Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 119

Translated, Cyrus's words meant: *Zachary has never taken Audrina seriously.*

The guests began murmuring among themselves, their voices low but the intent clear.

Waldo frowned in evident displeasure.

Zachary's expression soured. Regardless of the audience, he couldn't deny the accusation.

His jaw clenched for a fraction of a second before quickly relaxing.

He turned his head, staring at the necklace, a fleeting look of venom flashing in his eyes.

A polite smile instantly replaced it. "Cyrus is right. I really have neglected Audrina over the years. This is the perfect opportunity, thanks to Grandpa, for Audrina to share in Mr. Hawthorne's generosity."

He emphasized the words *Mr. Hawthorne*, turning to look at Audrina. "If you like it, keep it."

His tone was gentle, his demeanor magnanimous.

Audrina smiled. "If Waldo is giving it to me, of course I love it."

The wrinkles on Waldo's face smoothed into a warm smile as he pushed the velvet box toward her. "Glad you like it. Put it on, let me see."

Audrina reached out and picked up the necklace.

She lifted it from the box, unclasped the lock, and reached around her neck.

Zachary took a half-step forward, reaching out to help her.

Without looking up, Audrina simply said, "It's fine. I've got it."

Zachary's hand froze mid-air before he finally pulled it back, retreating a step.

Throughout the entire exchange, she hadn't looked at Sebastian once, but Sebastian hadn't taken his eyes off her.

Her fingers moved to the nape of her neck, bowing her head to reveal the elegant curve of her spine. With a soft click, it was secured.

Standing off to the side, Carter silently took a half-step back, lifting his teacup to pretend to drink while sneaking peeks over the rim. He noticed Sebastian's hand resting at his side—the fingers curling inward slightly, then releasing.

Waldo admired the jewels resting against Audrina's collarbone and nodded approvingly. "Beautiful. Young people should dress up and look radiant."

Audrina's eyes curved into a sweet smile. "Thank you, Waldo."

Then, she turned her gaze to Sebastian, landing a deliberate jab. "Mr. Hawthorne, your uncle has excellent taste."

The man looked down at her, a smirk playing on his lips. "The necklace requires the right wearer."

Audrina swiftly slipped out of the banquet hall and headed up to the second floor.

The long corridor perfectly muffled the chaos of the party below.

She stood in front of the mirror, her slender fingers tracing the cool sapphires resting against her collarbone.

The warm vanity lights cast a hazy, soft glow, softening the sharp edges of the room.

The unhurried sound of footsteps echoed from behind.

Audrina's gaze locked onto the mirror.

The man walked closer, step by step. His suit was immaculate, his tie perfectly knotted.

The dim lighting caught the sharp ridge of his brow, casting a shadow that imbued his usually cold features with an unexpected, dangerous softness.

Most of his expression was obscured, but there was no hiding the intensity of his stare.

Sebastian stopped right behind her. In the reflection, he looked down at her.

Her silk-like hair was pinned up, exposing a long, porcelain-white neck. Her collarbones were delicate, the line of her shoulders smooth and graceful.