Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 227

(JARED’S POV)

I lowered my head in remorse, and when I stole a glance at Dwayne, he had the same sober look on. Fair enough, I wasn't the only one facing the brunt of Mrs Meyer's chastisement. I tried to say something, to apologize for our juvenile display at least, but Dwayne beat me to it.

"Umm...we will go get some fresh air," he said, his voice collected. "We will give you and Arielle some space."

My brows knitted in a frown, as I felt the urge to snap and demand why he'd decide for us both. But I got in touch with my emotions real quick, taking an inward breath as I realized he was right. We're both grown men, and this wasn't the time for us to be at each other's throats. Not when Arielle was ill. We owe her that respect and decorum.

So I nodded at Mrs Meyers in agreement. "Yeah, well step out now."

She rolled her eyes, eyeing us both. "You had better."

We took that as a cue and simultaneously turned for the door, but we bumped into each other as we went. I shot Dwayne a dirty look, irritated by the sudden contact.

"Watch it!" I grumbled, trying to brush past him. But he merely smirked at me and walked on, his long strides eating up the distance and putting a little distance between us. I followed closely, my eyes fixed on his back as we walked out of the hospital into the cool evening air.

We walked on in deliberate silence, until I finally broke the silence, my tone neutral.

"Where are you going now?" I asked, sparing him a glance.

He shrugged nonchalantly, his broad shoulders moving beneath his fitted shirt, and his eyes scanning the street like an eagle. "I know a guy from the black market," he announced. "I'll see if he had something similar to the drug Sofia used on Arielle."

I shot my brows up, curiosity piqued. "Is that necessary? Wouldn't it be easier to just ask Sofia directly instead of going through all that trouble?"

His expression turned icy, eyes narrowing as he halted in his tracks, turning to face me. Then a cold smile appeared and spread wildly on his face before he resumed walking.

He didn't say a word, but I felt a surge of anger at the silent implication of his action. Did he really think I was privy to what happened to Arielle? That I'd connive with Sofia to hurt her? But I said nothing, only letting my rage simmer and boil below the surface. But his silent distrust of me, especially when it came to Arielle, hurt so much.

A thick silence descended now, as we both kept walking. Each man to his thoughts until I couldn't resist taking a jab at him. "By the way, how's business been? Still brooding over the last loss?"

I witnessed the shift in his expression as his Jaws clenched fiercely. "Look at you, just one win and you're already fawning like a kid who got a toy car," he sneered.

But I was unfazed, instead, I was satisfied at having gotten under his skin. It used to be the other way around, but now, it feels good to finally be on the other side of the coin.

"Tell me, brother, how does it feel to lose a deal to me?" I wasn't ready to back down yet. I was enjoying the effect the topic had too much, to want to stop.

"That was just one deal you've ever managed to win me on, Jared. I still have the overall lead in our competition," Dwayne replied through gritted teeth.

I cocked my head. "Oh, is it?"

"Yes, and you have to thank your dear Grandma for making that possible."

The smirk on my face instantly faded, and now, it was my turn to be offended. "And what's that supposed to mean?"