Mr. Bradshaw took a liking to Manley’s handsome features and impeccable
manners. “Manley, it’s been a while. You should come over for a cup of coffee
sometime.”
“Sure!” Manley replied with a light smile.
Mr. Scott was pleased to see Manley’s composure and was about to speak
when someone called out, “Manley Scott!”
Manley turned to see Lance approaching, his smile fading slightly, expecting an
apology. His voice turned cold, “What do you want?”
Lance had changed into fresh clothes, but his face was still marred by two
missing teeth, giving him an awkward appearance. His face was flushed with
Enter title…
embarrassment as he stared at Manley, too scared to speak, yet feeling he
couldn’t remain silent.
Jonathan’s threatening words echoed in his mind; if he didn’t follow his
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtinstructions, his whole family would suffer the consequences.
Sensing Lance’s hesitation and conflicted gaze, Manley’s brow furrowed,
“What’s the matter?”
Throwing caution to the wind, Lance blurted out loudly, “Manley, I like you!”
The crowd fell silent, as if someone had hit the pause button on the scene, and
for a full minute, there was utter stillness.
Manley’s face slowly turned a shade of dark green, “Are you out of your mind?!”
Nervously, Lance gazed at Manley, his speech whistling through the gaps in his
teeth, comical yet pitiful, “Manley, I really like you. Give me a chance!”
This time, everyone heard him clearly, and the crowd erupted.
“The Scott family’s young master likes men?”
“Who would’ve thought!”
“He’s so handsome, such a shame!”
The very same people who had been praising Manley alongside Mr. Scott were
now shocked, especially Mr. Bradshaw, who was completely dumbfounded.
What had he just said?
He hadn’t said anything, and his daughter wasn’t even there yet!
Mr. Scott’s face turned sour as he glared at Manley, “What are you playing at?
I’m booking you a flight right now. You’re going back to the company in
Australia!”
“I’ll explain later!”
Manley gritted his teeth and, grabbing Lance, started to drag him out.
“Manley—”
“Shut up!” Manley growled, “Say one more word, and I swear I’ll end you!”
Lance’s face went pale, his whole body trembling, and he dared not speak
another word.
Manley dragged him out of the banquet hall to a secluded corner and slammed
him against the wall, “Are you trying to mess with me?”
Lance’s head hit the wall, and his mind buzzed. Seeing Manley’s fist coming at
him, he immediately covered his head, “Manley, I had no choice!”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmManley stopped his punch mid-air, eyes narrowing, “Who sent you?”
Lance, too frightened to speak, shook his head.
“You’re scared to say?” Manley’s lips curled into a cold smile, “Let me guess,
Jonathan?”
Lance’s eyes widened in shock.
“Was it really him?” Manley licked his lips with a mix of ferocity and allure, “He
must be livid, resorting to such sleazy tactics!”
“I didn’t say anything; you figured it out yourself. Please don’t bring me up in
front of him,” Lance pleaded, fear evident in his voice.
“That scared of him?” Manley scoffed, “You fear him but not me? Daring to play
me at his behest!”
“I—I—” Lance stammered, pressed against the wall, “I’m scared of both!”
“Scared and yet you provoke me!” Anger surged through Manley as he landed a
punch on Lance’s head, “You think you’re even worthy of liking me!”