Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Chapter 419 She Wants to Be With Me

Gloriana's emotional and seemingly vulnerable demeanor made her appear like the victim, distancing herself from any blame. Dominic didn't buy it, though. He couldn't help but find it a bit unsettling that someone who could sell out their own sister could be so calculating. Gloriana had come alone that day. It was obvious that Yelena wasn't around.

Thinking back to the last time when Yelena had left with Leonard, Dominic casually shifted the conversation. "What happened with Yelena and Leonard that day?"

Gloriana responded with a touch of sarcasm. "What else could it be? Everyone knows she dislikes Leonard because he's a bastard. Now, she wants to go back and butter him up. Do you think that'll work?"

As expected, Dominic didn't comment. Instead, he continued to drink in silence, one glass after another.

Gloriana noticed his mood and, understanding the situation, silently poured him another drink.

Suddenly, a thick hand grabbed Gloriana's wrist. "Last time, you stood me up, but you're not getting away this time. Joville's not that big. It's a small town. You can't avoid running into people. You picked the wrong person to mess with!"

Hughes from before. The two sisters had originally agreed to go with him, but after meeting Dominic, Leonard, and lan, they had left him

earlier in the evening. He wasn't there at first, but he was already drunk when she arrived. He reeked of alcohol, and

tried to struggle free, instinctively inching closer to Dominic and

no choice but to pull him into her defense. "Mr. Hughes, I

join you next

you get close to big shots like him, but you also got him to seek you out again. How could I possibly let someone like you hang out with

was too much, spilling some of the drink onto Dominic's hand and the table. Dominic's eyes flashed with disgust, but he didn't react. He calmly set his glass down, wiped his hand with a napkin, and

quickly helped

over the waiter to bring fresh glasses. She

working with

Dominic was somewhat tipsy and