Chapter 255
Lindsay said nothing. She simply smiled at Veronica, clearly satisfied with the arrangement.
That insolent store manager hadn’t just embarrassed Michael-she had also ruined Lindsay’s birthday mood.
Her friends were all watching. Michael was kind enough to speak up for the other woman, but that only made it seem as though he had neglected her.
Winnie stared at Veronica. She wanted badly to curse her out, but Veronica tilted her chin slightly, the gesture an unmistakable provocation.
At the last moment, reason prevailed.
If she slapped Veronica now and blew up the entire event, it might feel satisfying-but this was business involving the Morrison family. She would inevitably be left with another mark against her.
Over the years, Winnie had taken more than her share of hidden losses for acting on impulse. Compared to those, what did this even count as?
Wasn’t Michael just trying to get back at her? Fine-she’d consider it paying off a debt.
Winnie lifted her brows, defiance flashing in her eyes. Without a word, she turned and reached for the wine bottle.
Suddenly, a strong arm dropped down in front of her-a Rolex gleaming at the wrist. Michael gripped her hand firmly.
His palm burned with heat, making her heart jolt.
Winnie looked up, straight into the depths of his dark, unreadable eyes.
Michael’s features were sharply defined, his eye sockets slightly sunken. Even at rest, he carried a gentle, almost wistful melancholy. Now, with his expression grave and his gaze fixed firmly on her, a sudden surge of
emotion rose in Winnie’s chest.
They had long since become strangers. He hated her to the core-
So why was he looking at her like this?
“Let go.”
Winnie met his eyes and tossed out the two words coldly.
Everyone stared at Michael in shock. The friend beside him feared he might lose control in front of Lindsay and quickly cleared his throat as a warning.
Lindsay hadn’t expected Michael to touch another woman right in front of her either. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“You can’t handle alcohol. Why push yourself like this?” With a firm motion, he slid the bottle out of Winnie’s grasp, forcibly taking it away.
Michael straightened and spoke in a deep voice to Veronica, who was still watching the drama unfold.
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Chapter 255
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Veronica, don’t make things difficult for her. I’m only here to celebrate my fiancée’s birthday. There’s no need for all these unnecessary theatrics. Let’s not make everyone unhappy. Besides, Lindsay isn’t someone who nitpicks over such things.”
He spoke calmly, almost indifferently, yet his presence carried undeniable authority.
Winnie’s heart stirred. She suddenly felt that Michael was different from before.
Back then, when he followed her around, he’d been like the boy next door-easygoing, without a trace of airs. But now… he was clearly a mature man with presence and resolve.
Veronica hadn’t expected Michael to defend Winnie. His words-“making things difficult”-left her momentarily at a loss.
Lindsay, too, was boxed in by Michael’s stance. She could only respond with a reluctant smile. “It’s fine, Victoria. Since Michael is celebrating my birthday today, we’ll do things his way.”
Her voice was gentle, but her friend beside her was still indignant, shooting Winnie a sharp glare.
“Lindsay is kind and beautiful. You got off easy this time. But Victoria, the service quality at your family’s stores really needs improvement. Even a store manager should be someone who knows how to handle situations—not someone who creates trouble.”
Veronica let out a cold laugh but said nothing, forced to watch as Winnie walked away.
Not long into the party, Lindsay went alone to the restroom. As she was touching up her lipstick, Veronica appeared beside her.
“I’m really sorry about earlier, Lindsay,” Veronica said with a bright smile. “You weren’t upset, were you?”
Lindsay immediately returned the smile. “Of course not. I’ve always liked your store. Celebrating my birthday here makes me very happy.”
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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The readers' comments on the novel: Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy)
This is the story that I like reading. The heroine got the hold of the situation right away. No humiliation, no injustice, which keep the readers feeling bad all the way while waiting for the right thing to settle in favor of the heroine. Good storyline,congrats writer!...