She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 18

**Chapter 18**

The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Annabeth’s words pierced through the air, causing Audrey’s demeanor to freeze. A chill settled over her features, transforming her once vibrant expression into something icy and unwelcoming.

Annabeth, however, seemed unfazed by the tension. She had no intention of engaging further with Audrey, whose presence was more annoying than anything else. Turning to Stella, she declared with a sense of urgency, “Stelle, let’s get out of here!”

With a decisive motion, Annabeth linked her arm with Stella’s and began to stride away, leaving behind the palpable tension.

Stella, observing the peculiar look on Annabeth’s face, couldn’t help but inquire, “Do you two have some sort of history?”

Annabeth shrugged, her tone casual yet dismissive. “It’s nothing significant. I just find her insufferable, that’s all.”

As they made their way out, Audrey’s gaze lingered on their retreating figures. The moment she caught wind of Annabeth’s dismissive comment, a sinister glint flickered in her eyes, revealing the depths of her irritation.

They hadn’t ventured far when Stella suddenly remembered something crucial. “Anna, could you do me a favor and grab my bag from the private room? I have something I need to return to her.”

Annabeth frowned, her curiosity piqued. “You know her too?”

Stella shook her head, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “Not really, but I have something of hers.”

Not wanting to delve deeper into the subject, Annabeth simply replied, “Just wait for me. I’ll be back in a flash.”

“Okay,” Stella nodded, watching Annabeth stride away with purpose.

Stella’s attention drifted toward the restroom, where she stood patiently, her mind racing with thoughts about the unfolding drama.

A few moments later, Audrey emerged from the restroom, her demeanor shifting like the wind. She spotted Stella waiting and approached her with a facade of gentleness. “Were you waiting for me?” she asked, her voice soft, almost inviting.

“Yes,” Stella replied, her heart racing. “I have something to return to you, Ms. York. Please, just a moment.”

Audrey’s expression morphed into a smirk as if a thought had just struck her. “Oh, you mean the silver-blue Aurion pearl? It’s just a defective product. Honestly, I was going to toss it anyway. No need to bother returning it. I won’t take it back, either.”

Stella merely held her gaze, refusing to be swayed by Audrey’s nonchalance.

Audrey laughed lightly, a sound that dripped with condescension. “Well then, I’ll be on my way.”

As she brushed past Stella, her eyes caught sight of Annabeth approaching from the opposite direction, and a spark ignited in her.

Without hesitation, Audrey marched directly toward Annabeth, who came to a halt, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. With her three-inch heels elevating her stature, Audrey met Annabeth’s gaze head-on.

“Annabeth, you know me. I can’t stand being slighted. If you apologize for your earlier attitude, I’ll pretend none of this happened,” Audrey said, her smile deceptively sweet.

To an onlooker, it might have seemed like a friendly exchange, but the underlying tension was palpable.

Annabeth regarded her with a mocking smirk, the corners of her lips curling in disdain. “Ms. York, you’re as domineering as ever. But let me give you a little warning—don’t push me. I’m in a surprisingly good mood today, and I wouldn’t want to ruin it by slapping you.”

The moment those words left Annabeth’s lips, Audrey’s hand shot out, aiming to strike her.

In a swift reaction, Annabeth blocked Audrey’s arm effortlessly and retaliated with a backhand slap that echoed in the air.

The force of the slap sent Audrey’s head snapping to the side, her cheek stinging from the impact.

Stella stood frozen, shock coursing through her veins. She rushed forward, grasping Annabeth’s arm. “Anna!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency.

Audrey cradled her cheek, her glare burning with fury directed at Annabeth, yet she refrained from unleashing her wrath.

Just then, a deep, commanding voice broke through the tension. “Audrey.”

Stella’s heart raced at the sound of that voice, a familiar figure emerging from the shadows. She turned to see Tristan striding toward them, his presence exuding authority.

“Tris…” Audrey’s voice trembled as she called out, rushing toward him and collapsing into his embrace.

Tristan’s large hand settled on her back, while his other hand grazed her reddened cheek. A cold fury flickered in his eyes, transforming his expression into something fierce and intimidating.

As Audrey listened to their banter, her expression darkened, frustration boiling beneath the surface.

Annabeth glanced back at Scott, her tone sharp. “Mr. Quinton, Mr. Somerton wants me to pay for this. Let’s not waste anyone’s time.”

Scott’s expression turned serious, the gravity of the situation settling in.

“Mr. Somerton, your pregnant wife is right here. Can’t you be a little more discreet? If this gets out, it’ll sound terrible,” Justin added, deliberately trying to provoke.

Annabeth’s eyes widened in shock as the implications of Justin’s words sank in. She recalled what he had said earlier in the private room, the weight of it pressing down on her.

Before she could respond, Hayden’s voice cut through the tension, firm and resolute. “Justin, Annabeth.”

Stella lowered her gaze, tugging gently at Annabeth’s arm, signaling her to hold her tongue.

The storm brewing on Tristan’s face was now beyond mere displeasure. It radiated a powerful intensity that threatened to engulf them all.

Annabeth glanced at Stella, then back at Audrey, who was nestled protectively in Tristan’s embrace. The realization hit her like a wave, and her disdain for Audrey deepened, clear as day in her eyes.

Audrey felt a surge of anger rise within her as she met Annabeth’s gaze, the contempt palpable. She looked down on Stella, dismissing her entirely, but Annabeth’s presence loomed large in her mind.

“Mr. Quinton, Mr. Somerton, I apologize. Regardless of the circumstances, it was indeed wrong of Beth to hit someone. How would you like to proceed? I’m willing to cooperate as long as it’s acceptable to us,” Hayden said, his tone sincere.

Scott’s expression remained indifferent as he turned to Annabeth. “The person who struck someone should apologize.”

Hayden’s gaze shifted to Annabeth, urging her silently. “Apologize to Ms. York.”

Annabeth met Scott’s eyes, a sneer forming on her lips. If it came to that, she would prefer to receive another slap instead.

“Mr. Quinton, you might as well just slap me,” she replied mockingly, her voice dripping with defiance.