Chapter 210

Chapter 210:

Madisyn’s eyes narrowed slightly. She sensed that today’s bridge game had an underlying motive. The wealthy lady’s sudden mention of Josie wasn’t just a coincidence—Carly must have orchestrated it.

Carly chimed in, “Yes, Josie has always had a soft spot for Dane over the years. What do you think, Elaine?”

Elaine paused, considering her words carefully. After a moment, she replied, “I’ll bring it up with Dane later.”

“Alright,” Carly said with a smile, and they all laughed it off before returning their attention to the bridge game. Madisyn observed that Carly subtly let Elaine win several hands, a display of the delicate social dance that high society often required.

The level of subtlety in their interactions was impressive. The game continued until around five in the afternoon. Then Elaine called Dane, mentioning Josie. “If you’re interested, you might want to spend some time getting to know her better.”

Dane’s response was flat. “I’m not interested in her.”

Elaine sighed, her concern deepening. She knew Dane too well. “But Dane, you’re not interested in anyone. Are you planning to stay single forever?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

“There is someone I like…” Dane began, but a knock on the door of his office cut him off. He hung up, surprised to see Josie enter.

“Hi, Dane!” she greeted with a confident smile, clearly dressed to impress. “How about dinner tonight?”

Dane’s reply was cool and steady. “Sorry, I already have plans.”

Josie’s smile faltered, confusion flickering in her eyes. Hadn’t Elaine mentioned her to Dane? Why was he still so indifferent?

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“But…” Before she could continue, another voice cut through the air from behind her. “The way you keep repeating his name, it looks like you are trying to win a crowning contest!”

A woman emerged, slipping her arm around Dane’s with a casual air. “Sorry, Josie, but Dane’s already spoken for.”

Josie’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at the woman. “You?”

“What do you mean, ‘You?’ Stop clinging to my boyfriend and move on,” the woman, Evie, said with a fierce tone that left no room for debate.

Josie’s face flushed with disbelief. “How could Dane possibly be interested in someone like you?” This woman exuded an untamed energy, a stark contrast to the refined elegance of the other ladies. Evie, smirking with confidence, replied, “Well, he is. Isn’t that right, Dane?”

Dane looked at Evie, his expression resolute, and nodded.

Josie’s heart shattered at his confirmation. The man she had admired for so long had chosen someone else. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took one last, devastated look at them before stumbling out of the room.

Once outside, she shakily dialed Carly’s number, her voice breaking. “Mom… Dane has a girlfriend…”

“Are you sure? Who could it possibly be? In all of Gemond, who besides you could be worthy of Dane?”

“She’s an entertainer—Evie! I remember seeing her with Madisyn,” Josie spat out, her voice thick with anger. “Madisyn must have had a hand in this!”

Carly’s demeanor turned icy and calculating. “A minor entertainer? There’s nothing to worry about. They’re just dating, not married. And even if they were married, we could still tear them apart.”

Carly’s words managed to calm Josie down, sparking a renewed sense of determination in her. She wasn’t about to give up without a fight.

Just as she turned to leave, Josie’s eyes caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance. Was that Susan? Normally, Josie would have seized the moment to ridicule her, but today, her mind was too clouded with her own troubles. She continued on without a second thought.

Unbeknownst to Josie, Susan was struggling to keep herself composed, her face pale and strained. After a moment to steady herself, Susan approached the door of Dane’s office and caught sight of Evie talking to Dane. Were they really in a relationship?

The sight made her heart ache. Pressing her lips into a thin line, Susan quietly turned and walked away, battling the emotions churning inside her.

Evie let go of Dane, a sly smile playing on her lips. “How did I do? Is that enough to save you from a bad romance?”

Dane gave a nod of approval. “I really should thank you for that.”

Evie waved off his gratitude. “No need for thanks. I just can’t stand people who don’t know when to quit.”

Dane, however, seemed distracted, his eyes flicking to his watch as if he were waiting for something or someone. Noticing his preoccupation, Evie added, “Actually, I came to talk to you about something. Kian won’t leave me alone, and I was hoping you could help me deal with him.”

“Consider it done,” Dane replied, though his attention remained elsewhere. Realizing he was busy, Evie decided to leave without further interruption.

As she walked out of the office, she spotted a woman standing near the elevator, looking lost and distant.

“Are you okay?” Evie asked, her brow furrowing in concern as she studied the woman’s dazed expression. Evie couldn’t help but admire the woman before her. Her skin was flawless, and her features were delicate and endearing. There was something about her that Evie instantly liked.

Susan looked up and was momentarily stunned by Evie’s radiant beauty. The sight made her feel even more inadequate. Of course, only someone as beautiful and kind as Evie could deserve Dane.

The realization deepened her heartache, and she turned away, leaving with a heavy heart.

Meanwhile, Dane remained in his office, waiting. He meticulously rearranged the afternoon tea he had prepared, making sure everything looked perfect. But as the minutes ticked by, his anticipation began to wane. It had been half an hour, and still, there was no sign of her.

Unable to wait any longer, Dane picked up the phone and called her. “Where are you?” he asked.

“I’m so sorry I can’t make it today. Something came up!”

Dane felt a pang of disappointment, but he kept his voice steady. “I understand… Is everything okay?” There was a long silence on the other end before she finally said, “I’m sorry. I have to go back to my hometown for a blind date.”

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