Chapter 264
Chapter 264:
No one in their right mind would take a fickle playboy at face value, and Stella certainly wouldn’t.
She saw exactly what Shaun was doing: provoking Marc just to watch him squirm.
Yet the more Marc bristled at Shaun, the more Stella found herself siding with Shaun, if only out of mischief.
Glancing at Marc with a sly glint in her eye, Stella smiled sweetly and remarked, “Well, if you and I click, Mr. Smith, why shouldn’t we give it a try?”
Marc’s hands shook with barely contained rage. If not for the crowd, he might’ve caused a scene right then and there.
First William, now Shaun—how many men was Stella planning to cozy up to?
Did she think he was some kind of joke?
His voice cracked through the noise. “Stella, you’re not going anywhere with him!”
Shaun arched a brow, rubbing his ear in feigned annoyance. “Mr. Walsh, maybe try an indoor voice next time.”
He tossed Stella and Sharon a sly grin. “Let’s head upstairs. It’s a lot quieter up there—and we won’t have to worry about anyone listening in.”
The three of them slipped away, their laughter echoing down the hall, while Marc was left simmering, fists clenched and jaw tight.
Stella paused just inside the private room, glancing over her shoulder at Shaun. “Thanks for stepping in earlier,” she said, her voice even.
A slow grin spread across Shaun’s face as he studied her, his amber eyes glinting with mischief. “I wasn’t just trying to rile him up, you know. Honestly, you’ve caught my interest.”
Stella stared at him, caught off guard by his candid admission.
Was he actually being serious, or just spouting nonsense?
Narrowing her eyes, she stated, “I don’t find those kinds of jokes amusing.”
Shaun only laughed, a low, careless sound. “Come on, Stella. Lighten up. You really couldn’t tell I was joking?”
His relaxed tone finally put her at ease, and she exhaled, the tension in her shoulders fading.
Shaun flashed a half-smile. “If you really want to show your gratitude, why not keep me company for a few drinks? I’m drinking alone over here—kind of tragic, right?”
Stella almost turned him down, but the memory of Shaun stepping in on her behalf softened her stance. Having a drink together felt harmless enough.
Sharon gave Shaun a playful glance, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Fine, drinks are on me tonight. Consider it payback for having Stella’s back earlier!”
Downstairs, Marc slouched in his chair, his gaze flickering toward the upstairs private room. Frustration etched deep lines across his face.
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