Regret Came Too Late

Grace felt a little uncomfortable. Damien's gaze never left her. Sometimes, he

frowned; other times, he pressed his lips into a thin line. She had no idea what he

was thinking. All she knew was that under his stare, she felt like an object on

display.

The whole private room felt colder by the second. When she finally glanced up,

she realized something else was wrong. Ethan didn't look so good either. His face

was pale, and he kept sipping water, his wrist tense around the glass.

Grace quickly got up and walked over to him. "Mr. Henderson, are you feeling

alright?" she asked, keeping her voice low.

Ethan lowered his lashes. Both his hands were wrapped around his glass. "I'm

fine," he said simply.

But Grace knew him better than that. Even if he was really hurting, he wouldn't

waste words complaining about it.

She leaned in a little closer, whispering, "Is it your stomach? There's a pharmacy

nearby. I can run and grab you something if you want."

Before Ethan could answer, Damien slammed his head on the table.

"Ms. Lambert, why don't you sit back down and keep some distance, yeah?" he

asked sharply.

Grace finally caught on. Damien wasn't just being weird; he was guarding Ethan

against her. He thought she had ulterior motives.

as she straightened back up

down.

fingertips twitched for a moment. He gave Damien a long, steady

raised an eyebrow and gave himself silent credit. In

someone like Ethan. As long as he was

give up whatever

had already straightened up, and since the tension

you need me to go

"No need."

sat back down, keeping

was huge, built for private banquets and meant to host

no small tables in a place like

had barely sat down when Damien let out a

I don't

pull.

ideas you've

the rumors going

were your

spread

didn't you?

Senior is still lining up

tell you everything. The Hendersons have

considered you."

said it just loud

calmly and closed the menu in her hands.

where I stand."

all the dishes had been

quickly leaned toward

began introducing the meal.

sure she didn't

had gone

cooking method when

the reservation.

in this dish is

Damien cut in, "No talking while we