Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 99

Chapter 99 A Terrible Boss

It was Scarlett.

It had been a while since Beatrice last saw her, but as always, Scarlett exuded her signature sweetness and charm.

Scarlett waved her over. "Darling, over here."

Her flirty call drew the attention of everyone nearby, with several people turning their heads to glance in her direction.

Everyone knew about Beatrice's messy fallout with the Belmont and the Fairfax families. The people here were more informed than regular internet users, and they had all heard about how Beatrice had managed to get close to the powerful NobleQuest Group heir. Everyone was eager to get in her good books.

But they also didn't want to offend the Belmont and the Fairfax families.

The safest bet, they thought, was to remain neutral.

That was the crowd's unspoken playbook. You didn't have to cozy up to Damian through Beatrice, but if you wanted to rile up the Fairfax family, all it took was a big, public smile with Beatrice.

Scarlett, however, couldn't care less about those. To her, they were just a bunch of cowards.

She had seen her share of storms in life. Her world split neatly into what she loathed and what she loved, no gray in between.

"Scarlett!" Beatrice called back, warm and familiar.

She leaned in and whispered something to Damian before heading toward Scarlett.

As soon as Beatrice walked away, the crowd stirred, eager to seize the rare opportunity to approach Damian. He rarely attended social events, making this an even rarer chance to interact with him.

But then, to everyone's shock, Damian followed Beatrice. "What's the rush?" he asked.

Beatrice's face was a picture of innocence.

I'm not! I'm just going to chat with a friend.

He pressed on. "Am I some terrible boss you can't stand to be seen with?"

She nearly choked.

Seriously? We're in public! Quit saying stuff like that! It's terrifying!

People will think I put a spell on you or something.

Nearby, some of the onlookers overheard, and a few were so shocked they dropped their glasses.

Beatrice rolled her eyes inwardly.

See? You just spooked a bystander to death.

Scarlett, who was watching from the side, widened her eyes.

Well, well, well... so it's really happening? And the infamous Damian Crowley is actually the needy one in this relationship? Girl, you're making history!

Beatrice had walked in feeling confident, but Damian's words suddenly made this feel like a couple's night out—like he was meeting her friends for the first time. Heat crept up her neck as the awkwardness set in.

She walked up to Scarlett, feeling uneasy.

"Mr. Crowley." Scarlett greeted him first.

Damian nodded, engaging in a casual chat with her for a few moments.

Meanwhile, Beatrice took the opportunity to grab two glasses of wine, handing one to Damian.

At that moment, Xavier approached them.

After a brief exchange of words between the two influential figures, Xavier invited Damian inside.

Before stepping away, Damian glanced at Scarlett. "Look after Ms. Lawson for me, will you?"

"Oh, don't you worry! I'll take good care of her." Scarlett grinned, her smile wide and mischievous.

Damian strode off, disappearing into the crowd.

Beatrice felt the weight of a dozen eyes boring into her. She caught the faint panic in their stares.

Do I look like a T-Rex or something?

Scarlett looped an arm through hers. With a proud grin, she teased, "Spill! How did you get Mr. Impossible to turn into Prince Charming? You've got skills, girl!"

Beatrice sighed, "Let's take this outside."

"Sure!" Scarlett was thrilled.

The two made their way to the outdoor terrace.

From a distance, Beatrice spotted two mutual friends she shared with Desmond. Upon seeing her, they raised their glasses with smiles but didn't approach.

The two sank back into their seats again.

Beatrice reached for her glass, but then another voice chimed in, "I heard she's completely bewitched him. He's so obsessed, he's with her day and night until he's totally worn out!""

Cough! Cough!

Beatrice nearly choked.

Seriously, who comes up with this nonsense?

She started to rise, fuming, but Scarlett pressed her down, whispering with mock solace, "Let them blab. Mouths are theirs, right?" Then, with a sly pause, she leaned in. "So... is he worn out?"

"How the hell would I know?" Beatrice couldn't help but snap.

Scarlett giggled, delighted at getting under her skin. "Wow, you two are actually keeping it professional?"

"I'm there to work," Beatrice groaned.

Great. So it wasn't just office gossip or jealous coworkers anymore—apparently the whole world had decided she was sleeping with Damian.

And supposedly succeeding at it.

Who knew she had such an impressive imaginary love life?

"Oh, come on. Of course people think that way. He's intervened several times in the issues between you and the Belmont and Fairfax families. Then, there's the way he's been so clingy with you tonight. It's hard not to let the imagination run wild," Scarlett said, still chuckling.

Beatrice just stared, dumbfounded.

Fine. I give up defending myself.

Scarlett nudged Beatrice. "Hey, what's with that expression? Even if the rumors about you and him get spread, it's not like you're losing out."

"Oh, I'm thrilled. Thinking of getting a banner made tomorrow to hang up and bask in the glory!" Beatrice shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

She sighed. She might lose her mind eventually.

Meanwhile, in the innermost room, Damian leaned forward slightly and asked, "So, that person showed up?"

Xavier nodded. "Of course. Why else would I call you last-minute?"

Damian's lips curved into a subtle, appreciative smile. "Thanks for this, Mr. Langley. I owe you one for this favor. If you ever need anything, just say the word."