Chapter 28 Cafe Clashes
+8 Pearls
Justin didn’t even glance her way but walked straight up to Adeline and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. His action was gentle and natural, as if it were something he was accustomed to doing.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” he said.
That simple sentence seemed to freeze the air in the room.
Justin’s arrival was like a sudden storm, elevating the atmosphere inside the boutique to its peak.
He approached Adeline with deliberate steps, his gaze as steady as the ocean, making everything around him seem merely like a backdrop.
Adeline stood still, her dark eyes unrippled. She looked up slightly, meeting his gaze, and a silent tension filled the air.
“I’m sorry I’m late, Justin’s voice was low and gentle, yet carried an undeniable force.
Michelle paused, then displayed a sweet, ingratiating smile, Justin, your timing is perfect! We were just picking out a dress, and Adeline is the star today.”
She emphasized the name “Adeline” heavily, her tone dripping with feigned closeness yet tinged with sarcasm.
Justin didn’t spare her a glance, instead reaching out to grasp Adeline’s cold fingertips. His touch was gentle yet possessed an irresistible authority. Adeline flinched slightly, instinctively trying to pull her hand away, but he held it even tighter.
“From now on, no one can bully you,” he said, looking down at her with a calm voice that resonated like a vow.
The room fell silent at his words. Michelle’s smile froze, while Paige and Alicia looked on in astonishment. Murmurs began to ripple through the crowd of onlookers.
“What’s going on? Mr. Justin is actually backing her up?
“Could they really be engaged?”
Speculations and whispers swirled like a tide, but Justin seemed utterly deaf to them. He raised his head, his piercing gaze sweeping over Paige and Alicia with a chilly authority.
“Who was just insulting my fiancée?” His voice was soft, yet sent shivers down the spine.
Paige instinctively stepped back but soon stiffened her spine, “Mr. Justin, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I was just joking around, no harm meant.”
Alicia quickly echoed, “Yes, how could we dare offend her? If our words caused any misunderstanding, please forgive us.”
The two appeared to be respectfully apologizing but neatly sidestepped any responsibility. However, their maneuvers did not escape Justin’s notice.
He looked at them coldly, his lips curving into a mocking smile, “A misunderstanding? Should I have someone record and play back what you said?”
His ruthless remark changed Paige and Alicia’s expressions instantly. They wanted to argue further but were silenced by Justin’s stern look.
“Security,” he spoke calmly.
The mall security hurried over, the lead guard cautiously asking “Mr. Justin, what do you need?”
“Escort these two ladies out, his tone remained even, but every word was firm, “and from now on, they’re not allowed to step foot here again.”
“Justin, on what grounds are you doing this! Paige finally burst out, her eyes wide in disbelief, “I am a daughter of the Conor family! By doing this, you’re slapping the Conor family in the face!”
“Oh?” Justin raised an eyebrow at her. “Then you can have your father come talk to me. But until then, please leave.”
His demeanor was ice–cold, allowing no room for negotiation. Paige, trembling with rage but powerless against Justin’s domineering presence, could only bitterly spit out, “We’ll see about that,” before storming off.
Seeing no alternative, Alicia sullenly followed. The boutique was left in awkward silence, with only Justin, Adeline, and a visibly embarrassed Michelle remaining.
Adeline looked down at her fingers still held by his, the unfamiliarity of his large, distinct knuckles causing a stir of discomfort. She struggled gently, finding he did not loosen his grip.
“Enough,” she looked up, her voice nearly as cold as her expression, “this is only making things more difficult for me.”
Justin frowned slightly, his gaze probing. He released her hand but didn’t step back, instead murmuring. “The ones who should feel embarrassed are those trying to shame you, not you yourself.”
His voice was soft but carried a compelling power, involuntarily drawing belief. However, Adeline merely glanced at him lightly and then turned to walk toward the door.
