As Tessa almost lifted me off the seat, I pushed her away with all my might in desperation. She then stumbled and fell onto the ground, causing the air to fill with momentary awkwardness.
She looked at me in resentment. “What are you doing, Scarlett?”
“I’m sorry, Tessa. I didn’t mean to,” I said apologetically, equally taken aback.
Just then, Ashton and his group of friends were already making their way toward us.
Probably because Tessa was in his way, Ashton shot a quick glance at Joseph, who helped Tessa up from the ground.
Out of politeness, Ashton asked, “Miss, are you alright?”
Looks of grimace instantly disappeared from Tessa’s face as she stood up and replied softly, “Thank you. Scarlett and I were just talking about you. She said you guys are pretty close.”
I frowned. When have I said that?
There were glistens in Ashton’s eyes as they fell on me. His voice was low and reserved as he spoke, “Have you eaten?”
I nodded at the common pleasantry. The way the group of men who continued to fix their gazes at me, however, was making me uneasy again.
A middle-aged, plump man who stood behind Ashton seemed to have picked up some cues as he spoke eagerly, “Well, looks like you’re a good friend of Mr. Fuller’s. What’s your name, Miss? You should join us for karaoke.”
It seemed like he had mistaken me for someone who might have a thing for Ashton.
I smiled faintly while shaking my head. “That’s okay. I actually got to go. You guys should go ahead without me.”
As I was about to leave, Tessa grabbed onto me, scanned the few people, and said, “It’s not every day that we bumped into someone we know. Since Mr. Watson has extended his invitation to us, it’ll be rude for us to say no.”
This is Derek Watson?
My brows furrowed a little as I studied the portly man.
It would seem that Ashton had come to A City for business indeed.
A self-satisfied grin appeared on the man’s face upon hearing Tessa’s flattery. It was one to indicate words well said.
Ashton looked at me with his brows slightly raised to indicate his disapproval of Derek’s comment earlier.
After spending so many years together, I knew him too well. Before he could respond, I chimed in with Tessa, “Ah, it’s Mr. Watson. Please forgive me. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Derek let out a loud chuckle. He was so pleased with himself as though nothing else matters.
He then extended his hand to pull me inside their private room. My instinct was to avoid his hand, but Tessa had walled up my only escape route.
My senses were overcome with disgusts; my whole being was against the idea of being led into a room by a gross, fleshy man.
As my fight or flight response was about to lean toward the latter, I was pulled into a familiar, strong arm.
Standing firmly next to me, Ashton said in his commanding voice, “Let’s move.”
Everyone was startled and Derek’s hand was frozen awkwardly in the air before he quickly withdrew it and let out an uncomfortable smile. “Haha, Mr. Fuller is efficient as always. Let’s go.”
As we walked away, I could not help but notice half of my body was enclosed by Ashton, the sight was more than suggestive to any outsider.
I tried to rub my arm from Tessa’s excessive force just now when Ashton’s deep voice rang softly, “What’s the matter?”
Shaking my head, I simply said, “It’s nothing.”
Tessa was walking next to Joseph. Her chilly vision landed on me and Ashton.
If I didn’t know why Tessa changed her mind and decided to befriend me earlier. Now it was clear as day to me.
With someone like Ashton, even the most esteemed socialite will surrender herself in his charms, let alone a commoner like Tessa. Besides, in her mind, despite her mediocre look and stubby build, she possesses the highest of self-esteem, not unlike those characterized by classic narcissistic personality. In her feel-good world, it’d probably take someone like Ashton to qualify for her matching prerequisites.
Inside the private room, a few of them ordered some alcoholic drinks and started to loosen up.
Before long, a few escorts arrived to keep the men company.
Joseph was a married man and had always steered clear of such regards. Ashton, on the other hand, pulled me over to sit next to him.
There were now about four to five men, each having a good time singing and dancing with the young and beautiful ladies.
While Tessa tried to keep her cool in a corner, Joseph excused himself to get some fresh air outside.
As for Derek, as much as he seemed like one who was inclined to self-indulge, he was here for business. Therefore, after a while, he got some of the girls to keep topping Ashton’s wine glass and whispered something into Tessa’s ear.
