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Chapter 23: The Business Dinner Humiliation (Pt 2)

Penulis: Sire Bliss
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-10-30 00:02:42

Despite everything, I almost smiled. “You hate these things too?”

“Despise them. All small talk and fake smiles and discussions about stock prices.” He gestured to the room. “Everyone here is trying to take something from someone else. Money. Connections. Status. It’s exhausting.”

“Then why come?”

“Same reason you did. Obligation.” His eyes were kind. “Though I suspect your obligation is more complicated than mine.”

I didn’t respond. Couldn’t.

Across the room, Adrian was introducing Vivian to someone. His hand on her lower back now. The same gesture he’d used on me earlier.

“I should find my table,” I said quietly.

“Of course. Though for what it’s worth, Serena, you deserve better than this.”

“You don’t know anything about my situation.”

“I know enough. And I know you’re stronger than you think you are.” He started to walk away, then paused. “If you ever need anything, the offer still stands.”

He disappeared into the crowd before I could respond.

Dinner was a nightmare.

I was seated a
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