章 32: The Ties That Bind is Broken      

Zachary's words were drawing the attention of the surrounding patrons, whispers spreading like wildfire.

If I refused now, after his relentless insistence, it would definitely cause more of a scene.

And some of these people might report my behavior back to my family. Rejecting the Johnson heir wasn't just a bad idea—it was a dangerous one.

The more I dragged this out, the worse it would make them look. It was better to get this over with quickly. As soon as Claire arrived, I would have the perfect excuse to leave with her then.

I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to drag my feet toward their table, every step feeling heavier than the last.

Zachary's grin widened as I approached, while Ella's smile only grew brighter. But Cole . . . his face remained stony, his brows furrowed in a permanent knot of displeasure. He didn't want me there as much I didn't want to be there, that much was clear.