Regret Came Too Late

Thomson was displeased with Yancey's comments. "Mr. Henderson, Grace no longer has any affection for you. I suggest you conduct yourself with some dignity."

No sooner had he said that than Yancey lashed out, kicking over his chair with a brutal lack of restraint. As a result, Thomson tumbled to the ground with the overturned chair.

The Henderson family's standing was unquestioned. Even if Yancey wasn't the designated heir, with such a name behind him, he could stroll unchallenged through Druville. To him, the insolence of a minor celebrity was beneath notice.

Thomson was offended to a degree. His lips trembled before he let out a scoff. "No wonder Grace doesn't like you, Mr. Henderson."

Yancey stepped forward without hesitation and pulled Grace into his embrace. His expression was triumphantly arrogant as he said, "Take a good look at your own face before you speak. You're nothing but a substitute!"

A hot wave of shame surged through Thomson. He had been certain he had captivated Grace, certain his charm had begun to work. Yet here he was, humiliated on the floor, and she wasn't reacting at all.

All at once, he forgot every instruction Edric had given him. Turning on his heel, he strode away, though not without casting a final threat over his shoulder. "If you really want to be with me, Grace, you'd best get rid of the men around you first."

He spoke as if convinced she would chase after him no matter what.

Anger simmered within him as he left. The more he thought about it, the more unbearable it became. So, he decided to meet up with friends, intending to drink the insult away. However, he ended up hearing Grace's name mentioned once

more.

"The other day, I was at Northbrook working on a project. Who would've thought Grace was so well-known over there?"

"Grace? Who's that?"

"She's Quentin Lambert's daughter, the one who used to follow Mr. Henderson around like a puppy. She's gorgeous, too. Thomson should know her. His father is an executive at Lambert Group, isn't he?"

The group turned their attention to him almost immediately.

of privilege, born into wealth and connections, though none of them were involved in the true power

humiliation, Thomson lowered his glass onto the table. "Of course, I know

everyone was instantly in the mood for

"She's chasing you?"

were undeniable, and his sudden rise to fame as a fresh-faced celebrity

his lips, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Yeah. She even asked me out for dinner tonight, but I turned her down. She's beautiful, no doubt, but her appeal?

atmosphere erupted in cheers and

got her into bed? I've met her once, and she wouldn't

that hard to deal with. She was dazed a few times when she saw me. I invited her out, and she

of admiration

face, a burst of heat surged through him, leaving him uncomfortable as he quietly thought to himself,

audacity to act all high and mighty despite that!

his hand, he

When he lifted his head, his eyes met those of a man on the

into Thomson's heart. In a

...

Thomson made his way alone to the parking lot. Just as he reached for his car and was about to open

himself once again facing the man from the shadows. The silver

struck him in an instant as he yelled, "Who are

his movements measured and unhurried. Then, he raised

few times when she saw you?"

his cheek. His eyes flew wide as dread crashed over him. As a public figure, his face was his livelihood. To him, it was worth far more than life

What do you want from me? Let me go

his gaze devoid of warmth— much like a creature stripped

three times that he finally pieced things