Chapter 216
Chapter 216:
The growing attention only deepened her embarrassment, and she swore inwardly that everyone within earshot was silently judging her. Her glare at Yelena could have curdled milk.
The tension snapped as Tatiana strode over, stepping out of her car with the flair of someone who thrived on drama. Catching sight of Yelena, she paused for effect before her mocking voice rang out like a bell.
“Yelena, is this your new plaything? He’s easy on the eyes, I’ll give him that, but it’s a shame he looks like he couldn’t buy you lunch p>
Tatiana’s words hung in the air as her gaze flickered to Austin. He was hard to miss, after all.
His sharp features, piercing eyes, and an aura of quiet authority made him impossible to overlook. He wasn’t just handsome; he was the kind of striking that made people look twice—and then a third time for good measure.
Tatiana’s lips curled into a faint smirk. Handsome or not, men like him rarely came with deep pockets.
Her voice was deliberately loud, designed to draw Sonya into the fray. Sonya’s head turned, and the sight of Austin made her eyes widen in unabashed surprise.
This man was stunning, so much so that Roger, by comparison, felt like a faded photograph next to a vivid masterpiece.
Every movement he made exuded an innate sophistication, a magnetism that couldn’t be faked. Sonya had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from openly gaping.
What in the world? How had Yelena, of all people, landed this absolute dreamboat?
Her thoughts then took a sharp turn. Could he be one of those guys?
𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 gⲁ𝗅⁚𝗇𝗈⁚ν𝖊⁚𝗅𝘀⁚ⅽ⁚𝗈⁚𝗆
He had the height, the flawless looks, and the easy confidence that fit the profile perfectly.
Unable to resist, Sonya’s lips twisted into a saccharine smile, her voice laced with condescension. “Excuse me, sir, but… are you one of those nightclub escorts? Do you even know what you’re getting into with this woman here? She’s just some broke nobody—you’ll get nothing but disappointment sticking around her p>
Austin’s lips twitched with amusement at the absurdity of it all. A nightclub escort? That was a first. If nothing else, it was an unintentional nod to his looks.
A cold, mocking chuckle escaped him. “I know who she is,” he said, his voice smooth and razor-sharp. “And that’s exactly why I like her p>
Yelena’s heart thudded uncontrollably at Austin’s words. What nonsense was he spouting now?
And yet, what stunned her more was his calm demeanor. He wasn’t even ruffled by Sonya’s cutting insult. The man was the heir to Kheley’s most esteemed family, and here he was, mistaken for a common nightclub escort. Still, Yelena couldn’t help but marvel at the audacity of the Roberts women. They seemed utterly fearless, spouting off without a second thought.
They seemed to have absolutely no idea who they had just offended.
Sonya, oblivious to the storm brewing behind Austin’s piercing gaze, pressed on, her voice oozing condescension. “Look, sir, I’m just doing you a favor. The woman beside you isn’t as innocent as she seems. Stick with her, and you’ll regret it. She’s nothing but trouble p>
Austin’s patience snapped like a dry twig. His gaze turned steely, and his voice dropped to a chill that could freeze fire. “I don’t need your warnings. Do yourself a favor and shut your mouth. Hasn’t anyone ever told you how revolting your behavior is p>