Chapter 54
Devin’s anger deflated like a punctured balloon as he pointed an accusatory finger at Joy from across the room. “Just wait and see!”
Joy winked at him provocatively, forming a heart with her fingers. “I’ll be waiting, baby.”
Devin felt like he was about to throw up.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Leanne had not gone unnoticed in the bustling hall.
Devin, Skyler, and the rest of the crew, including Curtis’ childhood buddies, were all present, along with some faces Leanne didn’t recognize.
Upon seeing her, everyone’s faces were etched with surprise.
Leanne shed her coat at the entrance, revealing a white knit dress beneath.
The dress was deceptively simple, demanding a flawless figure, as the slightest imperfection would be mercilessly highlighted.
Due to her job, Leanne rarely focused on her appearance, favoring comfort over style, and had never been one for revealing outfits.
Aside from Curtis, nobody knew that beneath the unassuming exterior, Leanne’s figure was nothing short of stunning. Her curves were in all the right places.
Her dress today hugged every alluring curve of her body from the slender waist to the sexy butt, with a waist-to-hip ratio that was pure perfection.
Plus, Leanne had always carried herself with grace. Her posture was impeccable, her neck swan-like, and her hair was pinned up with a claw clip, accentuating her elegant profile.
Men, innately drawn towards visual appeal, evidently found it difficult to avert their gazes. from her.
Leanne’s beauty had never been in question.
A new acquaintance, who had only recently gotten in with Devin because of the family business, muttered with a hint of jealousy, “I envy Mr. Curtis his luck with the ladies. Stonebridge’s most coveted belles are both wrapped around his finger.”
His companion retorted, “Think you have a reason to be jealous? Well, we might talk if your family ran a bank.”
“Oh, that’s not a given. With his old flame back in town, he might just get bored of Leanne and give her the boot.”
“I’d advise you not to mess with Curtis’ castoffs. Even if he dumps her, she’s off-limits to you.”
1/3
Chapter
“What’s the harm in a little touch? With a night with a babe like that, I’d die a happy man. Look at that tiny waist and the firm behind. How sexy!*
The man stroked his chin, his gaze heating up as he shifted restlessly.
Curtis approached Leanne, scrutinizing her dress and finding it displeasing, yet unable to pinpoint a flaw.
The hem reached her calves, nothing explicit was on display, yet it seemed more provocative than outright exposure.
“Why are you here? Finally decided to leave your cave?”
“Wasn’t it your invitation?” Leanne glanced past him and retorted, “Maybe get your stories straight. Do you want me here or not?”
Suzan walked up, saying, “I’m the one who invited Leanne. No need to get so worked up.”
She smiled warmly at Leanne. “Don’t mind him. You’re just in time. Everyone has been waiting for you.”
The insinuation made it seem as though Suzan was closer to Curtis and Leanne was the
outsider.
Suzan was dressed in a red gown, bold but not frivolous, fitting for the pampered princess of the Wright family. The vibrant color suited her to a tee.
“Waiting for me?” Leanne scanned the room. No one had ever paid her much heed before. “Since when do I command such attention?” she sneered.
Suzan’s comment was mere pleasantries, but Leanne’s blunt response faltered her smile momentarily.
“Leanne, you seem different from before.”
Leanne hummed in agreement, “Been on a diet of straightness.”
It turned out that it was more satisfying to bite back.
Suzan couldn’t quite respond to that.
“I rushed over and didn’t bring a gift,” Leanne admitted, “But you probably don’t need whever I could offer.”
a few seconds of eye contact, Suzan smiled, “Your presence is gift enough. It’s rare us all to be together, come join us!”
She linked arms with Leanne, leading her in as if she were a distinguished guest, introducing her around.
The newcomers shook hands with her politely.
After all, she was Mrs. Richardson, not officially dethroned. Ingratiating oneself with her
was never a bad idea.
Leanne reciprocated the kindness she received, but when one particularly young man shook her hand, he squeezed her fingers a bit too firmly.
Leanne looked back at him, but his expression was perfectly innocent.