Whispers of Destiny: His Belated Love novel Chapter 93

Crystal grabbed the mic from the emcee's hand, her face flushed with shame and mortification as if every nerve in her body was singed with embarrassment. She clenched her teeth, her fingers tightening around the mic so much that her knuckles bulged.

Publicly apologizing at an event like this was like trampling on the Sullivan family's reputation. She glanced at Bernard's expressionless face and could already imagine the storm that would hit her after the guests left. But if she didn't apologize.

She closed her eyes briefly, bracing herself for an even worse outcome.

"I'm Crystal, and I'd like to apologize to my classmate Rosemary right here."

Rosemary, clearly bored by the drama, took the opportunity when Maxwell was off guard to slip her hand away. Without a word, she turned and headed towards the parking lot.

She had driven herself over here tonight, and she could hear footsteps trailing behind her at a steady pace. She knew it was Maxwell but paid him no mind.

After that fiasco, anyone with a bit of social savvy started making excuses to leave. The Sullivan family only had one parking lot, so it wasn't strange to be heading the same way. But the fact that he followed her all the way to her car was another story.

Rosemary raised an eyebrow sarcastically, "Mr. Templeton's car is parked here too?"

"I've been drinking; I can't drive."

Maxwell glanced at her modest Volkswagen, worth only tens of thousands, and though he said nothing, the disdain in his eyes was painfully obvious.

It was as if he was saying, "Look at you, what have you come to without me!"

Rosemary shrugged nonchalantly, "That's too bad. Since the Meadowlark Retreat isn't far from here, why don't you hoof it back?"

After saying that, she didn't bother with him anymore and got into her car. Just as she started the car, Maxwell opened the passenger door and sat down, his eyes half-closed as he commanded, "Drive to Meadowlark Retreat."

His tone was entitled, not the slightest bit embarrassed. Rosemary's eyes widened. She thought that a rich playboy like Maxwell might have a sliver of shame, but clearly, she was mistaken.

She frowned, clearly annoyed, "Get someone from the Sullivan family to drive you back."

Maxwell lifted his gaze, his eyes visibly bloodshot. She had already noticed the faint smell of alcohol on him when they passed each other in the restroom, and now in the confined space of the car, the scent was even stronger, his voice roughened by alcohol, "I don't ride with strangers."

Rosemary had forgotten he was somebody; he was a magnet for unwanted attention. Pearl had mentioned he was stalked as a kid.

But even then, she didn't want to drive him. Meadowlark Retreat was in the opposite direction from her apartment; the only convenient route was from here to the entrance.

"You could have Jason come to drive."

"Jason's kid is sick; he's been in the hospital taking care of him."

With the engagement party guests gone and cars gradually leaving, Rosemary, tapping the brake pedal, said impatiently, "You could call Victoria to pick you up."

"You are my rightful wife; driving me is your duty."

Rosemary shot back, "I'm handing that duty over to her now. I'm sure both she and you would be thrilled."