Chapter 262
Xavier quickly tried to comfort him. “Mr. Sherwood, it’s not too late now that you know. There’s still time to make amends.”
A lingering despair darkened Kingsley’s eyes. “Is there? She avoids me like the plague.”
“Sincerity can break down even the highest walls, Mr. Sherwood,” Xavier said with quiet conviction.
Kingsley didn’t reply. His phone buzzed with a message from the family group chat.
The elder Mrs. Sherwood had sent: “Bacchus is officially off the market.” It was followed by a photo of Sophie Sutherland.
He gave it a passing glance and immediately exited the group chat, terrified that saying a single word would draw unwanted attention to his own mess.
When he arrived at the club, Peter had already set up the drinks. Seeing him walk in, Peter stood up for a hug. “Kingsley, Happy New Year!”
Kingsley shoved him away, his tone icy. “Back off.”
Peter stumbled a bit and muttered defensively, “I ordered your favorite red wine just for you.” Kingsley took off his coat and sat down. He accepted the wine glass Peter handed him, gave it a gentle swirl, and cut straight to the chase. “When did you meet Seven?”
Peter thought for a moment and clicked his tongue. “Just a few days after you went back to the States before the holidays. Lucy… she threatened me. Honestly, it still sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. A woman who can run The Monarch is definitely not one to mess with.”
Kingsley stared at him with a predatory gaze, and Peter instantly realized he had said the wrong thing. He hastily tried to do damage control. “I just meant Lucy is incredibly capable, don’t read into it!”
Taking a sip of wine, Kingsley’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “You’re just useless.”
Peter let out a nervous laugh. “Fine, I’m useless. The two of you are the powerhouses. Neither of you are people to be trifled with.” He picked up a cigarette from the table and offered it. “By the way, does your son acknowledge you?”
Disappointment seeped into Kingsley’s voice. “No. As far as he knows, he doesn’t have a father.” With that, he downed the rest of his wine in one gulp and glanced at the offered cigarette.
“I’m quitting. No thanks.”
“Are you serious?” Peter looked utterly baffled.
He knew better than anyone how heavy Kingsley’s nicotine addiction was. “Why the sudden need to quit out of nowhere?”
Kingsley cast him a look and simply said, “You wouldn’t understand.” He poured himself another glass and drank in silence.
Watching his friend’s desolate
profile, Peter couldn’t help but pry. “You’re right, I don’t get it. But I am dying to know-just how badly did you hot Lucy back then that she would rather raise a child all by herself than have absolutely
anything to do with you?”
Kingsley offered no response. He merely finished his drink in another swift gulp. Seeing that he was in no mood to talk, Peter wisely shut his mouth and dropped the subject.
Back in the States, Bacchus had barely set down his silverware when the elder Mrs. Sherwood slid a black card across the table. Her tone was absolute. “Dating funds. Take it.”
Bacchus picked it up, his thumb lazily tracing the textured numbers on the card as a slight smile touched his lips. “No need. It’s enough that she provides for me.”
“Excuse me?” The elder Mrs.
Sherwood’s brow twitched with fury. Her hand paused in mid-air as she fought back the urge to smack tim over the head. “Have you no shame You are eight years older than her, and you’re letting this young girl pay for you? You’re an embarrassment to the Sherwood family!”
Bacchus slid the card right back into her palm, maintaining his casual drawl. “I can’t help it; she insists on providing for me. I still have some pocket change of my own anyway.”
Rendered entirely speechless by his shamelessness, the elder Mrs. Sherwood could only heave a heavy sigh before shoving the card back toward him.
“Just take it! You need to surprise
her every now and then. She’s so much younger than you, so you better treat her like a queen. If you mess this up and scare her away, see how I deal with you!”