Chapter 1663:
Wearing a flattering smile, Della stepped forward, her eyes lingering on Harlee as if she longed to be right by her side.
âOh, Mrs. Green, itâs a pleasure to meet you. You like this restaurant too?â
Sinclair allowed Della to try ingratiating herself with Harlee. After all, even if Della failed, he had nothing to lose. But if she succeeded, he could ride her coattails to his own advantage.
Harlee abruptly spoke.
âToo noisy.â
Her voice was devoid of warmth.
The sheer force of Harleeâs presence made Della swallow the words poised on her lips. Rooted in place, she didnât dare move.
Rhys picked up a napkin from the table and handed it to Harlee. She took it, wiped her fingers with languid grace, and then casually tossed it in Dellaâs direction just as Della was about to reach out.
Harlee gently lifted her eyelids. Her eyes were dark and calm as she gave Della an indifferent glance. Her haughty demeanor commanded quiet respect.
âWatch your words. If you dare spout any more nonsense, I wonât hesitate to ruin your throat,â she said coldly.
Though Harleeâs tone remained even, the lethal intent in her eyes was enough to send a chill down anyoneâs spine.
Elva sat quietly, her gaze brimming with admiration toward Harlee. Harlee had demonstrated what it meant to be intimidating, and all it took was a single cool look and a few concise words.
Elva knew she still had a long way to go before developing even a slice of Harleeâs formidable presence. She resolved to cling tightly to this invaluable connection and absorb as much as she could, bracing herself to better deal with the Patterson family.
Elva turned to Harlee and said, âIf you find them annoying, just toss them out. I can curse them all day long once we get back.â
Sinclair stiffened at her words, unable to hold back.
âYouâ¦â
âWhat? Sinclair, didnât I warn you before? Donât provoke me again. Are you deaf?â Elva cut him off without so much as a glance.
Rhys casually grabbed a fork from the table and sent it skittering across the floor, landing near Sinclairâs feet. His gaze was cold and sharp as he said indifferently, âMy wife doesnât like your voice. If you say another word, Iâll ensure your familyâs future is destroyed.â
Convinced Rhys was referring to the Happer familyâs business empire, Sinclair felt the blood drain from his face. What he failed to realize was that Rhys was referring to his manhood. After all, Sinclair was the only child in his familyâs generation.
If Sinclair had known Rhys was targeting his manhood, his complexion would have turned ghostly white.
Sinclairâs gaze shot upward, and when his eyes locked with Rhysâ dark, unfathomable ones, a cold shiver ran down his spine. His legs trembled involuntarily. If that fork had landed just a fraction off, it would have skewered his foot.
The other guests on the top floor, though aware of the commotion, remained indifferent. After all, the kind of people who dined here were perceptive enough to mind their own business. They knew better than to watch a spectacle that wasnât meant for their eyes.
âLeave,â Harlee said indifferently.
Sinclair froze for a brief moment before quickly nodding. He grabbed Dellaâs arm and tried to usher her away.
But Della suddenly dug her heels in, turning sharply to glare at Harlee.
âElva, youâve disappointed me. Sinclair and I are practically your family! How could you just stand by and let your so-called friends humiliate us like this? Youâve gone too far!â
The smile on Elvaâs face vanished in an instant. Without a word, she strode forward, raised her hand, and struck Della across the face with a sharp slap. Before Della or Sinclair could recover, Elvaâs hand swung again, landing the same forceful slap on Sinclairâs cheek.
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