The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 411

"Jaron."

Tiffany placed a hand over his, her eyes clouding with concern. "Slow down. You'll make yourself sick."

"You're right," Jaron muttered. He turned to Amelia, making no effort to hide his worry. "That's enough. Stop drinking."

"Amelia, really, put the glass down," Tiffany added. "If you're looking for a relationship, I'd be happy to set you up with someone. Would you like that?"

Jaron's eyes narrowed, his face clouding over. "Mind your own business," he snapped.

The sharp rebuff sent a wave of panic through Tiffany. Her eyes welled up instantly, and a tear traced its way down her cheek. "I was just trying to help," she whimpered. "I want her to move on from that guy."

Guilt washed over Jaron immediately. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Tiffany whispered.

He reached out to brush away her tears. "Don't take it to heart. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"I knew it," she murmured, leaning into him. "I knew you couldn't stay mad at me."

As she tucked herself against his chest, Jaron's gaze drifted restlessly around the room.

"You guys keep going," Amelia said abruptly, standing up. "I'm going to the restroom."

She hurried out, and Nicole was right on her heels. "I'll go check on her."

"What's the rush?" Jaron called after them, sounding irritated. "There's a bathroom right here in the suite." He turned to Jasper, his frustration boiling over. "Jasper, who is this guy Amelia likes?"

"Why do you want to know?" Jasper asked.

"Because Amelia is incredible. Any guy would be lucky to have her. Who does this prick think he is, rejecting her? Does he have a death wish?" Jaron punctuated the thought by draining half a glass of wine.

"What are you going to do? Go over there and punch him?"

"Don't tell me you don't want to," Jaron shot back. "Amelia is heartbroken. Whoever did this obviously doesn't realize she has a 'crazy, protective' best friend to answer to."

Jasper studied him closely.

Was Jaron's intensity just old friendship, or did he actually have feelings for Amelia?

But then he saw Tiffany resting her head on Jaron's shoulder and dismissed the thought.

"Look," Jaron continued, "if you're worried about upsetting Nicole, just give me the name. I'll handle it myself."

"Don't do anything reckless, Jaron," Jasper warned. "If you go beat the guy up, it might just make Amelia more miserable. After all, she loves him."

Jaron let out a sound of pure agitation.

"Seriously, take it easy," Jasper added. "You don't want to risk it. Amelia clearly cares about him. You two have been friends for years; I'd hate to see you throw that away over something like this."

In Jaron's arms, Tiffany was spiraling into a silent, jealous rage.

You told me it was love at first sight, Jaron. Do you even realize Amelia is buried in your heart?

"Jasper, talk to me," Jaron groaned. "What can I do to make her feel better?"

Amelia nodded weakly.

As Nicole headed off to find a towel, two drunks staggered into her, knocking her hard to the floor.

"Watch where you're going, bitch!" one of the men barked, reaching down to hoist her up by her arm.

"Let go of me!" Nicole cried out.

Hearing the struggle, the last of the alcohol cleared from Amelia's system instantly. "Security! Someone help!" she screamed.

A panicked waiter scrambled toward the second-floor private suites. He burst into the room, breathless. "Mr. Moore! Mr. Wellington! It's Ms. Shaw—some drunks have her cornered! I can't find the security guards anywhere!"

Before the waiter could even finish, Jasper vanished from the room like a gust of wind. Jaron, who had been looking for a reason to hit something all night, was right on his heels.

"Where is she?" Jasper demanded, his eyes wild as he scanned the lobby.

The waiter stammered, trembling under the pressure. "She... she was just here a second ago!" He knew his job was the least of his worries; these were men he didn't want to cross.

"Lock down the Imperial Court," Jasper roared. "Check the security cameras. Now!"

Without waiting for a response, Jasper and Jaron split up, scouring the ground floor for any sign of her.

At the far end of the private suite, Amelia was locked in a physical struggle with one of the drunks, while the other had Nicole pinned against the wall.

"I didn't know Azure Peak City had girls this pretty," the man sneered. "Come here, let me show you a good time."

Terrified, Nicole grabbed a vase and smashed it against him. "Jasper! Jaron!" she screamed, but the soundproofing was so thick her cries didn't stand a chance of reaching the hallway.