't press further, turning back as well.

Across the table, Ethan and Killian suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.

When Violet finally wandered into the restaurant, the surreal scene before her—two tense tables, Anastasia's glare, Beatrice's stiff posture—made her pause mid-step.

Am I hallucinating?

"Ms. Hudson." Damian's velvety voice stopped her.

Violet blinked, momentarily mesmerized.

"Join us."

Anastasia's jaw dropped as Violet hesitated.

The tall woman in her dark blue tracksuit—all effortless beauty and lazy arrogance—was receiving the attention Anastasia had begged for.

The injustice burned.

Hours of meticulous preparation, only to be ignored, while this... this casual woman—

Her heart shattered like dropped crystal.

Ethan waved enthusiastically, his grin stretching ear to ear. "Ms. Hudson! Over here!" He gestured to the empty chair beside him with exaggerated flourish.

Noticing that there were no available seats at Beatrice's table and swayed by Ethan's exuberant welcome, Violet decided to take a seat for the time being.

"You seem unwell," Ethan observed professionally, pushing a glass of water toward her.

"Ah, it's a nightmare. I ate some cantaloupe on the highway, and it gave me such a severe case of diarrhea that I was on the verge of collapse. I seriously doubt they laced it with laxatives," Violet lamented.

"Speaking of cantaloupe, I once grabbed a piece from the fridge and ate it. I nearly passed out in the bathroom that day. My vision went completely black. Turns out, that cantaloupe had been sitting in there for over a week." Ethan shared.

"You're incredibly reckless. Over a week! It's a wonder you didn't succumb to diarrhea!" Violet exclaimed.

The two of them then delved into a detailed exchange about their experiences of suffering from cantaloupe-induced diarrhea.

Violet seemed entirely unconcerned about upholding a demure and ladylike image.

Anastasia listened in astonishment.

How could she utter such indelicate words?

She stole a glance at Damian and was taken aback to find that he didn't bat an eyelid at Violet's remarks.

Is he not at all put off by such unrefined language?

What stung Anastasia most was Damian's sudden gentleness as he leaned toward Violet. "You shouldn't eat recklessly. Take better care of yourself."

To Violet, this was peak hypocrisy. "How... considerate of you, Mr. Crowley," she replied, voice dripping with disdain.

Damian's smile didn't waver. "What brings you to Solhaven, Ms. Hudson?"

"Focus on your date, Mr. Crowley." Violet's eyes flicked to Anastasia. "We wouldn't want... misunderstandings."

"Date?" Damian chuckled. "Ah, my chatty secretary's fabrications again. You'll forgive her overactive imagination, I hope."

Violet's eyebrows shot up.

She stole a glance at Anastasia. "You mean... this isn't—?"

"Absolutely not," Damian confirmed.

Violet's posture relaxed instantly.

Leaning in, she whispered behind her hand, "I knew it. You're not that sort of man. So... you made Beatrice babysit your blind date?"

Damian's silence spoke volumes.

Anastasia's chair screeched as she stood.

The sight of their intimate whispers—Damian's smile never afforded to her—was unbearable. She fled, her friend scrambling after.

Outside, Anastasia's tears fell freely. "How could he—"

"Friend's little brother." Violet shrugged. "Had a crush for years. Smart kid—pounced the second she was single."

She found great delight in observing Damian in a jealous state.

It was truly amusing.

"You're her closest friend." Damian's knuckles whitened around his fork. "Tell her he's not serious."

Violet smirked. "They're adults. If sparks fly..." She leaned in. "Don't you crave sweet romance?"

The temperature at the table dropped.

Ethan and Killian exchanged glances.

Childhood friend?

This kid planned his move.

Beatrice remained oblivious to the hushed whispers going on behind her.

She swiveled around, intending to beckon Violet over to join her.

However, she was met with Damian's icy stare, his expression deadly serious. "Come outside with me," he commanded.

Beatrice blinked in bewilderment.

What on earth is wrong this time?

I'm certain I haven't done anything to provoke him, have I?

Damian rose to his feet, and Beatrice had no option but to follow suit.

"Beatrice..." Theodore also stood up, a look of worry etched on his face.

But the moment Damian fixed him with a murderous glare, he promptly plopped back down into his chair, cowed.

"Stop scaring him," Beatrice snapped.

Damian laughed—a sharp, dangerous sound. 

Defending her beau now, is she?