Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 2

Vera bit her lower lip hard. Why was this woman acting like the legal wife? They weren't even married yet! Calling him 'darling' in front of everyone—how shameless could she be? Zachary had already promised her that once Audrina came back this time, he would absolutely break off their engagement!

With so many people watching, Vera put on a fake smile and reached out her hand. "Hi, Audrina."

But Audrina had already pulled her hand back as if she hadn't seen it, turning her back to take off her coat. The heating in the private room was on full blast.

Underneath, she wore a black cashmere dress that perfectly hugged her slender waist. Her slightly wavy long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her flawless makeup completely masked the fatigue of a long-haul flight. A delicate silver chain earring dangled from her lobe, ending in a tiny diamond that caught the light with every sway, making it impossible to look away.

Even though Vera was the principal dancer of a ballet company, she looked incredibly plain standing next to Audrina.

Audrina casually draped her coat over the armrest of the sofa without looking, intentionally covering Vera's clutch.

Vera's face turned incredibly ugly. Her lips parted as if to say something, but Audrina turned around first, squeezing right into the space between her and Zachary.

"Scoot over a bit," Audrina smiled at Vera. "Sorry, Zachary and I haven't seen each other in ages, and I want to sit close to him."

The crowd around them exchanged awkward glances. Someone tried to smooth things over. "Uh, since Audrina just got back, let's all sit down and chat—"

"No need." Zachary cut the man off, his voice turning icy. He looked down at Audrina, his gaze heavy and oppressive. "I have important business tonight. You should head back first. The car is outside; I'll have Porter take you."

Audrina didn't move. She tilted her face up to look at him, still wearing that same smile, though her eyes were a little less bright. "What kind of business? You can't bring me along?"

"Work stuff." Zachary's tone was already laced with impatience. "You've been on a plane for a long time. Go back and rest."

Vera had recovered her wits by now and cast a sidelong glance at Audrina. Then she sat nearby, pursing her lips into a tiny, soft smile. "That's right, Audrina. Zachary is discussing a project with us. You just got back, so you might not understand the situation. Let him explain it to you slowly later."

So she bought a ticket for today, landed, and headed straight here. She had verified everything in that email. There was absolutely no way this marriage was happening. Whoever wanted Zachary could have him; she was breaking off the engagement!

Zachary stared at her, clearly displeased.

Before he had a chance to say another word, the door to the private room was pushed open from the outside.

Everyone inside looked over to see a man standing in the doorway, his hand resting casually on the door handle.

His gaze bypassed Zachary entirely and landed straight on Audrina's face. His thin lips curved slightly.

"Sorry I'm late."