Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 21

Over the next few days, Audrina buried herself in preparations for her exclusive interview on Tuesday.

After that day, Claire completely backed off.

Audrina had made things crystal clear. She had absolutely no interest in a man like Roland Ladd. Claire understood that and finally believed it, which put her mind at ease. As a result, she became incredibly cooperative at work. She handed over documents promptly, went over scripts without complaint, and her entire attitude improved drastically.

Audrina was genuinely busy. She left early and came home late every day, often not getting back until midnight, washing her face, and passing out the second her head hit the pillow.

But someone else was losing his patience.

It had been nearly a week since they exchanged numbers. He had sent two messages, both sinking like stones in the ocean.

Sebastian leaned back on his office sofa, staring at their chat history for a long half-minute.

Then, he made a call. "Zachary. It's been a while. Let's grab dinner tonight."

Zachary agreed readily.

That evening, when Sebastian arrived at the restaurant, a soft, delicate laugh drifted from the private room. He pushed the door open.

Sitting next to Zachary was Vera.

Sebastian's gaze swept quickly over her face before he took a seat across from the couple.

"You ask me to dinner and then show up late," Zachary feigned anger. "Your punishment is a few extra drinks later."

Vera nodded at Sebastian, her smile elegant and polite. "Hi, Mr. Hawthorne."

He gave a faint "Mm" in acknowledgment.

The server came in to pour their drinks, and Sebastian lowered his eyes. He had assumed Zachary would bring Audrina. He had arranged this dinner specifically for her. Yet, instead of the woman he wanted to see, he was faced with Vera.

No one understood Zachary's situation better than he did. He was the one who had people take those photos, and he was the one who compiled the evidence. Every single "gift" Audrina received had passed through his hands.

"So, Sebastian, what's keeping you busy these days?" Zachary asked, pouring him a glass of wine. "I heard Everest Law Group took on another massive case?"

"Yeah." Sebastian picked up his glass and clinked it against Zachary's. "It's the end of the year. Just wrapping things up."

Zachary paused. "What do you mean?"

Sebastian cast a cool glance at Vera. "Are you really just going to keep Ms. Yates strung along like this?"

The woman tightly gripped the napkin in her hand, desperately awaiting Zachary's answer.

He reached out, wrapping an arm around Vera's shoulders, and kissed her cheek. "Vera is understanding. She won't pressure me."

Vera obediently lowered her head, the corners of her mouth curving up, even as her eyelashes fluttered downward.

Zachary sighed helplessly. "Sebastian, it's not that I want to have it both ways. I just can't break up with Audrina right now."

Sebastian picked up his glass, taking his time before taking a sip. "Tell me about it. Let's see if I can help you."

Zachary opened his mouth. "It's mostly because of my grandfather..."

Then he glanced at Vera. She was looking at him, her eyes brimming with a mix of grievance and desperate hope.