Chapter 9

Cedric let out a sudden, humorless laugh, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. "Playing hard to get? That won't work on me, Liliana. You'll be the one crying in the end."

She turned away, hiding the tears welling in her eyes.

Just then, Mr. Wheatley emerged from the restaurant. "Mr. Forrest, I look forward to a successful partnership."

Cedric's expression instantly shifted. The scorn he reserved for Liliana vanished, replaced by a charming smile. "As do I. Please, feel free to stay in the city for a few extra days. Sylvia would be happy to show you around."

Mr. Wheatley laughed. "I wouldn't dare steal her away from you. She's all yours!"

Sylvia pulled up in a car and got out, joining Cedric on the steps. "Mr. Wheatley, allow me to take you back to your hotel."

"The honor is all mine, Ms. Woods," he said, beaming.

Cedric leaned in close to Sylvia, his hand resting on the small of her back as he murmured, "Be safe." She nodded before leading Mr. Wheatley away, not sparing Liliana a single glance. It was as if she didn't recognize the woman in front of her, or perhaps she was deliberately ignoring her.

Liliana watched them go, her lips pressed tightly.

She had to admit, Sylvia was an impressive woman.

Was this the type of woman Cedric truly desired? The admiration in his eyes when he looked at Sylvia was something she had never received. It made Liliana wonder what she was to him, if she was anything at all.

He flaunted his special treatment of Sylvia right in front of her, with no regard for her feelings.

She lowered her head, revealing the pale, slender curve of her neck. Her ears were still flushed from their argument.

Cedric's gaze on her became unexpectedly intense.

The image of her in that gown was seared into his mind. He swallowed, his throat suddenly tight, and took a step closer, pulling his car keys from his pocket. His tone was still condescending, but there was an offer beneath it.

"Do you have a ride?"

He knew she didn't. He was giving her an out, a chance to come home with him.

But Liliana didn't take it. "Aside from the fact that we are one step away from a divorce, whether or not I have a ride is none of your business."

Cedric's face tightened with fury. He was offering her an olive branch, and she had the audacity to slap it away.

"My patience with you has run out, Liliana. Don't push it." His tone was a world away from the gentle one he had used with Sylvia just moments before.

The stark contrast was another blow, and a wave of despair washed over her. Her throat constricted, and she couldn't speak, her eyes blurring with tears.

"Is there a rat around here?"

of

Juniper's loud voice cut through the tension he appeared out o nowhere, circling Liliana with a look of mock terror. "If you see a rat, you should run! You don't want to get bitten!"

Juniper had been spoiled her whole life and feared no one in Riverbend City's business circles. While the Sewell family couldn't compete with the Forrest empire, the two families did business together, which meant Cedric had to afford them a certain level of courtesy Juniper exploited this fact whenever she could, especially when she saw how

Cedric's neglect hurt Liliana.

But this was different from her usual playful jabs. This was a direct insult.

Fearing she would push him too far, Liliana grabbed her arm. "Junie, let's just go."

Juniper shot Cedric one last glare, mouthing a string of silent curses. As they got into the car, Liliana already in her seat, Juniper still.

wasn't satisfied. She rolled donet

the

window and yelled, "Hey, Forrest! ou Bastard! One day Liliana is going to be a world-famous designer! You'll never be good enough for her!"

Liliana gasped, frantically reaching over to roll the window back up as she urged Juniper to drive away.

The car sped off, but Juniper's words lingered in the air. Cedric stood frozen on the sidewalk, his hawk-like eyes reflecting the city lights. After a long moment, he pulled out his phone and dialed Timothy.

"What was my wife's major in college?"

There was a brief pause on the other end. "Interior Design, sir."