Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 342

This was the first time I'd ever seen Gregory wear such an expression.

It wasn't exactly nervousness, excitement, or panic...But it was definitely a far cry from his usual defiant swagger.

In that moment, I couldn't help but see shades of Bryant in him.

Suddenly, I became even more composed, almost cold-hearted, as I pushed down the surge of emotions that threatened to break free and turned around sharply.

"Go on," I said calmly.

Gregory hadn't hung up yet. He took a long stride toward me, wrapped me up in one arm, and held me tight, stopping me from breaking free despite my efforts.

He murmured a few words into the phone, "Careful not to get hoodwinked. I'll be there once I've smoothed things over."

Then, he ended the call and tossed his phone into his pocket. His hand cupped my cheek, squeezing it till my face was distorted, yet he spoke with a hint of resentment, "Why are you running? Did you even hear what I said earlier?"

"Let go of me."

"…Pfft."

Perhaps the sight of me trying to speak with my cheek pinched was somewhat comical, as he let out a snort of laughter and refused to let go, even giving my cheek an extra squeeze, "Answer me first. If I like your answer, I'll let go."

I slapped his hand away, forcing him to release me. I pursed my lips slightly, hiding my bitterness. "Gregory… Mr. Ford, I'm not like you. I don't want to play games, and I can't afford to."

"Games?"

His expression changed slightly, his tongue clicking against his teeth in annoyance. "Do you really think I'm playing games with you?"

"Aren't you?"

Snowflakes began to fall gently, and I shivered, wrapping my coat tighter around me. "Like you said, if there's no news from Lilliana in the next few days, you’d stop waiting. But didn't you just get a message? Yet, here you are questioning me. Do you think I'm the backup, or is she?"

In this scenario, the backup was clearly me.

In the past few days, Ramona and Molly had both tried to convince me otherwise, and I almost bought into it. But in this moment of clarity, I looked at Gregory, who seemed so untouchable.

With his background, plenty of well-to-do beauties were at his beck and call. I wasn't even in the running.

The gap between us was even wider than it had been with Bryant.