Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 527

Noel felt an odd twist in his gut upon hearing the words. It was as if the universe was mocking him. Here he was, trying to keep things casual with any woman that crossed his path, not looking to tie himself down. Yet when Phoebe spoke with such disdain, it rubbed him the wrong way.

He knew he wasn’t lacking in the looks or charm department. Women tended to swoon over him, so why wasn’t she affected at all? “Look, Ms. Phoebe, let’s get one thing straight. I’m the one who’s not into you because you’re just not my type, not the other way around.”

“Fine by me,” she retorted with a nonchalant shrug. “Why don’t you have your parents call my mom and tell her you’re not interested? That way, I can draw a line under this whole affair and stop making excuses to her.”

At that moment, a man swaggered into the cafe, the epitome of a rich playboy, with car keys flipping through his fingers. He seemed to notice someone at his reserved table and marched right in, only to backpedal with visible irritation. “Table five? I had this spot reserved. Why are you sitting here?”

Phoebe knew this family black sheep all too well, although he clearly had no clue who she was, nor did he recognize the CEO of Yates International. A playful glint passed through her eyes as she apologized with exaggerated politeness, “You must be Mr. Morgan, right? I’m Phoebe, terribly sorry about the confusion. I have no idea why this gentleman decided to join me uninvited, let alone start a conversation about you.”

Morgan paused, “What were you saying about me?”

“Oh, Mr. Noel here was just calling you Mr. Fake - fake degree, fake experience, fake height, and with a lousy character to boot. He claimed to represent the government to bust frauds and even volunteered to date me, saying a lovely lady like me shouldn’t be sitting across from someone who is...” Phoebe trailed off deliberately, casting a troubled glance at Morgan as if she was seriously assessing his height.

Morgan’s forehead throbbed with irritation. “Why’d you stop? What else did he say?”

With an awkward giggle, Phoebe hedged, “I really shouldn’t repeat it.”

“Spit it out. What did he say about me?” Morgan demanded, pointing at Noel with rising anger.

“He said that a beautiful, well-bred lady like me shouldn’t be sitting across from a wannabe short guy,” Phoebe stuttered out. Her voice was quivering slightly.

Morgan felt his face go red with rage. Nothing got under his skin more than someone poking fun at his height. In a fit of fury, he slammed his hand on the table, causing their coffee to splash out of the cups. “Who the hell do you think you are? Accusing me of faking my height?”

Phoebe’s heart skipped a beat at the volume of his voice. She almost felt pain on his behalf.

Unruffled, Noel simply looked at Phoebe, who sent a challenging glare back at him. “Noel, Mr. Morgan is speaking to you. The least you could do is to show some manners and look at the man when he’s talking. It’s basic courtesy, or you will just be plain rude,” Phoebe chuckled. Her voice was tinged with the sweetest of provocations. She was clearly eager for the drama to unfold.