Between Ruin And Resolve My Ex-Husband's Regret novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20 I’ll Have To Depend On You

“Mack, Sadie, I apologize for imposing this social obligation on you both. As you’re aware, I’ve just returned from the hospital due to my heart condition, and the doctor has expressly forbidden me from drinking. However, this collaboration is vital, and if the occasion calls for a toast later, I’ll have to depend on you,” Kyla stated with a

charming smile, her tone laced with subtle persuasion.

Mack immediately thumped his chest with a reassuring smile. “No worries at all, Miss Wade. You’re a valued guest of our company, and it’s admirable that you’re still pushing through for us despite your illness. Managing the drinks is the least we can do to help!”

Kyla nodded appreciatively, her satisfaction evident. However, her smile waned as she turned to Sadie, her voice adopting a slightly sharper tone.

“Sadie, your dedication precedes you. Even before I came aboard, I heard tales of how you immerse yourself in work, earning quite the workaholic badge. I trust you’ll manage this situation with your usual flair, right?”

The term “workaholic” struck Sadie like a sharp jab to the heart.

It was clear that Kyla was purposefully putting her on the spot, aiming to rattle her in

front of Mack.

Before Sadie could muster a response, Kyla shifted her gaze away and dismissed the tension with a casual wave. “Let’s head inside.”

Mack, catching the subtle shift in Sadie’s demeanor, leaned closer and whispered, “Sadie, don’t stress over the drinking or what Miss Wade said. Being new to the company, she might not fully understand how things work yet.”

Sadie managed a strained smile as she murmured, “Thank you, Mack.”

As they swung open the door to the secluded room, they were enveloped by an air of sheer luxury.

Above them, a crystal chandelier spilled a cascade of twinkling lights across a table heaped with an array of gourmet treats and bottles of fine wine. The room was heavy with the rich aromas of costly perfumes blending subtly with a lingering trace of tobacco smoke.

Kyla entered with an elegant glide, her voice soft yet clear. “Mr. Valdez, Mr. Crawford, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

The two men, previously engaged in light–hearted banter with their female companions, ceased their flirtations and rose promptly, their expressions shifting to one of courteous eagerness.

“Oh, not at all, Miss Wade, you’ve arrived just in time,” replied one of them, his tone infused with a gentle admiration.

“Indeed! Considering your hectic schedule, it’s truly a privilege that you’ve spared a moment to dine with us,” added the other, his smile broadening in genuine delight.

Kyla responded with a radiant smile that lit up the room, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “You flatter me, gentlemen. Truly, it is a pleasure to work alongside you.” After exchanging a round of warm pleasantries, they all settled into the plush sofas. Platt Crawford’s gaze then drifted over to Sadie and Mack, pausing with a hint of undisguised interest.

“And who might these two be?” Platt inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Kyla, putting on a fleeting act of modesty, swiftly handled the introductions. “Oh, these are my colleagues. Noah was concerned that drinking might not be the best idea for me while I’m still recovering, so he let me bring two assistants instead. Hope that’s alright!”

She stressed the name “Noah” with a hint of pride, as if to underscore her special connection to him.