Jolie didn't like the way Gavin's gaze lingered on her.

It was heavy, oppressive, and carried an intensity that made her inexplicably tense and uneasy.

"Mr. Cooper, aren't you busy these days?" she asked, attempting to shift the atmosphere.

""Not too busy," he replied, his tone flat and indifferent.

Jolie was speechless.

How could someone be so adept at killing a conversation?

Still, for the Quin family, he was a distinguished guest. She couldn't afford to appear impolite or neglectful, or her parents would never let her hear the end of it. Being grounded would be the least of her worries. Yet, she didn't want to engage with Gavin more than necessary.

For one, she didn't like him. He was rigid, dull, and utterly devoid of emotional value.

And for another, she refused to play into Daisy's obvious plans. It was clear that her parents wanted her entangled with Gavin, but she had no intention of letting that happen.

Caught in the push and pull of these conflicting feelings, Jolie found herself staring blankly at her wine glass, lost in thought.

She didn't even notice when Gavin moved closer, until suddenly, her chin was tilted upward by the light press of his fingers.

daze. Her eyes flashed with confusion

took two steps back. "Mr. Cooper, what

he suddenly gotten so close? And what was with

care about how this might look to

contemplative, and carried an air of deliberate purpose. Gavin's eyes locked onto hers, his

resisting the urge to roll her eyes

because he was standing there? Did he really expect her entire focus to be

arrogant,

for him

she replied, "Apologies, did you say something?

intended to just find a topic

remained fixed on her, his voice dipping

beat. How was he

been so careful, masking her disinterest, yet he still

risk she could afford. Keeping her composure, Jolie let out a soft laugh. "Mr. Cooper, you're mistaken.

his gaze, his tone nonchalant as if the conversation no longer interested him. Jolie couldn't tell

tried to decipher his

statement hit like a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255