Chapter 789

Still, Elliana had been itching for a chance to win him over. Since he’d practically handed himself over on a silver platter, why not seize the chance? With a sly grin, she nudged Adah toward the booth. “Well, with this gentleman’s generosity, how can we possibly say no? Let’s go!” Find the newest release on find·novel·net

Adah, however, wanted nothing to do with Allan. She shot Elliana a sharp glare, muttering under her breath, “You’re unbelievable. Using me to get to Cole—you are such a boy-crazy traitor.”

“Oh, please,” Elliana whispered back with a smirk. “Playing along for your bestie once won’t kill you.”

Though their voices were low, Cole caught every single word. He watched Lilah press Adah down into the seat, a faint sneer playing at his mouth. She was desperate, so much so that she dragged her best friend over just for the chance to get close to him. But beneath his sneering facade, a secret part of him reveled in it. He might mock her as a heartbreaker, yet he couldn’t deny the thrill of being the focus of her attention.

Allan, seeing right through Cole’s act, simply smiled. “Come on. Let’s take a seat.”

Allan settled in first, sliding into the chair across from Adah.

Cole paused briefly and then strode over to sit opposite Elliana.

“What would you ladies like to drink?” Allan asked, his grin broadening.

Adah wasted no time. “The finest, most expensive red wine you’ve got.” She figured that since he wanted to chase her, he should pay for the privilege. Maybe an eye-watering bill would be just the thing to kill his interest.

“Alright,” Allan said smoothly, unfazed. Then, he turned to Elliana. “And for you?”

Before Elliana could answer, Cole cut in.

“Juice for her,” Cole said nonchalantly. It was as if Lilah were his wife, and he’d decided for her hundreds of times.

Lose yourself in stories on gα?ησν?s?com

The room went still. Every head swiveled in his direction.

Allan let out a low chuckle. “Cole, don’t you think Miss Briggs can speak for herself?”

Cole blinked, startled by his own words. They had tumbled out unfiltered and automatically. A quiet warning bell had simply gone off inside him, telling him alcohol and Lilah were a risky mix, even though he couldn’t put his finger on exactly why.

Elliana studied Cole, a subtle crease forming between her brows. Did he remember her tendency to sleepwalk when drunk? Did that mean he hadn’t completely forgotten her?

But then Cole added dryly, “Miss Briggs tends to get a little too friendly with handsome strangers. Alcohol might only encourage that.”

And just like that, whatever hope had flickered in Elliana’s chest fizzled out. He had no recollection of her at all. He was just looking for a chance to mock her. Was he essentially calling her a flirt? Unbelievable. She might as well show him what being a flirt truly meant.

Elliana gave Cole a sly side-eye but said nothing.

Adah, however, wasn’t having it. She turned to Allan. “Isn’t your friend being a bit presumptuous? Miss Briggs just stepped into the wrong car today, but that’s not a crime, and certainly not an invitation for character assassination.”

Allan laughed awkwardly, trying to keep the air light.

Adah turned to Cole, her tone laced with mockery. “Oh, don’t flatter yourself. Miss Briggs has no interest in men already spoken for. She prefers flirting with hot, available bachelors.” She caught sight of a young waiter nearby and pointed at him. “Like that one.”

.

.

.