Chapter 537
Chapter 537:
His cheesy flattery landed with a dull thud. Alisha’s eyes barely masked her distaste. She responded with a frosty, “Thank you,” offering nothing more.
The playful, easygoing attitude she had around Ashton evaporated in an instant.
Luther, clearly expecting a warmer reception, faltered. His smile stiffened, and a brief flash of embarrassment crossed his face. But that embarrassment quickly hardened into something more hostile when he finally noticed Ashton standing beside her. Luther’s tone turned sour as he sized Ashton up. “And who is he?” he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
The aggressive shift in Luther’s attitude only deepened Alisha’s irritation. “What’s that supposed to mean? Who do you think you are? Do I need your permission to speak to someone?” she snapped, her frustration clear.
Sensing the growing tension, Rayden rose from his seat and stepped in to diffuse the situation. “Alisha, let’s not make a scene. It’s my birthday, after all. Let’s keep things calm, alright?” He turned to Luther, adding in a firm but subtle warning, “Luther, Mr. Ashton Baldwin here is a guest I personally invited. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t cause any trouble.”
Rayden’s words were clear—Luther was not to stir trouble. The look of apology he cast in Ashton’s direction only solidified that. Ashton, who had dealt with more men like Luther than he could count, simply gave a respectful nod, letting the moment pass without confrontation.
Alisha shot Luther one last annoyed glance, took Ashton by the hand, and led him toward the VIP section where honored guests were seated.
But Luther, like a nagging insect unwilling to retreat, followed them persistently. His overbearing presence hovered nearby like an unwanted shadow.
When Alisha left to help her father entertain more guests, Luther seized the opportunity to drop his pleasant facade. His true nature surfaced like poison rising to the top.
He grabbed Ashton’s collar, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Listen, Ashton Baldwin. Alisha isn’t someone you should even think of being around. A guy like you doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as her. If you know what’s good for you, stay far away. Or else.”
galnσvє𝓵s.𝓬𝓸m – your update hub
Ashton coolly brushed Luther’s hand away as if swatting at an insignificant fly. His expression remained composed, even slightly amused. “With that petty attitude of yours, I’m not surprised she wants nothing to do with you. If I were her, I’d keep my distance too.”
Luther’s face twisted, his anger bubbling just beneath the surface. His earlier displeasure transformed into something darker, a venomous glint flickering in his eyes. He seemed on the verge of lashing out, fists clenched, when Alisha reappeared from across the room. Her cheerful demeanor froze the moment she spotted Luther standing close to Ashton.
Luther, quick to put on his charming mask again, plastered a smile across his face.
“Oh, don’t misunderstand, Alisha. I was just introducing myself to Mr. Baldwin here,” he said, extending his hand toward Ashton with a disingenuous air of camaraderie.
But Ashton wasn’t fooled. Behind Luther’s smile, the malice was still there, lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to strike.
.
.
.