Crushed Affections

Gloriana's emotional and seemingly vulnerable demeanor made her appear like the victim, distancing herself from any blame. Dominic didn't buy it, though. He couldn't help but find it a bit unsettling that someone who could sell out their own sister could be so calculating. Gloriana had come alone that day. It was obvious that Yelena wasn't around.

Thinking back to the last time when Yelena had left with Leonard, Dominic casually shifted the conversation. "What happened with Yelena and Leonard that day?"

Gloriana responded with a touch of sarcasm. "What else could it be? Everyone knows she dislikes Leonard because he's a bastard. Now, she wants to go back and butter him up. Do you think that'll work?"

As expected, Dominic didn't comment. Instead, he continued to drink in silence, one glass after another.

Gloriana noticed his mood and, understanding the situation, silently poured him another drink.

Suddenly, a thick hand grabbed Gloriana's wrist. "Last time, you stood me up, but you're not getting away this time. Joville's not that big. It's a small town. You can't avoid running into people. You picked the wrong person to mess with!"

Gloriana turned pale when she saw the newcomer. It was Andrew Hughes from before. The two sisters had originally agreed to go with him, but after meeting Dominic, Leonard, and lan, they had left him hanging. Andrew had seemed fine on the surface, but secretly, he had held a grudge.

Gloriana had noticed Andrew earlier in the evening. He wasn't there at first, but he was already drunk when she arrived. He reeked of alcohol, and his words slurred.

Panicking, she tried to struggle free, instinctively inching closer to Dominic and sending him a pleading look.

However, Dominic's expression remained neutral. He made no move to intervene. Gloriana had no choice but to pull him into her defense. "Mr. Hughes, I came here with Mr. Miller

today. Can I join you next time?"

Andrew squinted at her, finally noticing Dominic sitting nearby. His drunken haze seemed to clear a little, and reluctantly, he let go of her wrist. "You really know how to work things, don't you? Not only did you get close to big shots like him, but you also got him to seek you out again. How could I possibly let someone like you hang out with me? Mr. Miller, we're bound to run into each other in places like this. Come on. Let me toast to you."

With some liquid courage, Andrew grabbed Gloriana's drink and clinked it against Dominic's glass a bit too hard. The force was too much, spilling some of the drink onto Dominic's hand and the table. Dominic's eyes flashed with disgust, but he didn't react. He calmly set his glass down, wiped his hand with a napkin, and headed to the restroom.

Gloriana quickly helped Andrew up

and settled him down, casting a quick glance at Dominic. Then, she called over the waiter to bring fresh glasses. She knew about Dominic's obsession with cleanliness,

especially after working with him at Miller Corporation.

Later that night, Dominic was somewhat tipsy and decided it was time to leave.

Gloriana approached him, holding his now-dry coat and standing by his car. "I... Can I go with you?"

The rain had lessened to a drizzle. Dominic's vision blurred from the alcohol as he looked at her and bluntly asked, "Do you want to sleep with me?"

Gloriana's face flushed. "Mr. Miller... You can trust me to keep this between us. I won't say a single word. Bella won't find out."

Dominic didn't reply. He simply got into the car, not accepting the coat from her.

Gloriana understood the unspoken message. His lack of rejection implied his consent. Her heart raced with excitement as she quickly hopped into the passenger seat.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.