He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 557

The bodyguards froze in their tracks.

The next second, a strong arm wrapped around Scarlett's waist, pulling her smoothly into a solid chest and securing her safely by his side.

The man stepped slightly forward, placing himself between her and the room, shielding her with unquestionable authority.

"Who the hell do you think you—"

Veronica’s eyes widened, the curse dying in her throat the moment she realized the man protecting Scarlett was Julian.

Quentin, who had been sitting like an untouchable mob boss just seconds before, shot up from his chair the instant he recognized him.

Rubbing his hands together in a sudden panic, Quentin stammered, "Mr. Croft! What... what brings you here? Oh my, your presence graces us! Please, please, have a seat. You and your friend, please sit!"

He rushed forward, transforming from a menacing tycoon into a fawning sycophant in the blink of an eye.

Scarlett stared at the back of Julian's head, entirely amused. It was only now she realized that her usually easygoing, approachable companion possessed such an overwhelming, commanding presence.

Julian kept his eyes locked straight ahead, his jaw tight, his posture unyielding. "Mr. Thorne, you invite a guest to dinner, and your first order of business is to demand she take a hundred slaps to the face. Is this how Thorne Industries shows hospitality?"

Quentin panicked, waving his hands frantically. "No, no, of course not! My daughter was just making a joke! Isn't that right, Veronica?"

He shot a vicious glare at his daughter, his eyes practically bugging out as he silently ordered her to play along.

Veronica stood frozen, her long acrylic nails digging painfully into her palms. Forcing a stiff, painful smile, she stepped forward. "Right. I was just joking. Scarlett and I are so close, I thought I'd just tease her a bit. You don't mind, do you, Scarlett?"

She shot Scarlett a fake, plastic smile and reached out to pat her arm in a show of faux intimacy.

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