Chapter 728: Chapter 728

Chapter 728:

However, Oaklee remained unruffled, gracefully withdrawing her hand. In truth, she had only shaken hands with Harlee once in their years of acquaintance, so the rejection didn’t faze her in the slightest. Recalling Kelley’s failed attempts to sow discord, Oaklee leaned closer to Harlee and whispered, “Miss Sanderson, some people think Rhys and I are a match because we’re close in age.

But rest assured, there’s nothing between him and me. I tend to admire remarkable women like you more than men like him.”

With that, Oaklee winked at Harlee. She wasn’t lying.

Ever since she’d commissioned her first custom piece from Janessa Studio, she had admired Harlee and aimed to befriend her.

But Harlee’s aloof demeanor had always made it difficult to bridge the gap.

Rhys, overhearing Oaklee’s words, frowned instantly.

Flirting with Harlee in his presence? Oaklee was certainly testing her limits.

“Oaklee, you’re crossing the line.”

Harlee, unfazed, took Rhys’ hand and teased, “She’s a major client of Janessa Studio.”

Oaklee blinked, momentarily stunned, before her eyes brightened at Harlee’s serious yet teasing tone.

Had she finally caught Harlee’s attention?

Clearing her throat, Oaklee looked at Harlee and asked, “May I call you Harlee from now on?”

Harlee withdrew her gaze, replying indifferently, “As you wish.”

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Oaklee was momentarily speechless. Well, Harlee’s reserved demeanor wasn’t going to change overnight. It was up to her to put in the effort to build their relationship. Undeterred, Oaklee grinned and said, “Harlee, do you enjoy cocktails? I’d love to mix something special for you.”

Harlee’s lips curled into a slight smile.

“Why not?”

The crowd was utterly flabbergasted. Where was the explosive drama they had been anticipating? They had been so looking forward to a shouting match, only to witness an unexpectedly cordial exchange.

Weren’t these two women supposed to be rivals in love? Instead, the crowd watched in disbelief as Harlee and Oaklee struck up an unlikely camaraderie. This wasn’t the dramatic confrontation they had hoped for. Speculation ran wild, but none dared to voice their thoughts aloud, fearing they might offend Rhys.

Oaklee led the way, with Harlee trailing behind at a slower pace—until Kelley intercepted her halfway.

Kelley had pinned her hopes on Oaklee putting Harlee in her place, but instead, Oaklee had practically gone out of her way to please her.

Frustrated, Kelley decided to take matters into her own hands.

Clenching her fists, she let tears stream down her face, confronting Harlee directly.

“Miss Sanderson, please talk to Bartley for me. I’m begging you. I don’t want to break up with him. I love him more than anything. Without him, I’ll die.”

Harlee stopped in her tracks, her blank expression fixed on Kelley.

Bartley? For a moment, the name failed to ring a bell.

Her brow furrowed, and when she spoke, her tone was icy.

“Then go ahead and die.”

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