The high-end restaurant was steeped in the scent of polished wood, the perfume of its diners, and the elegant hum of conversation. Lauren moved with a firm step, Theo at her side, paying no mind to the tension in the air. Mason stood off to one side, motionless, arms crossed, his cold stare saying nothing and yet more than any words could. His presence was like silent ice, marking distance—and still he didn't step into the small dispute playing out in front of him.
With a slight smile, Lauren laced her arm through Theo's and raised an eyebrow at Luke, who was watching her with a mix of irritation and surprise. Her tone was easy, almost playful.
"Tell me, Luke… how many men do I have around me? Who do I go out with or not go out with?" she asked, tilting her head. "It's really none of your business."
Silence fell over Luke. Lauren went on, giving him no time to answer, launching the jab she knew would disarm him.
"Or does it bother you because you'd like to be the one in my place?"
Luke paled, the words stuck in his throat. Lauren's smile turned to a subtle blade—she knew his weak spot and didn't hesitate to use it. Then she added, without a shred of mercy:
"Maybe you should focus on women at your level, if you really want someone who fits your standards…"
Luke went white, unable to answer, his anger swelling and his hands trembling faintly. Amused, Theo laid a light hand on Lauren's shoulder and murmured:
"I think that's enough. Don't let it ruin your dinner."
Lauren gave him a look of approval, ignoring Mason's presence entirely, and headed for the table with a decisive stride, leaving Luke unable to move. Mason, though, never took his eyes off Lauren; his face showed a contained irritation, a mix of frustration and surprise. Lauren's refusal to submit was a direct blow to his pride, and the combination of her rejection of him and her possession of the jade pipe only deepened his unease.
Luke, noticing the tension churning in Mason, muttered more to himself than to…
After the Divorce, My Ex-Wife Turned Out to Be a Billionaire
Chapter 57: What It Means to Say No
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