Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 117

As the words settled, Carter sucked in a sharp breath.

His buddy only had eyes for Ms. Monroe. Being this brazen on someone else's turf... wasn't that pushing it a little too far?

Carter lowered his eyes, stealing a quick glance at the crowd's reaction, not daring to make a sound.

Guests in the sunroom stood frozen—some with teacups half-raised, others with pastries hovering in mid-air. Their attention was entirely captivated by the man's striking face; it seemed they hadn't even processed what he'd just said.

Sebastian stood before Audrina, separated by barely a single step.

His height blocked most of the light, casting a shadow that perfectly enveloped her, shielding the look in her eyes from the rest of the room.

Audrina quickly retrieved that tiny pebble sinking in the deep well of her heart and quietly tossed it away.

Her hand had already slipped out of Zachary's grasp.

Her eyes curved into a polite smile as she offered a brief nod. "Mr. Hawthorne, it has been a while."

Zachary smoothly extended his arm, wrapping it around her lower back. He pressed his palm firmly into her, shifting her posture to look even more intimate than before.

He forced down the cold, thin smile threatening to show in his eyes, lifting his lips just enough. "Sebastian. I was under the impression you wouldn't be making it today."

"How could I not? I'd make time for Waldo's birthday banquet no matter how busy I am." Sebastian shifted his gaze to Waldo. "Wishing you a long life and boundless happiness, sir."

"Sebastian, please, sit down," Waldo chuckled warmly.

The old man's gaze then landed on Carter. "Carter, you came too? You young people are always so busy, but it's wonderful to see everyone here today."

In those two agonizing minutes, Carter felt he had never been more invisible in his entire life.

Hearing Waldo call him out, he instantly plastered on a grin and trotted over to play the charmer.

The commotion wasn't exactly quiet, and guests from surrounding tables were beginning to glance their way.

Zachary shifted his stance, deliberately blocking half of Audrina's body from view. He turned to Sebastian. "Take a seat. We have a lot of guests today, sorry if we haven't been the perfect hosts."

"No need for formalities." Sebastian took in Zachary's possessive gesture, his eyes flicking to the side with lazy indifference. "Though it certainly looks like Ms. Monroe has her hands full."

Audrina paused. "...It's Waldo's birthday. I'm just doing my part."

Internally, she chewed over the words *'hands full'*.

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