Stanley wondered when Nancy and Jacob had metâand why they seemed so close.
Nancy let Jacob guide her away, their fingers locked together, her face turning a deep shade of red.
They were holding handsâ¦
But before Nancy could fully enjoy the moment, the memory of that day outside the booth with Collin hit her like a ton of bricks.
Jacob only saw her as sweet and treated her like a little sister. The thrill sheâd just felt evaporated in an instant, and she wrenched her hand free from his grasp.
She had no intention of being his âsweet little sisterâ!
âDonât you want to go back to the room?â Jacobâs voice was tender, his misunderstanding clear.
âHow about I take you home instead?â
Nancy turned her face away, her voice cold. âNo, Mr. Murray. I can get home by myself.â
Ugh, he realized she was still mad at him.
Jacob removed his goldârimmed glasses, rubbing his brows with a sigh. As he leaned in close toward her, his voice took on a warm, indulgent tone. âNance, whatâs got you worked up this time?â
With his glasses on, Jacob seemed reserved and polished, but without them, he exuded a more assertive, confident energy.
They were so close nowâ¦
Nancyâs heart pounded as she met his intense, gentle gaze. Her thoughts were spinning out of control. She already had feelings for him, and now he was being so tender? That was downright unfair! How was she supposed to stay mad at him like this?
Seeing her anger fade, Jacob gently patted her head and spoke softly, trying to calm her down, âNance, was wrong. Can I apologize? Please donât stay angryâ¦â
He wasnât sure what heâd done to upset her, but he figured apologizing was a good start.
The moment the words left his lips, Nancy snapped out of her daze, her frustration building. She was even angrier now.
âYou donât even know what you did wrong! Youâre just dismissing me!â
Jacob hadnât expected his apology to make things worse, and he was at a loss for words.
âI hate you!â
Nancy yanked her hand away and stormed off. Jacob felt a headache coming onâhow had his attempt to make things right only made them worse? He quickly followed, trying to catch up.
But just then, a mocking voice cut through the tension. âThis is priceless.â
Wilson, standing a short distance away, wore a lazy smirk. He was clearly enjoying the spectacle.
âJacob, looks like youâre having a rough day.â
It was rare to see Jacob, usually so in control, getting put in his place like this. Wilson found it deliciously satisfying.
Samuel, nearby, almost burst into laughter. Wilsonâs gloating was too blatant to ignore.
Jacobâs face darkened immediately. âGet lost! Who do you think you are?â
Jacob wasnât surprised to see Wilson. This was the top restaurant in Jubilife City, a favorite for the elite to do business and socialize.
Wilsonâs devilish eyes glinted with even more amusement. âJacob, didnât quite manage to cheer her up, did you? Want me to give you a few pointers?â
For a brief moment, Jacob was tempted. But then he remembered how Wilson had used these same tricks to win over Yvette, and his fists itched to knock that smug grin off his face.