Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 360

Paul slid into the seat next to Rebecca, flashing a warm smile. “I just got back today. I wanted to stop by your place, but a friend dragged me out for this get-together. I can’t believe we ended up running into each other here.”

Samantha grinned, her tone teasing. “See? If you two keep bumping into each other, it must be fate.”

Paul glanced at Rebecca, still smiling. “I hope so.”

The two of them fell into conversation like they could talk forever, leaving Rebecca on the sidelines. She couldn’t even get a word in. Watching them, she thought anyone would assume Paul was actually her mom’s real son.

As the night dragged on, Rebecca finally cleared her throat to cut in. “Mom, it’s getting late. We should head home.”

Samantha hesitated, clearly not ready to say goodbye. Still, remembering Paul’s friends were waiting, she sighed. “Paul, if you have time in the next few days, come by the house. I’ll pick up everything you like and cook for you.”

Paul gave her an easy grin. “Sounds great. Thank you.”

“Oh, don’t thank me. That gift you gave me last time was wonderful. I never even got to thank you properly.”

“If you liked it, I can bring another next time.”

Rebecca felt a headache coming on. With the way they kept chatting, it looked like it would never end. She forced a polite smile, her tone distant. “Mr. Larson, I’m sure your friends have been waiting a while. We won’t take up any more of your time.”

The message couldn’t be clearer. You can go now.

Paul pressed his lips together, holding Rebecca’s gaze. Before he could say a word, Samantha frowned at her daughter. “Don’t be so rude. Paul, if you’re not in a hurry, could you walk us to the car?”

Paul jumped at the chance. “Of course, I’d love to.”

Rebecca was left speechless. She turned to grab her bag and coat, but Paul reached for them first. “Let me help.”

She paused, feeling awkward. They weren’t even friends, not really. His insistence felt like too much. And, honestly, she’d already made up her mind about him. That just made everything feel more uncomfortable.

Bruce exhaled, tossed his cigarette to the ground, and crushed it beneath his shoe. When he looked up, his eyes were empty.

Paul’s lips parted, like he wanted to explain, but he couldn’t find the words.

“Let’s go up—”

Before he could finish, Bruce’s fist flew at him. Paul stumbled back, pain flaring at the corner of his mouth. He wiped at his lip, his hand coming away with a smear of red.

Bruce stared at him, eyes bloodshot.

“Why aren’t you fighting back?” His voice was low and harsh.

Paul let out a bitter laugh. “I owe you. Tonight, I’m paying you back.”