Chapter 116
Chapter 116:
She walked away. Anson moved to stand and follow — but a waiter materialized out of nowhere, stepping neatly into his path with a leather bill folder.
“The check, sir?” the waiter asked, with perfect innocence.
Eliza slipped out the door.
Eliza stepped out into the cool night air, the adrenaline of the confrontation draining away at once.
As it faded, a sharp, twisting pain stabbed through her lower abdomen.
She doubled over, gasping. It wasn’t just a cramp — it was a full spasm. The stress of the past few days combined with her cycle had created a perfect storm of agony. She leaned against a lamppost, one hand clutched to her stomach.
Lance burst out of the restaurant behind her, waving the folder. “Eliza! The deal — you didn’t say yes or no p>
“I can’t marry you, Lance,” she gasped, squeezing her eyes shut against the pain.
“Why? The money is good. The position is elite,” he argued, entirely oblivious to her posture.
“Because I love someone else,” she said, her voice strained but clear enough for the whole street to hear.
“The invisible husband?” Lance scoffed. “He doesn’t exi p>
𝖣o𝘄𝗻𝗹oa𝖽а𝖻𝗅e P𝖣F𝗌 𝗼𝗻 𝘨alո𝘰𝗏еl𝘴.c𝗈𝗺
A car door slammed. Heavy, rapid footsteps struck the pavement.
Dallas emerged from the shadows like a thundercloud — jacketless, sleeves rolled up, his face a mask of dark fury.
“She said no,” Dallas growled.
Lance stepped back, instinctively retreating from the sheer size and radiating aggression of the man. Recognition crossed his face. “Koch,” he stammered. “This is your p>
Dallas ignored him. His eyes had already found Eliza — pale, hunched, her hand pressed to her stomach. The fury vanished from his face, replaced by raw, frantic alarm. He was at her side in an instant.
“Eliza? Are you hurt? Did they touch you p>
“It hurts,” she whimpered, unable to straighten up.
He didn’t ask questions. He didn’t hesitate. He lifted her into his arms, bridal style, and turned toward the car.
“Hospital?” he asked urgently.
“No — just — cramps,” she managed, burying her face against his chest. He smelled of cedar and soap.
Dallas paused for a fraction of a second as understanding settled over him. He nodded.
He carried her to the Rolls-Royce, walking past Lance, who stood gaping on the sidewalk. He settled her gently into the back seat and climbed in beside her.
“Weston, go,” he said.
He placed his large, warm hand on her lower stomach, directly over the source of the pain. The heat seeping through her dress brought immediate relief.
“Is this all right?” he asked, his voice rough with concern.
“It helps,” she whispered, letting her head fall back against the seat.
The car merged into traffic.
“You heard me,” she said suddenly, eyes still closed. “About loving someone else p>
Dallas went still beside her. The hand on her stomach paused for a single heartbeat.
“I heard,” he said. His voice was carefully guarded.
“It wasn’t a lie this time,” she admitted softly.