Chapter 243
Chapter 243:
Aiden sighed, softening his intense gaze. “I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”
“I don’t accept it!” Tess snapped, striding forward without looking back.
But inside, she was counting. Ten seconds, and Aiden would surely catch up and stop her. It was straight out of a romance novel, playing hard to get.
The sound of a chair being dragged back echoed sharply through the restaurant.
Tess raised an eyebrow but kept her stride steady, her heart buzzing with exhilaration.
As expected, Aiden had taken the bait. He was probably chasing after her right now, desperate to stop her, apologize, and finally open his heart. She could already envision it—the dramatic confession where he’d spill his feelings and beg her to stay.
But just as Tess was about to savor her triumph, Aiden brushed past her without a second glance, heading straight for the door.
Tess stopped dead in her tracks, utterly stunned as she watched his figure disappear into the distance.
What just happened? Wasn’t Aiden supposed to stop her? Instead, he walked away and ignored her completely.
A burning mix of humiliation and anger surged through Tess, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Just then, a cold, smooth voice cut through her thoughts. “Dr. Newman, did you really think you could trap Aiden that easily?”
Tess spun around, her breath catching. Her gaze locked onto a man leaning casually against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets.
His eyes were sharp, mocking—an expression that seemed to relish her discomfort.
.cóm is the source
“Who are you?” Tess demanded, her voice sharp.
The man flashed a smirk. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Bart Green—Aiden’s half-brother.”
Tess’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re Aiden’s brother?”
“Exactly.” Bart took a step closer, his voice dropping to a confidential tone as he locked eyes with her. “Dr. Newman, let’s strike a deal.”
“A deal?” Tess stiffened, her guard snapping into place.
“What kind of deal are we talking about?”
“I’ll help you win my brother’s heart, and in exchange…”
Bart leaned in, his face just a breath away from hers. Though he didn’t possess Aiden’s refined charm, his confidence and striking features still held a certain appeal, enough to make Tess’s cheeks warm against her will.
“What do you want from me? I’m not about to sell myself,” Tess retorted, instinctively crossing her arms and taking a step back, her posture going on guard.
Bart let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. Was her imagination always this wild? “That’s not what I’m after.”
Tess furrowed her brow, still confused. “Then what exactly do you want?”
“I need someone on the inside,” Bart said, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Be my eyes and ears, and I’ll make sure you get everything you’ve been hoping for.”
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