Charlene’s mind raced to everything that had happened to her back there as fear, panic, and lividity ravaged her.

But now was not the time to lose control. She recalled how Brendan tried his best to maintain his composure and defended her despite being humiliated by the ordeal. It meant that he still cared about her and had enough care and love for her that he could not bear to watch her suffer.

She had to secure this man!

If Brendan decided to abandon her, those people she had been forced to work with… they had even less reservation about abandoning her, too. Someone whose reputation had gone down the sh*tter to the elite circle could not possibly rise up on their own ever again!

After squaring the pros and cons of her options, Charlene turned on her heels and left quickly.

The waitress watched her darting away, and the smug grin on her face disappeared. Solemnly, she said, “She’s gone, Miss McKinnon.”

Deirdre rubbed her arms, which were cold from being exposed to the AC. “Ph