Chapter 31

Chapter 31:

With a shaky hand, Sadie reached for the bottle and poured herself half a glass of wine. Normally, wine was a familiar comfort, but tonight, with the flutter of nerves in her stomach and the knowledge of her pregnancy, it felt like a betrayal.

The scrutinizing eyes of the onlookers burned into her, spotlighting her every move.

Kyla watched from across the room, her chin propped on her entwined fingers, a sly smirk curving her lips. Her eyes sparkled with mockery, enjoying the unfolding drama with a predatory glee.

A deep crease formed on Mack’s forehead as he paused, clearly torn on whether to speak.

Platt, however, watched with anticipation, as if waiting for the main event to begin.

Under the intense scrutiny of those around her, Sadie drew a deep, steadying breath and tipped the glass back, the wine disappearing in a single, determined gulp.

The moment the liquid scorched her throat, a fierce burning sensation erupted, sending her into a fit of violent coughing. Her body bent over in response, hands clutching the edge of the table for support, her posture a stark display of agony.

“Oh dear, Sadie,” Kyla exclaimed, her voice thick with mock concern as she delicately covered her mouth with a slender hand, her eyes twinkling maliciously. “Is that truly the extent of your tolerance? Surely, you’re not pretending?”

Mack’s expression softened, concern washing over his features. “Are you alright, Sadie?” he asked gently, his voice low and filled with worry.

Sadie waved her hand, a feeble attempt to dismiss their concern. Words failed her as the turmoil churned in her stomach, leaving her nearly voiceless.

“Really, Miss Hudson, if you didn’t wish to drink, you could have simply said so. But to drink and then cause such a spectacle? What are you trying to prove? Are you challenging me?” Platt’s expression darkened, his displeasure palpable as he took in Sadie’s disheveled state.

The atmosphere in the private room grew thick with tension, the air charged with an uncomfortable silence.

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Amidst this, Kyla cleared her throat with an uneasy giggle, then turned apologetically toward Platt. “Mr. Crawford, I’m truly sorry for this lapse. It seems I haven’t disciplined my team well enough. Please, don’t take it to heart.”

Kyla turned sharply to Sadie, her demeanor shifting to one of stern reproach. “Miss Hudson, what has gotten into you today? You’ve never behaved this way before. Quickly, apologize to Mr. Crawford—he’s one of our key clients!” Her words cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory, piercing Sadie’s composure.

After battling a wave of nausea, Sadie managed to steady herself. She raised her pale face, eyes narrowing as she caught the flicker of smug satisfaction dancing in Kyla’s eyes. With a cold, mocking sneer, Sadie retorted, “Kyla, is this the best you can do—resorting to such petty schemes?”

Her voice, though soft, carried a chilling undertone that instantly wiped the smugness off Kyla’s face. Kyla, taken aback, struggled to respond.

Ignoring Kyla’s flustered state, Sadie pushed herself to her feet. She knew she needed to leave—now more than ever.

With shaky steps, she made her way out of the private room, each step echoing her resolve to escape the stifling atmosphere.

As Sadie rushed for the elevator, her thoughts collided with each other like a storm, but one resolve cut through the chaos—she would no longer tolerate being pushed around or bullied, especially not by Kyla.

Just as this determination solidified, the elevator chimed open.

In her haste, Sadie rushed inside, colliding with a man exiting the elevator. The impact sent a jolt through her body. Through the thin fabric of his shirt, Sadie could feel the firm contours of his muscles, a clear indication of his physical strength.

The man’s face twisted into a frown, an irritated grunt escaping him as he prepared to scold the careless intruder. However, his reprimand faltered as his gaze fell upon Sadie—the very woman who was supposed to be resting at home. A surge of frustration built within him, threatening to overflow.

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