Clara tilted her head, curiosity lacing her tone as she spoke, "Why can't it be Auntie then? She's always been really nice to me."
Hearing that, Damian lifted his eyes and glanced at Scarlett, who was still inside Zachary and Felix's protective circle.
She was already staring right back at him.
A lazy grin tugged at Damian's lips. He held her stare without looking away, his words drifting halfway toward Clara and halfway meant solely for Scarlett.
"Your aunt's taste in men is pretty lousy if she settled for Vincent. She ought to pick someone like me—ripped with an eight-pack, loaded, handsome, and talented all wrapped into one."
Clara mulled over the comment and nodded solemnly. "Got it. I'll definitely let you know before I start dating anyone. I won't make decisions on my own."
Satisfied with her answer, Damian's grin bloomed fully. He turned toward Zachary and Felix and jerked his chin toward the exit. "C'mon, let's head back to soak in the hot springs."
Zachary's eyes drifted to Vincent, still standing frozen inside the steam sauna, his sour expression plain to see after getting outmaneuvered by Damian. The sight lifted Zachary's mood instantly.
Scarlett left without a single backward glance, no hint of hesitation or lingering longing.
Vincent watched every move from inside the sauna room, his emotions tangled into a sharp, bitter ache he couldn't name.
Once the whole group filed out and left him alone in the empty sauna room, he stood motionless for a long stretch before shifting his weight, a bitter, hollow smirk twisting his mouth.
The doorway stood empty, devoid of anyone.
Unable to hold back his frustration any longer, Vincent swung his fist hard against the wooden doorframe.
The blow split his knuckles open, fresh blood dripping down his hand, yet he seemed completely numb to the pain. He let his injured arm hang loose and trundled silently outside.
As he passed the outdoor hot spring pool where Scarlett's group relaxed, his eyes drifted over instinctively.
Damian caught his gaze immediately and met his stare unflinchingly. Without pause, he hauled Scarlett straight against his chest.
Clad only in a thin swimsuit, Scarlett pressed fully into his torso, her back turned toward Vincent so she had no clue he was watching them.
She wriggled to pull free, but Damian's grip locked around her like a vice.
She glowered up at him with a feigned fierce scowl that only made her look softer and more endearing.


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