Chapter 253
Chapter 253:
Valeria’s brow was furrowed in worry. Beside her, Dorian stood with one hand buried in his pocket, lips tight, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You really think Leonino can get through to him? Or is he just putting on a little show to impress you p>
Valeria shot him a scathing glare. “Must you always be so cynical p>
Dorian’s scowl deepened, but he held his tongue as the two men returned. He pivoted toward Leonino. “That’s it? You’ve said your piece? Did it work? Come on, you really think a few words are enough to reform someone like p>
“Valeria, I was wrong,” Samuel cut in abruptly, his head bowed in genuine shame. “I swear, I’ll never pull anything like this again p>
“Well…” The sudden apology sucked the wind from Dorian’s tirade, leaving him standing there with his mouth half-open and an even darker look clouding his face.
Valeria let out a quiet breath of relief, though her tone remained stern. “Good. At least you know you screwed up p>
She squinted as she gestured toward the exit. “Then what are you still doing here? Go on. Get out of my sight p>
“Right! Sorry!” Samuel jolted as though he’d been slapped. He bolted out of the bar like a dog with its tail between its legs.
Once he was gone, Valeria turned to Leonino, curiosity softening her expression. “Dr. Prescott, I don’t know how you did it, but that was impressive. What did you say to him p>
Before Leonino could open his mouth, Dorian cut in, his voice dry as dust, “Oh, it’s not like he worked a miracle. I’m willing to bet our virtuous doctor just told Samuel that if he keeps playing with fire, he’ll end up with a disease he can’t get rid of—and not the metaphorical kind p>
Leonino gave a modest shrug, not denying it—though his version had been far more tactful.
Valeria rolled her eyes, groaning audibly as she shook her head. “Men. Honestly.” She turned on her heel and strode away without another word.
Leonino and Dorian trailed after her, both tripping over themselves to explain they weren’t like that.
But Valeria didn’t slow down. She marched straight outside, flagged down a cab, and slipped into the night without so much as a backward glance—leaving both men standing helplessly at the curb.
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They stood in silence for a beat, watching the cab vanish into the darkness. Then, as if on cue, they turned to each other. Brief eye contact. A cold exhale from both.
Then both turned away just as quickly, each muttering a scoff as they stalked off in opposite directions.
The next day, Dorian invited Alden and Helena out for a meal.
As soon as the dishes hit the table, Dorian stood and raised his glass. He offered Alden a smile—tight-lipped and hollow.
Alden rose to meet it, clinking his glass before downing the drink in one clean tilt. Dorian’s eyes never left him.
“I assume Leonino filled you in,” he said coolly.