Chapter 28

Chapter 28:

“So, who would like to do me the favor?” Her tone, laden with arrogance, left no doubt that refusing her request was not an option. As Noah’s rumored girlfriend, Kyla was someone that many sought to ingratiate themselves with.

Her voice barely carried over the crowd when a flurry of volunteers sprang forward, vying for her attention. “Miss Wade, allow me to accompany you!”

Kyla’s lips curled into a knowing smirk, her satisfaction palpable. Yet, with a shrewd glint in her eyes, she ignored the eager faces and fixated on Sadie, who remained nestled in the…

Solitude settled in the corner as Sadie remained still, her gaze fixed on Kyla, who now addressed her with a provocative undertone. “You, Sadie,” she declared, her red lips parting slightly.

Sadie’s head snapped up, her eyes locking with Kyla’s chilling stare. The message was clear.

As if on cue, the room’s attention shifted towards Sadie, spotlighting her with an intensity that felt almost palpable.

“Why so quiet? Don’t tell me you’re unwilling to do me this favor,” Kyla continued, her voice sweet, yet beneath the honeyed tones lay an unmistakable edge of coercion.

Fists tightening subtly at her sides, Sadie wrestled with the urge to decline. Now, more than ever, with her pregnancy, staying away from such dinners was the wiser choice. But before she could voice her objection, Kyla’s attention snapped to another male colleague.

“Mack, why don’t you join us as well?”

Her voice was smooth and undeniably enticing as she addressed the male colleague with effortless charm.

Mack Walsh, who had been dozing off, jerked to full alertness. A hint of eagerness lit his eyes as he responded, his voice a mix of surprise and delight, “Absolutely, Miss Wade. It would be a pleasure.”

As Sadie watched the exchange, a cold realization washed over her. Kyla was orchestrating a spectacle, a deliberate move to corner her into submission, to strip her of the option to decline. It was a power play meant to showcase dominance, and Sadie was the chosen pawn.

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Forcing a calm facade, she took a deep breath and curved her lips into a smile at Kyla. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the company, Miss Wade.”

Together, the three of them made their way to a private room at a restaurant. Mack took the lead, his steps brisk with newfound importance, while Kyla and Sadie followed, their pace more measured. Sadie could feel Kyla’s eyes on her, studying her, dissecting her every move with a mix of curiosity and a subtle glint of victory.

As they approached the door, Kyla halted abruptly, wearing an apologetic smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Mack, Sadie, I apologize for imposing this social obligation on you both. As you’re aware, I’ve just returned from the hospital due to my heart condition, and the doctor has expressly forbidden me from drinking. However, this collaboration is vital, and if the occasion calls for a toast later, I’ll have to rely on you,” Kyla stated with a charming smile, her tone laced with subtle persuasion.

Mack immediately thumped his chest with a reassuring grin. “No worries at all, Miss Wade. You’re a valued guest of our company, and it’s admirable that you’re still pushing through for us despite your illness. Managing the drinks is the least we can do to help!”

Kyla nodded appreciatively, her satisfaction clear. However, her smile waned as she turned to Sadie, her voice adopting a slightly sharper tone. “Sadie, your dedication precedes you. Even before I came aboard, I heard tales of how you immerse yourself in work, earning quite the ‘workaholic’ badge. I trust you’ll handle this situation with your usual flair, right?”

The term “workaholic” struck Sadie like a sharp jab to the heart. It was clear that Kyla was intentionally putting her on the spot, trying to rattle her in front of Mack.

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